Photo Karen Graham.
KCU’s Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Corporate Communications Crystal Dayman and Assistant Branch Manager Janice Barber greeted residents at their mobile branch last week to get a measure of the local demand for mobile banking services.
Last week, Kawartha Credit Union (KCU) brought in their Mobile Branch to introduce residents to this innovative facility.
Parked beside the old arena near Needler’s Mill, the unit provides two private offices and a full-service ATM (not operational during this visit) allowing customers to perform the vast majority of banking services, including credit line, loan and mortgage applications as well as managing their investments, with the support of on-site staff. There is also a self-serve tablet customers can use to complete on-line banking transactions.
The in-person visit is the final stage of research to determine whether there is sufficient demand for the business to commit to delivering mobile services to the area. Local residents received a mail-in survey to express their level of interest, but for those who missed that opportunity feedback can be provided until September 17th by completing a short survey which is available on the township website at www.cavanmonaghan.ca.
While the firm has not established a firm threshold of interest required for them to commit to coming to Cavan Monaghan, it is prepared to bring its bank on wheels, officially called the Mobile Solutions Centre, to the area several days per week to meet local demand. To better address the needs of local business, they are looking into the possibility of setting up a Night Deposit service in the facility and having coins on hand to help business replenish their cash registers.
Headquartered in Peterborough, the 68 year old financial institution boasts a customer base of 49,000 Ontario residents. The organization is guided by the mission to improve the financial success and well-being of their members and the communities they serve. It provides a complete range of competitive and easy-to-understand financial solutions delivered through convenient, innovative service channels including online, mobile and telephone banking to supplement their network of 25 branches. Their rates are competitive, with some unlimited packages costing as little as $8 per month, and many free day-to-day services available for young customers. Members accessing their network of thousands of ATM’s across North America are not subjected to user surcharges.
As a credit union, the firm’s corporate structure aligns their customers’ financial interests with those of the firm through a loyalty program through which a portion of the company’s profits are distributed to its customers.
A decision about the mobile branch will be made in the weeks ahead. If there is adequate demand, the organization will seek Council approval to add Cavan-Monaghan to their mobile unit’s regular rotation very soon. KG
