OLYMPIA, Wash. – Bell-hop service in a downtown Tacoma, Washington five-story state employee office building? That's how Washington State Employees Credit Union is reaching more of its members and potential members by using a new sales technique known as "elevator time". Developed by Atlanta-based retail design/build firm International Banking Technologies, elevator time is similar to aisle time, WSECU "bell-hops" strike up conversations with potential members in the elevators or lobbies. "There is a huge concentration of state employees in this building who are all eligible for credit union membership," said WSECU Sales Manager Melissa Herron. "Using the elevator time selling concept, we hope to encourage the state employees who have never had a WSECU branch conveniently located near them to become members at this branch." The WSECU bell-hop talks to state employees about not only the benefits of credit union membership but also specific products, services, hours of operation and different WSECU locations. According to IBT Senior Vice President John Nicola, elevator time is an all around win-win sales solution. "The state employees find this a real novelty. Not only are they learning more about the credit union, but they are also enjoying the bellhop service provided by the WSECU associates," said Nicola. "While the WSECU associates enjoy the changing environment that elevator time provides. It gives them an opportunity to educate members outside of a traditional branch." So far this branch of the $843 million credit union has opened 167 accounts since it opened, and deposits have grown to $500,000. [email protected]