Warren, Mich. — December 16, 2019 —Michigan Legacy Credit Union (MLCU), with six physical branches in Flat Rock, Garden City, Highland, Pontiac, Warren and Wyandotte, more than 20,000 members and $211 million in deposits, announced a new strategic direction for its branch network that includes updated branches, including some in new locations, a new design theme, and the introduction of video teller platforms. The new prototype branch will debut in the fall of 2020 in Flatrock, near MLCU’s existing Flatrock branch, which will be sold. The announcement was made by MLCU President and CEO, Carma Peters.
“The Board of Directors of the Michigan Legacy Credit Union has its eye on the future of credit union banking and fintech, and we believe the re-design of our branch network, which includes a smaller physical branch footprint but expanded online and shared banking services through our credit union network, puts us a step ahead,” Peters said. “The addition of the video teller platform experience will allow us to redeploy our human capital to activities focused on direct member outreach and personal service.”
The video teller platform is developed by Sandy, Utah-based retail banking and software services provider Pop I/O. Weaving it into the new design is the Thompson Phelan Group (TPG) of Anchorville, Michigan. TPG, which specializes in design/bid/build services, has already completed the re-design of the existing Warren branch of MLCU at 31130 Ryan Road. Photos of the project can be viewed here. The design was created in anticipation of the video teller platform adoption, which is slated to be installed in Warren in February 2020. The Wyandotte branch will also be remodeled, with the video teller platform addition coming in September 2020.
In addition to Flatrock, new physical branches will be built in Pontiac, Highland, and Garden City, all near the existing MLCU branch buildings they are replacing. Those branches are currently or will soon be listed for sale. Also designed by TPG, they have a smaller footprint than the predecessor branch and are infused with a nostalgic environment reminiscent of 60’s era diners.
“The design is a throwback to community gathering spots that will welcome members, yet offer a high level of concierge type service,” Peters said. “At the same time, we have developed the technology to serve our owners on their mobile phones, wherever those phones may take them.”
It’s been a busy few months for MLCU. In November 2019, the credit union announced the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services approved its request for an expanded field of membership. Effective November 6, 2019, MLCU membership is open to anyone living, working, worshiping, attending school, or owning a business registered in the State of Michigan. Previously, membership was limited to those meeting the criteria in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe or Livingston counties.
Also, in November, MLCU announced a pet friendly policy welcoming pets in its branches and introduced its Community Connect program to deliver banking services in-person to its members at their office or another registered place of business.
About Michigan Legacy Credit Union
Michigan Legacy Credit Union (MLCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving members who live, work, worship, attend school, or own a business in the state of Michigan. Michigan Legacy Credit Union is committed to providing quality financial services at a competitive price delivered professionally and efficiently while keeping member/owners and their needs first. For additional information on MLCU, visit: www.michiganlegacycu.org.
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