Montana’s Largest Credit Union Expands
Whitefish Credit Union to open its first branch in the state’s second largest city next year.
Montana’s largest credit union has begun building its first branch in Missoula, the state’s second-largest city.
Whitefish Credit Union of Whitefish, Mont. ($2.1 billion in assets, 62,072 members) held a groundbreaking ceremony July 1 at the site in Missoula. The city had a 2020 population of 73,489, is home to the University of Montana and is 135 miles south of the credit union’s headquarters.
The news release from the credit union said it expects the expansion to create about two dozen new positions, “providing valuable job opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of the Missoula community.”
The credit union said the original building on the site was deconstructed by Waste Less Works, “a local company known for its innovative approach to reusing building materials.” The intent is to divert valuable resources from landfills and find new uses for them in future projects elsewhere in the state.
“We are excited to break ground on our new branch in Missoula and bring our trusted financial services closer to Montanans in this vibrant community,” President/CEO James Kenyon said.
“Our collaboration with Waste Less Works, Cushing Terrell and Martel Construction underscores our commitment to sustainability and community development,” Kenyon said. “We look forward to serving the Missoula community and contributing to its growth and prosperity.”
NCUA data showed Whitefish had seven branches and other locations on March 31, unchanged from a year earlier.
In other branch movements, Space Coast Credit Union of Melbourne, Fla. ($9.2 billion in assets, 654,671 members) announced Tuesday that it has relocated its Cutler Bay branch a third of a mile down the road in the Miami area.
The new, 3,400 square-foot branch is larger than its predecessor and is a stand-alone building. It is part of the credit union’s network of 14 branches in Miami-Dade County that employ more than 90 people.
“Space Coast Credit Union is committed to connecting with the communities we serve, with a focus on South Florida,” President/CEO Timothy M. Antonition said. “The relocation of our Cutler Bay branch provides updated facilities and the convenience of drive-thru to better serve our members who live and work in the nearby community.”
NCUA data showed Space Coast had 66 locations March 31, unchanged from a year earlier.