The $834 million Unitus Community Credit Union recently generated quite a bit of community buzz with its pop-up branch at a mall in hometown Portland, Ore.

Created as part of the pre-opening festivities planned prior to the sgrand opening of the new branch at Mall 205, the tent was designed to resemble a Unitus branch complete with staffers armed with iPads ready to check in attendees.

“So instead of standing in line for a long period, people had the extra time to enjoy food and beverages and to mingle with radio station personalities,” said Brett Wooden, business development manager. “It also gave our staff an opportunity to take everyone on a virtual tour of Unitus' services, including Total Finance and UOnline.”

Since 2010, the credit union has been finding new creative ways of delivering on its promise of member convenience with iPads. Word about the pre-opening was spread via a postcard mailing and an offer of a free iPod Nano to the first 100 in line. 

During the three-day pre-opening event, staffers signed up some 99 new members. A similar pre-opening at the Peterkort branch in Beaverton, Ore., resulted in 186 new members.

“We were delighted that people got a chance to enjoy the pre-opening festivities and become members without a great deal of hassle.  We believe this might revolutionize the way branches open — certainly for Unitus,” said Patricia Smith, president/CEO at the 75,000 member credit union.