Five Star Credit Union will pay homage to its roots in early 2019 by opening a branch in Blakely, Ga., it’s second location in Early County.
Five Star began as the Cedar Springs Federal Credit Union when eight employees of the Great Southern Paper Company in Cedar Springs, Ga. each chipped in $5 and ran the credit union out of a broom closet. The credit union eventually expanded into southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama, changing its name to Five Star Credit Union in 1991. But Five Star hasn’t strayed far from the county where it began.
“We have a strong membership base in the Blakely and Cedar Springs communities,” said Robert A. Steensma, president and CEO of Five Star Credit Union. “Our members have been wanting an option in Blakely and we have listened to them. The new branch will be in the perfect location to help our members get in and out quickly. Plus, the branch will be equipped with the newest technology to give them a smooth experience.”
The new Blakely branch will be one of the credit unions’ most technologically advanced branches, equipped with interactive teller machines in both the lobby and in drive-up lanes. The ITMs will give Five Star members the ability to withdraw cash, make deposits with cash and checks, research Five Star account balances and make Five Star loan payments. The ITMs will also offer on-demand live remote video assistance during business hours.
“This will add a level of convenience for members so they can transact their financial business on their schedule,” Steensma said. “It’s just another way we make it easy for them.”
The new location will be at 11189 Columbia Street, the site of the former Mike’s Pharmacy. As part of the building remodel, Five Star donated all the inside materials to the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Dothan. The donation included 2,000 square feet of ceiling tiles, 2,000 square feet of fiberglass insulation, 30 lighting fixtures and 10 doors from the building.
Leave a Reply