Press
United Federal Credit Union opens state-of-the-art Staff Training Center in St. Joseph, MI
ST. JOSEPH, MI (October 10, 2013) — United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) opened a newly-renovated 7,300-square foot training center at 2580 Cleveland Ave., St. Joseph, Mich. The enhanced facility will meet UFCU staff training needs in a number of diverse ways.
The center offers three, state-of-the-art training rooms for staff to simultaneously prepare and learn. New technologies, such as flat screen TVs, are utilized in the breakroom, conference rooms, and training rooms. Training is offered by five experienced trainers each of whom offer a unique perspective on a variety of topics.
The Cleveland Ave. facility also features guest PC workstations for employees traveling into St. Joseph for training, a custom-designed noise reduction room for leading virtual learning, and a multi-function breakroom. New employees take part in intensive, three-day to two-week introductory course(s) while current staff take a break from their typical routine for training sessions. Courses are designed to keep skills honed as the credit union grows and complies with new regulatory changes and new technologies.
“Our employees are our most valuable asset,” said UFCU President and CEO Gary Easterling. “Leveraging their talents and helping them achieve their professional growth objectives help them succeed throughout their UFCU careers.” In the financial services industry, staff face challenges daily, including rapidly changing technology, advanced product offerings, and serving diverse member needs – often with complex interactions.
“Our goal is to equip every employee with knowledge,” elaborated Easterling. “When skills are kept sharp, our Members benefit.”
Most recently, the Cleveland Ave. Training Center served as a UFCU mortgage processing office. “We transformed the building into a state-of-the-art training facility,” said Director of Property Management Scott Winger. “It now offers a spacious learning environment designed to meet the changing needs of our staff.”
To prepare for the new center, UFCU demolished the building’s interior (5,900 square feet) and added 1,300 square feet. “Every effort was made to make the environment inviting yet highly versatile,” added Winger. During its initial development, the floor plan was revamped several times and eventually evolved into three large rooms. All have the technology to simulate member interactions and a live working environment.
UFCU’s commitment to training also helps instill the credit union’s five core values: Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Passion. “My Human Resources team ensures these values resonate through every sector of our business,” continued Easterling. “Training helps us provide the necessary tools for staff to serve Members with confidence.”
With 22 offices in six states, UFCU prides itself on being able to attract and retain top talent within the financial services industry. “To attract the best, we have to be the best,” concluded Easterling.
About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.