ECU Celebrates Grand Opening & New Design at West Elk

Elizabethton, Tennessee (August 22, 2024) – Eastman Credit Union (ECU) representatives and community members gathered on Thursday to celebrate opening a new branch at 1530 West Elk Avenue in Elizabethton.

 "Today, we're celebrating more than opening the doors to a new location.  We're celebrating new relationships and friendships.  We're celebrating the members and communities of Elizabethton and Carter County, the opportunity to serve their financial needs, and debuting a new and innovative ECU branch experience," said Kelly Price, ECU's president and CEO.

 ECU's redesigned warm and inviting interior integrates technology with a new layout for an improved member experience.  In addition to teller services, lending and deposit services, mortgage lending services, and safe deposit boxes, the new branch is the first full-service branch to offer ECU Curbside.  

 "We introduced our initial ECU Curbside branch in Kingsport after seeing an opportunity to help members who need services above and beyond what we can offer in the drive-through or at the ATM," said Price. 

 ECU Curbside allows members to conduct business from the convenience of their vehicle.   

 "Whether a member has trouble walking or maybe they have a sleeping baby in the car, we are equipped to help those who need additional assistance," said Price. 

 The West Elk branch also offers a drive-through ATM and night depository.

 "Our members know that we have a sincere desire to help them with their finances.  That's evident in the amount of traffic we've seen since the soft opening of this branch at the end of July.  Our commitment to our members transcends into the communities where they live.  Whether it's funding significant projects like the training center at Isaiah 117 House or supplying free financial education curriculums in 13 elementary, middle, and high schools in Carter County and Elizabethton, we are invested in this community," said Price. 

 ECU supports many local organizations, including the Carter County and Elizabethton back-to-school events, ECU Covered Bridge Days, the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton, East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy, Friends of Elizabethton Carter County Animal Shelter, and the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce, as well as various school activities and sports. 

  "We are committed to strengthening the communities where our members live, work, go to school, and raise their families, to us that's part of the credit union difference," said Price. 

 In September, ECU will celebrate 90 years of service. Price attributes the organization's success to a consistent member-focused philosophy.   

 "We place our members first and helping them succeed is our primary goal.  That's the ECU difference," said Price. 

 ECU currently offers membership to most counties in Northeast Tennessee, including anyone living or working in Carter County. To learn more about ECU, visit www.ecu.org.

 About Eastman Credit Union

Eastman Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. ECU is one of the nation's top 50 largest credit unions, with over 335,000 members and more than 1,000 workers serving areas of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and East Texas. For more information about ECU, visit ecu.org. Funds are federally insured by NCUA. Member Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer.