ECU Celebrates Convenience at Clinchfield Branch
June 16, 2022
KINGSPORT – June 16, 2022 – Eastman Credit Union (ECU) cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of its first curbside branch located on Clinchfield Street in Kingsport Thursday.
“Opening a branch is always exciting, but today is a milestone for ECU. The Clinchfield branch offers a new level of convenience. Members will get to stay in their cars and receive curbside assistance or utilize one of four drive-through lanes,” said Kelly Price, ECU’s president and CEO.
The Clinchfield branch will offer ECU’s extraordinary services in a drive-up concept featuring convenient drive-through lanes and a new service called ECU Curbside.
“We desire to serve members in the best way for them. The extra drive-through lanes downtown will be a great addition, but several member needs require additional assistance. That’s the beauty of ECU Curbside. It’s easy, and members love it,” said Price.
The curbside service allows members to sign loan documents, manage their certificates of deposit, drop off or pick up items, utilize notary services, block lost or stolen cards, get replacement Visa Debit or Credit cards, deposit checks, transfer money, and more, all while sitting in the comfort of their vehicle.
“Walking into a branch is difficult for some people. For others, staying in their car may be a preference. You don’t need a reason to use the curbside service,” said Price.
Those interested in using the curbside service option should park in a designated “ECU Curbside” parking space and call or text their name and space number to the phone number on the sign. An ECU employee will come out to serve them.
“In a few months, Interactive Teller Machines will be available at this location. They’re similar to an ATM, but members will see and talk to an ECU employee on a video monitor. Whether you are accessing your accounts at the teller line, on your phone, or at our new curbside branch, our goal is for you to receive consistent and exceptional service,” said Price.
It’s evident in how ECU does business and how they support the community that service is important to this organization at all levels.
“When we build a branch, we’re showing our pledge to that community, and we look for various opportunities to make an impact. At the Clinchfield branch, we saw an opportunity to contribute to downtown revitalization and provide a lovely green space that would beautify the site,” said Price.
Improving communities and investing in the future are part of ECU’s culture.
“Whether it’s a community-friendly concert like Twilight Alive or Fun Fest or supporting local charities, we are here to do our part,” said Price.
ECU contributed over $1 million in social contributions and donations in 2021. ECU’s board of directors also approved a $1 million donation to Ballad Health’s expansion of regional healthcare opportunities for expectant mothers, babies, children, and families to be paid over the next 10 years.
Another way ECU invests in the future is through financial education. ECU has supported over 8,000 students in financial literacy programs in almost 80 schools in the last six months.
To learn more about ECU’s products, services, contributions, and financial education opportunities, visit www.ecu.org. For specific information about ECU’s new curbside services, visit www.ecu.org/curbside. For members preferring a traditional walk-in branch, ECU has several branches near downtown, including Wilcox Drive and Allandale.
About Eastman Credit Union
Eastman Credit Union, established in 1934, is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. Serving areas of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and East Texas, ECU is the 39th largest credit union in the nation. Placing members' financial needs first, ECU employees focus on exceptional member service and offering products and services that exceed members' expectations. ECU's assets are more than $7.5 billion, and the organization serves more than 290,000 members through a network of 35 branches, service centers, and offices; ecu.org; ECU's Mobile app; ECU's Card Control app; and over 56,200 surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint™ and Presto!® networks. For more information about ECU, visit ecu.org. Funds are federally insured for up to $250,000 by NCUA. Member Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer.
