“The decision to close our Allendale Branch was not made lightly,” Rhoden said.

“Since then, we have closely monitored the needs of the Allendale community and have seen a renewed demand for in-person banking services in the area.

“Based on this, we are excited to return with a new branch, designed to offer modern conveniences while maintaining the personalized service our members expect,” Rhoden said. “This decision reflects our long-term commitment to investing in the communities we serve and ensuring that our members have access to the financial tools and support they need.”

At a groundbreaking ceremony for the new branch, SRP President/CEO Eric Jenkins thanked government leaders for their help.

“Today, we are not just breaking ground on a new building,” Jenkins said. “We’re laying the foundation for stronger financial futures and enhanced opportunities for all members of this community.”

Currently, there are no credit union branches in the rural county and only one bank branch: Palmetto State Bank of neighboring Hampton County has had a branch in the county since 2007.

NCUA records showed SRP had 20 branches plus its headquarters across Georgia and South Carolina on Sept. 30, unchanged from a year earlier. This expansion will bring SRP’s total number of branches to 21.

Two other credit unions also announced plans for a new and a remodeled branch in South Carolina.

Founders Federal Credit Union of Lancaster, S.C. ($4.8 billion in assets, 271,061 members) announced Feb. 27 that it plans to open new branch this fall in Fort Mill, just south of Charlotte. It followed a Feb. 19 announcement that it plans to open a new branch in May in Columbia, S.C., in the center of the state.

SAFE Federal Credit Union of Sumter, S.C. ($1.9 billion in assets, 145,254 members) announced Feb. 28 that it has begun construction on a new building to replace a branch in Sumter, 40 miles east of Columbia. The current 2,600-square-foot branch built in 1989 will be replaced by year’s end with a 4,800-square-foot facility with expanded member amenities and upgraded technology.

“Branch renovations are part of SAFE’s ongoing commitment to provide our members with the best banking experience possible,” President/CEO Michael Baker said. “This new facility’s improved access, modern technology, and more spacious design will offer extra convenience to members seeking branch services in the Sumter area.”

SAFE had 21 branches on Sept. 30, one more than a year earlier.

In other branch news:

• North Coast Credit Union of Bellingham, Wash. ($379.7 million in assets, 20,721 members) closed a branch in Bellingham Feb. 28 after selling the property to the city for a housing development. The credit union acquired the Northwest Avenue branch through a 2015 merger and is now directing members to its Dupont Street branch 1.5 miles away. The credit union had six branches on Sept. 30, unchanged from a year earlier.
• First Community Credit Union of Beloit, Wis. ($368.6 million in assets, 28,759 members) announced Monday that it will open a new branch in Freeport, Ill., 40 miles southwest of Beloit. President/CEO Jack Gill said the full service office has a 24-hour ATM, a night drop and four drive-up lanes. “We have had a lot of support from the Freeport market over the years and it’s exciting to open an office there,” Gill said. The credit union had seven branches on Sept. 30, one more than a year earlier.
• OnPath Credit Union of Metairie, La. ($1 billion in assets, 84,664 members) on Feb. 28 reopened its remodeled branch in Covington, La., 40 miles north of Metairie across Lake Pontchartrain. The credit union had 11 branches on Sept. 30, unchanged from a year earlier.
• Global Federal Credit Union of Anchorage, Alaska ($11.5 billion in assets, 767,231 members) announced Feb. 26 that it has opened a new branch in Juneau. The 10,400-square-foot facility also includes offices for both Global Credit Union Insurance Brokers and Global Credit Union Home Loans.

The credit union had 78 branches on Sept. 30, one more than a year earlier.

Contact Jim DuPlessis at [email protected].