Baltimore's biggest credit union is expanding its presence in Harford and Howard Counties. The State Employees Credit Union (SECU) opened its 19th branch in Bel Air Feb. 8, its first Harford County location. And early next year, it will move one of its Columbia branch locations to a bigger spot, says SECU Vice President of Marketing Peggy Young.
Relocating its Columbia branch from Long Reach Village Center to 8630 Snowden River Parkway will give it a better location that is easier to get to and has better parking, Young says. The 4,500-square-foot space is also bigger than its current branch, which will allow it to better serve customers in that area.
SECU spent $1.9 million to purchase the Bel Air property at the busy intersection of Plum Tree Road and Route 24. SECU executives liked the fact that there are a number of businesses surrounding its new location, including Target, Barnes & Noble, Staples and Home Depot.
SECU has nearly 250,000 members and $2 billion in assets. It employs 530. With 35,000 members, Harford County accounts for 14 percent of its total membership.
"Harford seems like a natural choice, " Young says. "It's a growing area."
The credit union also liked the area's demographics. The median household income is $72,000, according to the U.S. Census. The location is also close to Interstate 95 and therefore accessible to commuters, Young says.
One feature of the new branch includes the use of "remote" tellers. These tellers work behind a wall and serve customers via a video monitor. That way, when one customer is filling out a deposit slip, the teller can help out another client, Young says.
Source: Peggy Young, SECU
Writer: Julekha Dash