By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS – They plan on getting to know the community – by face, not number.
The Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union has opened its first branch and has chosen Cassopolis to extend its friendly service.
This morning saw the grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting as Cassopolis gained another business.
"This was a good opportunity, there are few credit unions in Cass County," Patty Backus said, business development officer.
Backus and the the new branch manager, Donna Rhodes, were both excited this week as they put the finishing touches on the inside of the new building next to Park Shore Marina, as workers finished the parking lot and landscaping.
The building is a smaller version of the main branch in Niles, but in reverse.
"We are all very excited about this – the people and the community," Backus said. "It is like our first child."
The credit union began in Niles 36 years ago, for the Kawneer company.
Dave Van Strein has been the CEO for five years. In bringing over three employees to Cassopolis, they have already hired replacements for the Niles branch.
The credit union is unique in that they recognize their members – by name. Often, Van Strein said, the teller has the customer's history up on her computer screen by the time they walk from the door to the cage.
They don't use deposit slips and need three forms of identification.
"There is personal interaction," Van Strein added. "We send out about 50 sympathy cards a year to members. We want to make Cass people feel welcome."
To become a member, all you have do to is work, worship or go to school in Niles, Niles Township, Cass County and Howard Township, Backus said. "Or have a family member who belongs, or belong to an organization in the area," she added.
Serving the public, along with Rhodes, will be Annabelle Harris of Cassopolis and Shelly Boersma of Niles.
"We are like a big family," Backus said. Like a real family, the employees children even became actors for a new television commercial featuring the new branch.
"We hope to become a great asset to the community. We can give guidance, direction and counseling," Backus said.
Already they are busy with ways to join in the community. The credit union employees were active in last weekend's Relay For Life in Niles, raising $5,000 and are looking forward to handing out coupons and trinkets at the coming Cass County Fair.
They joined with Niles High School to open a partnership where the students can have checking accounts and help run a branch out of the school. The plans are to some day do this also with Ross Beatty students in Cassopolis.
"There is potential, but at this time it is in the baby stage," Backus said. She is a member of the National Youth Involvement Board and sees the importance of our youth learning financial education. The organization supplies kits which are used by teachers to teach how to use a check book, write checks and balance the check book.
The employees already also deliver Meals on Wheels monthly and are represented on many area boards, such as the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, Optimist, Rotary and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The family atmosphere was also evident as the workers put the finishing touches on the teller cages. Brian Hunt, of Hunt Custom Builders of Edwardsburg, built the branch with his son, and two brother, the plumber and electrician.
"We have enjoyed every minute," Brian said, "they are awesome to work for."
Hours at the branch will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and the drive-thru will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.