LAUREL, Md. – As one of the first credit unions in Maryland to use remote teller stations in its branches, Tower Federal Credit Union was recently featured on the evening news. Local ABC Channel 2 News Baltimore featured the $1.3 billion credit union's Ellicott City branch on its evening broadcast highlighting the efficiency, safety, and improved member service of the interactive teller systems. Reporter Andy Barth interviewed branch employees and Tower members present, who liked the idea of interactive teller stations for service and security. Here's how remote teller stations work. Tellers and members view each other by way of closed-circuit television cameras and communicate through a microphone or telephone while paperwork and currency are exchanged via pneumatic tube. "It's a new technology that we're using for a safer environment for our tellers," said Valerie Shaw, branch manager. "It seems cold initially, but we have some wonderful smiles behind that screen!" The Ellicott City branch is the second of three new Tower FCU branches designed with the latest interactive teller system that has been dubbed "technology with a personal touch." At the end of the interview, Barth went "behind the scenes" on screen to get a feel for the interactive teller system. "By the time the transaction is finished," said Barth. "you practically feel like you and the teller are old friends."