ECU Plans for the Future
May 17, 2017
KINGSPORT - Eastman Credit Union recently purchased a 10 acre tract of land on Wilcox Drive to accommodate growth that has been a remarkable success story. “With our corporate offices in Kingsport, this purchase will allow us to house our growing support staff by creating a campus in close proximity to the current headquarters on MeadowView Parkway,” said Olan Jones, ECU’s CEO/President.
Eastman Credit Union has been a part of the greater Kingsport community for many years. Beginning in 1934, ECU has made members’ lives better by offering convenient, affordable financial services. Originally formed to offer financial services to Eastman employees, in 2005 ECU expanded its reach to include everyone in several counties in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Texas.
“The most important aspect of this new facility is it will strengthen our ability to serve and support members in all locations, well into the future. At ECU, it is all about the member,” said Jones.
“We knew ECU’s focus on giving back value to members makes it a great place to do business, but even the board and management were surprised at the rapid growth that took place when we offered services to all individuals in the communities surrounding the Kingsport area,” stated Jones. After reaching $1 Billion in assets in 2001, ECU has grown to a $3.8 Billion financial institution in a relatively short time. The staff, management and board at ECU agree the continuing growth stems from members’ confidence that ECU will offer fair, transparent value in financial services.
ECU now serves almost 190,000 members, a number that has more than quadrupled since 2000. During that same time, membership growth, branch expansion, new services, a surge in technology offerings, and a constant barrage of regulatory changes have resulted in the addition of over 500 employees required to keep service levels high. ECU currently employs over 700 employees, many of whom serve in administrative or support positions dedicated to the innovation, quality and security necessary to offer high-quality financial services.
“This project is a significant investment in Kingsport that will add jobs to the area as well as create an interest in the Wilcox Drive corridor expansion,” remarked Jones. The Wilcox Drive corridor is a major entrance into Kingsport and an important area for future development. “The design is still in the planning stages but will remain consistent with our signature brand, which reflects our culture and our roots,” added Debra Bridwell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Facilities.
ECU tentatively plans to begin occupying the new facility by the end of 2018, and eventually will house up to 200 employees at this location.
For additional information about ECU, visit our website or call 800.999.2328.
