COLUMBUS, Ohio–The $1.7-billion KEMBA Financial Credit Union said it continues to grow and invest in the central Ohio communities it calls home despite the difficult economy. Likewise, KEMBA said it also continues to hire and promote associates as well as implement service enhancements and associated branch lobby renovations in the face of an unstable job market and a reluctance by many to plan for the future right now.
“KEMBA is really fortunate to be in this position,” said Shernette Henry, VP of Human Resources. “Our 2020 growth plans have remained intact, and we continue to contribute to the Central Ohio economy with new and exciting career opportunities.”
Since March, 15 new associates have been hired, 12 were promoted and 18 transitioned into new roles. These positive numbers illustrate KEMBA’s commitment to the communities served, even during a worldwide pandemic.
“We are intentional about workplace development,” Henry said. “As a leadership team, it is something we take seriously. We dedicate significant resources to providing learning and development opportunities for our associates. Their growth fuels our growth.”
Equally important, given the persistence of the pandemic, KEMBA said it continues to invest in technology by implementing innovative, safe, and convenient ways to better serve members. Beginning in late September, Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) will be installed and introduced in the 10 branches across Central Ohio.
“Since the pandemic began, we have seen an understandable decline in branch lobby traffic, making our drive-thru’s an even more popular alternative for our members,” said Amy Peterman, VP of Virtual and Member Experience. “We are confident that the ITMs will enhance the member experience, reduce wait times, and ultimately better meet their needs whether selecting to video chat with a teller in the drive thru or, once people are more comfortable visiting the lobbies, inside as well.”
Through the remainder of 2020, a number of tellers from the 10 existing branches will relocate to centralized locations where they will continue to provide the same services for members through interactive video. KEMBA expects to move the entire remaining teller staff to two centralized locations in 2021. As the ITM installation is completed and usage increases, KEMBA said it anticipates the need for centralized tellers to follow suit.
“Having a hand in the introduction of this emerging technology and service enhancement is an exciting opportunity for our teller team,” said Peterman. “They are looking forward to this new challenge.”