Dupaco plans new learning lab branch in Waukee

WAUKEE, Iowa—Dupaco Community Credit Union plans to build a full-service learning lab branch in Waukee. It will be the financial cooperative’s second location in the Des Moines metro area.

The retail space will be located at 1090 E. Hickman Road, at the southwest corner of Hickman and Alice roads.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall 2021, with a planned opening about one year later.

About the Waukee Learning Lab

The learning lab will focus on teaching members how to improve their financial well-being. It will include hands-on demonstration of Dupaco desktop, tablet and mobile deposit services.

It also will provide loans and other financial services for small businesses.

Dupaco continuously evaluates all ways to remain connected and provide the most value to its members, said Dupaco Chief Marketing Officer Dave Klavitter.

“We anticipate more connection points in the Des Moines area, though those may be different than our learning lab branches,” he said. “Like everyone, we’re learning and adapting to the lessons of the lingering pandemic.”

Earlier this year, the financial cooperative announced that it will break ground at a new development at 1701 E. First St. in Grimes. That construction is scheduled to begin in December 2020.

“We’ve served members for more than 72 years, and many have moved all over Iowa, including Dallas County and the Des Moines metro area,” Klavitter said. “These members love their credit union, and technology allows them to stay connected wherever they live. This trust and affection have resulted in members wanting a branch to send their friends and family to join.”

The Waukee Learning Lab will feature live video tellers. The technology allows tellers to conduct real-time, face-to-face transactions from a distance. Dupaco employees located at a central location in Dubuque remotely will operate the Waukee lobby and drive-through video teller machines.

The video teller technology is intended to boost the credit union’s mission to improve each member’s financial position.

“Video tellers will give members more access to Dupaco branch employees in order to have deeper conversations about goals, planning and financial independence,” Klavitter said. “We also expect the video tellers to increase future opportunities for member convenience—to serve more members in more places with expanded hours of service.”

Dupaco’s newest learning lab branch will also feature:

• iPad training counters to help members learn how to use Dupaco’s increasing number of convenient mobile services.
• Interactive laboratory tables for small group discussions and offices.
• Built-in electronic wall displays to aid in consultations about money.
• Signage and lighting with LED illumination to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs by more than 35% annually.

About the financial cooperative

In addition to financial products and advice, Dupaco also offers insurance and investment services.

The Waukee location will be the credit union’s 21st branch. The credit union serves members in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Its current Iowa locations include Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dyersville, Manchester and Carroll.

Forbes Magazine ranked Dupaco one of the top Iowa credit unions in 2018, 2019 and 2020. And the credit union is a Des Moines Register Top Workplace.