Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Gaithersburg, Md., has broken ground on a new headquarters building in Germantown, Maryland. The new facility is scheduled to be completed and open for business in Fall of 2004. Jennie Lazerov, Field Representative for U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes and Candace Curie, President of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce joined MAFCU's board of directors, CEO, executive and branch management teams for the official groundbreaking ceremony. Charlotte Metro Credit Union, N.C. has tapped design/build firm DEI, Inc., to renovate its Huntersville branch. The 3,720 square-foot renovation will include a new interior palette and the implementation of retail merchandising elements. A waiting area kiosk will feature a TV surround on one side with a counter surface for a complimentary coffee area. The children's area is located on the reverse side of this kiosk. Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport, Tenn., has turned to design/build firm HBE Financial Facilities for its new operations center and branch facility. The four-story, 60,000 square-foot project will feature a large lobby atrium with a vertical water sculpture, training and meeting facilities, and merchandising elements. In addition, the structure includes 10,000 square feet of leased space that can be converted for future expansion. Mobileoil Federal Credit Union, Beaumont, Texas, has broken ground on a new 30,000 square-foot building to be located at the intersection of Delaware and Major Drive in west Beaumont. The new location will be a full-service branch expected to create approximately 20 new permanent positions and will be the future administrative center of operations. Erie Community Credit Union, Pa., has hosted the opening of its latest branch here designed by design/build firm PW Campbell. The 11,500 square-foot facility features include individual loan and member service offices, two drive-thru teller lanes and a full-service drive-thru ATM.