This week will start on the next chapter of the history of Chinook Credit Union as it officially opens its new branch in Drumheller.
Chinook Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its new building on Railway Avenue and 1st Street East. Years of planning went into the construction of the new facility, which allows the Credit Union to better serve its members in Drumheller.
“Our vision was to have a permanent home for our members, staff, the Credit Union and the community,” said branch manager Patsy Stokalko. “A lot of people helped us get here.”
According to Stuart Hill, vice-president Corporate Services at Chinook Credit Union, the new facility represent a commitment to the community with a permanent home for the Credit Union. Chinook has had a presence in Drumheller since 1968. A few years ago, it began planning on the new branch, and they broke ground in October 2011.
“Certainly it was time…one of our commitments was to provide a warm, safe, healthy place for members to do business with us with pleasant surroundings,” said Hill.
“It is a commitment that looks well in to the future for Chinook Credit Union in Drumheller.”
A tour with branch manager Stokalko makes it clear how the new space will serve members. Natural light floods into the space with welcoming high ceilings and a warm atmosphere. Outside a drive-through automated teller adds one more level of convenience.
What is behind the scenes is just as inviting.
Stokalko shows off the new office area for lending which is a more personal private setting. Other simple improvements that go a long way to help in providing top-notch service in an orderly and cheerful way include ample storage and copy space, vast information technology improvement, a break room for employees and even meeting space.
There are also new offices for the Credit Union to continue to grow. And there is potential for growth, Stokalko says they have been busy since they opened at the new location.
Hill explains that employees were consulted and architect Ron Boruk and contractor Shunda Consulting and Construction Management of Red Deer incorporated many of these suggestions into the facility.
“A couple board members were also able to put their wants and needs to the architect, and he put as many as practical into the building, It was a definite team effort for sure,” said Hill.
The facility cost about $4 million to construct.
“We love the new building and love the design and are just so happy to being here,” said Stokalko.
