Greater Cincinnati Credit Union, North College Hill, Ohio, will break ground on a new 4,300 square-foot branch here. The new branch designed by design/build firm DEI Inc., signifies the credit union's dedication to the re-growth of North College Hill. The new facility will include many updated technology features including multiple high-tech plasma screens and a Tech Center offering consumers online access to their accounts and product research. First Community Credit Union, St. Louis, has opened the doors to its new Chesterfield headquarters and branch. The facility includes all of the amenities of a full service branch, including four drive-thru lanes and a 24-hour drive-up and walk-up ATM. First Community donated the ribbon, worth $500 to Wings of Hope, a charitable organization located in Chesterfield. The funds will go towards supplies for people living in impoverished areas around the world. Neighbors Federal Credit Union, Baton Rouge, La., has opened the doors to a new Denham Springs full-service branch. The 5,300 square-foot facility features a sleek new design that includes a drive-up ATM; four drive-through lanes; online banking stations; a coin-counting machine; a children's area; private loan and new account offices; and safe deposit boxes. Marion and Polk Schools Credit Union, Salem, Ore., has plans to break ground in April for a new branch in Woodburn. Slated to be open in September, the 5,000 square-foot facility will offer drive-up and ATM lanes; plenty of parking; teller stations; member service stations; a kiosk; and the latest in ADA accessibility. The building will also have a room dedicated to classes and meetings for members and the public. Architect Scott Beck has been tapped to design the building, which will also house the credit union's insurance agency Scarborough Insurance. CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, Va., has opened the doors to its Front Royal branch. The 1500 square-foot facility provides all traditional branch services including a full-service ATM. Gesa Credit Union, Richland, Wash., has celebrated the grand opening of its Wenatchee Avenue branch. The 9,400 square-foot building provides financial services including auto and mortgage loans. It marks Gesa's sixth branch and its first location in North Central Washington. E1 Financial Credit Union, Alhambra, Calif., has cut the ribbon on its Fremont Avenue branch. The new facility focuses on creating a warm friendly atmosphere and include such amenities as a community conference room with multimedia capabilities and a coin-counting machine. Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, has celebrated the grand opening of its Lake Meridian branch, located in a Safeway store. The credit union currently has 14 Seattle area branches that are open seven days a week, in Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Federal Way, Kent, Kirkland, Northgate, Renton, Roosevelt, Shoreline, and West Seattle. Alaska USA also has a Seattle branch at 4th & Battery that is open five days a week. Credit Union ONE, Ferndale, Mich., has celebrated the grand opening of its new Oakland University branch and signed an agreement to be the University's exclusive on-campus financial service provider. The new branch office is located in the University's student center. There will also be four ATMs available throughout the campus. Credit Union ONE has had an ongoing relationship with Oakland University for more than 15 years, sponsoring many of its internship programs, as well as sporting and cultural events. Fort Belvoir Federal Credit Union, Woodbridge, Va. and Gar-Field High School have celebrated the official opening of the school's new student-run credit union, The Champions' Branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Champions' Branch is a full-service credit union, where students, staff and family members may open accounts, make deposits and withdrawals, or apply for loans. Scott Credit Union, Collinsville, Ill., has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art Belleville facility. The new office will use the latest technologies to provide fast, convenient service to members. Construction will begin in the spring following demolition of the existing building at the location. A Grand Opening celebration will be held when the new office opens later in 2006. Digital Federal Credit Union, Worcester, Mass., has announced plans to open two full service branches in the City of Worcester by late spring 2006 capping a 13-month search for suitable real estate. Currently under construction is a branch adjacent to Crown Bakery at 133 Gold Star Boulevard just south of Greendale Mall. This full-service branch of approximately 5,000 square feet will include six teller stations, private offices for member service, an Internet Caf, and a walk-up 24-hour ATM. A former auto sales facility being developed into a multi-tenant retail center by the owners of Coral Seafood will serve as the second site. They plan to open a new Coral Seafood restaurant along with spots for DCU, and other national and local tenants. Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union, North Andover, Mass., has broken ground on a new headquarters. Based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the 40,000 square-foot corporate headquarters will include a 4,000 square foot retail branch with the help of Merrimack College students who helped engineer the whole project. The move will take place in about 18 months. Seven Seventeen Credit Union, Warren, Ohio, has cut the ribbon on a new Cortland branch. The branch features a three-lane, six station, tandem drive-thru, a drive-up ATM and electronic remote teller stations. The new environment also provides a comfortable setting where members can relax and review their financial information while enjoying refreshments. Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Honolulu, has opened its newest downtown Honolulu branch on the ground floor of Ali'i Place. The office space was completely renovated to accommodate account opening desks, teller windows, a self-service kiosk, a greeter station and a 24-hour ATM. Avestar Credit Union, Marshall, Wis., has opened a new 1,500 square-foot branch on West Main Street. The facility, which was built by design/build firm La Macchia Group, features three interior teller windows, including a sit-down teller desk accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, the branch also offers drive-up services.