Credit Union’s Newest Branch Features New Technology & Classic Customer Service

Inspire Federal Credit Union’s newest branch is where the past and future meet.

The high-tech new branch at 1555 East Lincoln Highway in Middletown’s Langhorne section opened Monday with a ribbon cutting.

Board members and staff of the Bristol Township-based credit union said their second branch offers high-tech conveniences while maintaining the community feel that many larger financial institutions lost years ago.

“[This branch was built] with a little bit of good luck and hard work,”  Inspire CEO Jim Merrill said. “The board and staff worked to make this possible.”

Inspire Board of Directors Chairman Chichi Ahia called the new branch “mind-blowing.”

The branch in Middletown opened shortly after the credit union announced they had surpassed $100 million in assets. Merrill called the second branch a “milestone” for the credit union that growing under a new business model that is centered around better serving it’s membership.

Brian Phillips, assistant vice president of relationship development for Inspire, said the new branch is near-paperless and includes electronic brooches and email receipts. The drive-thru banking window is less of a window and more of a TV screen that display the face and voice of the teller, who is able to also see the customer.

As many credit unions and banks are doing, Inspire’s newest branch is designed to minimize and reduce teller lines. Touch pads, tablets, a sitting area and electronic money dispensers all are part of the new location for the credit union that has more than 13,000 members.

Penndel resident Mary Ellen Delano was the first Inspire member to walk through the doors early Monday morning. She said the branch was very nice looking and already knew the teller behind the counter.

Phillips said all the staff at the new branch has been with the credit union at their Bristol Township office on Bath Road for several months. The manager and a few of the other employees have been with Inspire for several years.

On whether Inspire plans to expand down the road, Merrill said that remains to be seen. Phillips said the credit union will continue to work with local middle and high school students to instill a solid financial education for the next generation.

A larger grand opening evening is planned for the new branch in spring.