COLUMBUS, Ga. – MEA Federal Credit Union got a helping hand from Miss Georgia 2004, Danica Tisdale for its Midtown branch grand opening. The over $44 million credit union has added the 2,400 square-foot branch to help serve its 5,000 members comprised of teachers and other board of education employees in the Muscogee County area. Designed by Duluth, Georgia-based Consultants and Builders, Inc., the remodeled branch, which includes a children's area and features art by local impressionist painter Helen Lee, is located in an area enjoying a rebirth of economic development and growth. The move represents the first step in MEA FCU's strategic initiative to expand in the community. "We're very pleased to expand MEA and be a part of the community's efforts to revitalize the Columbus area. Being located in midtown allows us closer proximity to our members, the Board of Education and the new $50 million Columbus Library – the heartbeat of any thriving community," said MEA FCU CEO Polly P. Bell. MEA FCU growth plans also include a new 12,300 square-foot Operations Center in Bradley Park featuring a remote teller system and state-of-the-art technology. Construction is slated to begin later this year. [email protected]