WILKIE —A grand reopening of the Wilkie advice centre of Innovation Credit Union was held on April 27, showcasing recent renovations.
An official ribbon cutting was held as well as refreshments served while residents and members had a look at the changes that are now complete.
The Wilkie location employs seven staff with a regional manager and a regional member service supervisor, who attend the location regularly to assist with operations. Wilkie location employee Marlene Irwin, who cut the ribbon along with CEO Daniel Johnson, was recognized as the longest serving Innovation Credit Union employee working on her 42nd year.
“MAC,” first introduced at the annual meeting of Innovation Credit Union April 14, was introduced to Wilkie at the grand re-opening.
MAC — mobile advice centre — is equipped with an innovation room for online banking needs or to meet with Innovation specialists online. It provides members with access to video banking, a personal teller machine that includes more features than a regular ATM and an ATM accessed from the outside.
This RV-like unit was parked in the lot beside Wilkie’s advice centre and entertained a steady stream of curious guests. The interior also offers two large flat screen touch screen TVs, one in a private room and one near the back of the unit for customers wanting to do online banking or consult with an INNCONTACT centre representative.
Jill Ahrens-Gruetzner, AVP of Omni Solutions says, “MAC was created in response to feedback from Innovation Credit Union members. Our members asked us to be mobile, innovative and responsive. The mobile advice centre allows us to meet our mission of providing world-class financial services wherever you are and whenever you need us.”
MAC will travel to a variety of communities and events throughout the year.
Ahrens-Gruetzner adds, “ MAC staffing will change regularly to best suit members’ needs. For example, at a farm equipment auction we will ensure lending and agricultural specialists are available to assist members with their purchasing needs.
“MAC also serves our members in a disaster relief capacity. Should a community or advice centre be unable to offer services, MAC is a self-sufficient unit and can be available on short notice to meet the needs of our communities.”
The renovations at the centre include an updated environment as well as the addition of an “innovation room” allowing members to meet virtually with Innovation specialists.
John Jangula, regional VP of North Central Innovation Credit Union, when introducing guests and staff and giving a brief overview of the renovation process, noted all products and contractors were secured through Wilkie or the Battlefords.
Jangula also presented $5,000 to the Town of Wilkie for their renovation work on the SaskCan events centre that was damaged by fire Thanksgiving weekend of 2015.
A crowd of 50 was on hand for the official ribbon cutting, while many more trickled in throughout the afternoon of the grand re-opening event.
