Updated July 12, 2023, at 8:05 a.m. CT
WAUKEE, Iowa—Dupaco Community Credit Union plans to build a full-service learning lab branch at 1090 E. Hickman Road in Waukee. Located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Hickman and Alice roads, the retail space will be the cooperative’s second in the Des Moines metro area.
With all the necessary approvals, detailed building planning work would begin. Construction will commence in early 2023, with a planned opening in early 2024.
The planned learning lab branch 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, and more. It also will provide loans and other financial services for small businesses.
Dupaco continuously evaluates all delivery channels to remain connected and provide the most value to its members, according to 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. Like everyone, we’re learning and adapting to the lessons of the lingering pandemic,” he said.
The financial cooperative announced earlier this year that they will also be breaking ground at a new development at 1701 E. First St. in Grimes. That construction is scheduled to begin 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,” he 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.”
In addition, the branch will feature a service delivery technology called video teller, which allows live tellers to conduct real-time, face-to-face transactions from a distance. Dupaco employees located at a central location in Dubuque will remotely operate the Waukee lobby and drive-through video teller machines.
The new video teller technology is intended to boost the credit union’s mission to improve each member’s financial position, according to Klavitter.
“Video tellers will give members more access to Dupaco branch employees in order to have deeper conversations about goals, planning and financial independence,” he 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.”
In addition to the video teller technology, Dupaco’s newest learning lab branch will 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; and
- Signage and lighting that use LED illumination to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs by more than 35% annually.
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. It is a Des Moines Register Top Workplace.
ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION:
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative. It is dedicated to the financial sustainability of its members, and specializes in customized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 112 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Chartered in 1948, membership totals more than 134,000 with assets exceeding $2.3 billion. Visit Dupaco at www.dupaco.com.
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