ECU Breaks Ground in Downtown Kingsport
September 16, 2021
KINGSPORT - Eastman Credit Union (ECU) conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday, September 16th in celebration of a new branch on the corner of Clinchfield Street and West Market Street in downtown Kingsport. During the ceremony, local officials, along with ECU staff, turned soil to officially mark the start of construction on the new facility.
“We’re excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of our newest branch, which will be unlike any other ECU branch. We are always looking for ways to enhance our members’ experience, and we are eager to bring you an even more convenient and versatile way of doing business with us,” said Kelly Price, ECU’s President and CEO.
With plans to replace ECU’s current branch on Ravine Road, this new location will provide members with easier access and more efficient service. Members can look forward to multiple drive-through lanes, innovative technology, and a new way of conducting their financial transactions.
“We have proudly served the Kingsport area for 87 years. What better way to celebrate this milestone than with the construction of this unique branch that will offer a blend of technology and personal service,” said Price.
This new, innovative location will provide members with the exceptional service they’ve come to know, but with a hybrid model featuring drive-through and curbside assistance. In addition to three drive-through teller lanes, this branch will also boast two lanes containing Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs). ITMs function much like traditional ATMs, but with a video option that provides members with teller assistance when needed.
"The branch design and site plan will also embrace ECU’s nature brand element by providing abundant green space and landscaping in downtown Kingsport,” said Debra Bridwell, ECU’s Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Facilities Officer.
The new Kingsport branch is set to open in the Spring of 2022.
Eastman Credit Union has been steadfast at members’ sides for more than 85 years helping them build strong financial foundations. As a not-for-profit financial institution, profits earned by ECU are returned to members through lower loan rates, better products, fewer fees, and consistently competitive deposit rates. Since 1998, ECU has given back a total of over $147 million to members in the form of an Extraordinary Dividend, which members received for doing business at ECU.
About Eastman Credit Union
ECU is one of the largest credit unions in the country, with $6.7 billion in assets. ECU is a not-for-profit financial service cooperative serving over 270,000 members at 32 locations. ECU members have access to more than 56,200 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the Allpoint™ and Presto!® ATM Networks, as well as a wide range of financial services, including free checking and free online banking. For additional information about ECU, visit www.ecu.org or call 800.999.2328.
