Filed under: branch opening, credit unions, links, marketing, pictures | Tags: "credit union", building, coffeehouse, financial services, innovation
I spent some time on Tuesday with Dan Cwalina from Lormet Community Federal Credit Union. Lormet is about to open its new main office and I wanted to share some pictures I took and comment a bit on what this credit union is doing. Lormet began its existence in the 1930s as a steelworker credit union. Today it has assets of over $100 million and serves all of Lorain County, Ohio.

The new Lormet building has a large lobby, which is perfect for displaying automobiles from local dealers.

There’s a comfortable waiting area and enclosed loan section. The space is well thought out and designed. Members will always be dealing with credit union staff as they transact business. In a day of ever increasing automation, this is definitely a different approach.

The boardroom is very tasteful and modern.

There are training rooms that seat enough people to have educational seminars. Dan and I talked about setting up something where I might do a presentation later this year. At this point we just have to pick a topic.
The part of the building that’s generating the most attention is the coffeehouse. Arabica has a location inside Lormet’s building.

Members will be able to get coffee and spend time in this area in addition to doing their banking.

I had previously used this as an example on Current Issues in Credit Unions as a progressive way to bring people into the credit union. Here we will see it put into practice.
It takes courage to open up a credit union like this and embrace ideas of using the credit union’s physical structure as a resource beyond mere banking. I’m impressed by what Dan and his team have done and I can only imagine a favorable result for Lormet in terms of increased membership and demand for member services.

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Congratulations to Lormet on their new main branch. What a beautiful, welcoming building! I’m sure the Lormet members are proud of and pleased with their new headquarters.
Comment by Ginny Brady May 7, 2008 @ 3:26 pm