El Paso Employees Breaks Ground

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union has broken ground on its Mission Valley branch.

Its latest facility marks the credit union's eighth location.

The building's mission-style architecture is designed to be consistent with the valley's heritage and atmosphere. The 5,700-square-foot, full-service facility will create 10 to 12 new jobs when it opens early next year.

The latest branch will feature six easily accessible drive-thru lanes (which can be expanded to eight), a drive-up ATM, a large lobby area with six teller windows, private interview workstations and staff offices. In addition, the branch can be expanded to 10,000 square feet and two additional lanes.

Wal-Mart Branch for Workers' CU

LEOMINSTER, Mass. -- Workers' Credit Union has officially celebrated the grand opening of its 14th branch at a newly opened Wal-Mart Supercenter.

"I can't think of a better fit and location for the community. Our members have already told us they love the convenience of being able to consolidate their shopping and banking into one stop," said Workers' CU President/CEO Frederick D. Healey.

To mark the grand opening, the credit union will award a $500 gift certificate to the person who guesses the total cost of the goods in a shopping cart on display, which they will also win.

This marks the first credit union branch in a retail setting for the organization. According to Healey, it will offer all the services of a traditional branch, which include teller stations and an ATM, along with insurance and investment representatives and loan representatives.

Ben and Betsy to Tie the Knot

BROOMALL, Pa. -- Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union's recent ribbon cutting ceremony for its 26th branch also marked a special engagement for a popular couple.

After the ribbon cutting, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau took the opportunity to host a surprise engagement party for famous patriots Benjamin Franklin (as portrayed by Ralph Archbold) and Betsy Ross (as portrayed by Linda Wilde), who announced their real-life wedding plans in Philadelphia.

Local dignitaries attending the dedication, ribbon cutting ceremony and engagement party included Michael Brady, incoming Delaware County Chamber of Commerce chairman; Blaise Caponi, finance director and assistant Ridley Township manager; Tore Fiore, executive director of the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau; Adrienne M. Irving, Delaware County Intermediate Unit director of legislative and community services; Michael Ranck, Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County president; Domenick Savino, Drexelbrook CEO/general manager; and Ridley Township Commissioner Sheri L. Zuppo.

Weber Group Green Facility Earns Gold

SEATTLE -- Weber Marketing Group, a strategic branding and marketing consultancy, has moved its headquarters to a new, eco-friendly office building.

The 40,000-square-foot building in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood is one of the first in Seattle to achieve gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's leadership in energy and environmental design program.

The new facility reflects Weber's commitment to eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable practices.

"Going green with our new headquarters was an easy decision," said Mark Weber, founder/CEO of the Weber Marketing Group. "Not only is it the right thing to do for the environment, our clients will appreciate our insights and experience when they're ready to pursue a green strategy."

The four-story building was constructed without air conditioning, something that hasn't been done in Seattle in 30 years. A passive cooling and highly efficient plumbing system will result in an estimated 30% energy and water savings compared to a traditional office building with air conditioning.

Weber Thompson, a Seattle-based architectural firm, designed the building.

"It's going to be a tough sell for naturally ventilated buildings, but that's why we did this. We wanted to show it will work," said Scott Thompson, a senior principal at Weber Thompson.

Special features--including operable windows, automated louvers and a center courtyard--help keep the building's interior cool during summer. Warm air is drawn into the courtyard, which acts as a chimney, sending the warm air out. Fixed and adjustable sun shades on the building's exterior absorb heat but still let light through, and the light colored roof helps protect the building from solar heat gain.

Other sustainable elements in the building include shower and change rooms for bicycle commuters and workstations with translucent furniture located near windows for more natural light. Structural elements contain a high percentage of recycled materials.

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