2004 Year in Review

Advantage One ready for move

Advantage One Credit Unions new location on Jackson Street

Their new lobby and teller windows

New entrance to the lobby

New teller drive-up window

On Friday, February 13, at 5:00 pm Advantage One Credit Union will be closing their doors at 207 Larch Street. But don’t worry, the former G.E. Credit Union will reopen Tuesday, February 17, at 8:00 am in their new location at 204 North Jackson Street.

After years of being cramped into the Larch Street building the Credit Union has a spacious remodeled building. They purchased Dr. Vandermyde’s old office from the hospital in September 2002 and gutted it to the studs after it had been the victim of a fire.

According to manager Robin Green they used lots of local help to do the remodeling. Penny Zuidema helped draw up the plans for the 3500 sq. ft area. Myra Hearst of Interiors, etc did the interior design with an Italian theme. Crane Construction from Prophetstown did the remodeling. The board gave the staff a budget but let them choose the colors and décor.

A large new tiled entrance with oak trim greets the members with three tellers windows along with a drive-thru window. Personal service continues to be their number one priority for the customers. Mrs. Green had one request for the entry area – to keep the Sammy Board, part of their kids’ Sammy Seal program. “It’s fun to see their faces light up when they look at what they can get for saving.” She’s also hoping to add a kids play area to the entry area. “They are the future of the Credit Union,” according to Mrs. Green

The south side of the building will house the offices of the loan manager, the manager, and administrative assistant. There is also a member’s service area and employee lounge. In the back of the building will be the accounting area, a boardroom, and a supply room. “We won’t have to go to the basement to get our supplies anymore,” explained Mrs. Green. There is a basement in the newer part of the building that they will use for document storage.

Two of their employees that were laid off at the Lincolnway branch will be brought back for a total of six full-time employees and two part-time Mrs. Green was proud to announce.

Until Spring when they will redo the parking lot, traffic will enter on the left (north) side of the lot drive to the back, then members will have a choice between the drive-up window, parking, or exit lane.

The Advantage One Credit Union has investments of $17 million and 4000 members in two locations. Originally only for General Electric employees, in 1998 they changed their charter to a community charter for not only G.E. employees but also anyone living or working within 35 miles of their Credit Unions. G.E. members that were transferred to the Carroll, Iowa plant, which has since been closed, requested the Credit Union have a branch. About a third of their members still belong to the Carroll branch.

Debit and credit cards are part of their service along with I.R.A.’s. Advantage One has children and youth programs, vacation and Christmas clubs available.

The employees are all thrilled at having a new facility. According to employee Terri Morgan, “It’s beautiful.” Mrs. Green felt it was money well spent. Location is very important and although it is not on Lincolnway no one will have a hard time finding it behind Casey’s. She felt building a new building would have cost much more than what the remodeling cost and they are very proud and happy with the finished project.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
February 12, 2004