Affinity Plus FCU Celebrates Grand Opening with $1,000 Donation to Local School District
November 7, 2017
NEW HOPE, Minn. (Nov. 6, 2017) – Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union celebrated its New Hope branch Thursday, Nov. 2, with a daylong grand opening.
Its first-ever west-metro branch welcomed nearly 200 people at the celebration to tour the new space, hear from leaders and enjoy food and refreshments from local business favorites.
“This is a really exciting time for Affinity Plus, for our members, and for the team here in New Hope,” said Tara Rutz, New Hope branch manager. “We want the community and members to know we’re here to strengthen and support the community.”
Dave Larson, Affinity Plus President/CEO, was thrilled to officially open a west-metro branch, noting that one of the most popular questions has been, when will you open a branch there?
“New Hope is a community that mirrors what we stand for – a community of people,” Larson said. “To see this become a reality is just so awesome. We’re here because of our members - they asked, and we delivered.”
Kris Jacobsen, director of Business Development at the Minnesota Credit Union Network, said Affinity Plus is a wonderful example of the impact of cooperatives.
“The west metro truly has a great corporate citizen in Affinity Plus,” Jacobsen said.
New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken attended the open house through a recorded video shown at the celebration. She shared her thanks to Affinity Plus for coming to New Hope and “having the confidence to be here, knowing that we will embrace you as you will embrace us.”
IMMEDIATELY SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
The New Hope branch demonstrated the embrace Hemken described by donating $1,000 to grand opening attendees’ local organization of choice, the Robbinsdale School District.
In that spirit, Rutz and her team had been at work in the community well before the branch doors opened Oct. 16. The team assisted with the community’s National Nite Out; supported a women’s shelter in nearby Plymouth, Minn.; volunteered time at Second Harvest; and helped the local school district.
FRESH-NEW BRANCH LOOK
Affinity Plus’ new facility features a large lobby and waiting area; private spaces for one-on-one conversations with Affinity Plus staff; and a 24-hour drive-up ATM that’s already been greatly used. The New Hope branch’s fresh-new look includes an emphasis on an open design and technology including iPads, digital signage and more.
New Hope is the second branch in Affinity Plus’ lineup of new next-generation community branches featuring the same fresh-new look. This summer, the St. Cloud State University remodeled campus branch opened to rave reviews. On Oct. 30, Affinity Plus opened a community branch in Mankato, Minn. It will be a partner to the credit union’s branch on the Minnesota State University - Mankato campus.
Affinity Plus has a grand opening celebration planned for the new Mankato community branch on Friday, Nov. 17.
ABOUT AFFINITY PLUS
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 29 branches located throughout the state and is owned by more than 188,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $2 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.