Credit union prepares for move
First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union is moving from its current location on South Seventh Street in Lehighton to the Carbon Plaza Mall. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS
An artist rendering of what the interior of the new credit union branch at the Carbon Plaza Mall. CONTRIBUTED ILLUSTRATION
The new entrance of First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union in the Carbon Plaza Mall is seen in this artist rendering. CONTRIBUTED ILLUSTRATION
A credit union based in the Lehigh Valley is moving its Lehighton branch to Carbon Plaza Mall, with plans to add a drive-up ATM, cafe and seminars aimed at helping members manage their finances.
First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, whose Lehighton branch is currently located at 430 S. Seventh St., will move to the mall in Mahoning Township in spring 2018, according to Tricia C. Szurgot, chief marketing & retail officer for First Commonwealth.
The plans were unveiled to members during an open house last week.
Szurgot said she hopes the new location will continue to reinforce the relationship Lehighton-area members have with their credit union.
“Just observing how members come in, it’s not just a handshake, it’s a hug,” she said. “We don’t only want to continue that, we want to create spaces that will encourage that.”
Szurgot said the new credit union will look different from what people expect of a normal bank branch. They plan to hold regular seminars focused around the theme of “financial wellness.”
There will also be a cafe with free coffee, and a more open layout.
“We’re trying to move the look and feel of all of our financial centers from what people expect of a typical bank branch to something that’s more open, modern, but casual and comfortable at the same time too,” Szurgot said.
There will also be a drive-up “Interactive Transaction Machine,” which includes the functions of an ATM, but will also allow members to conduct transactions with a First Commonwealth teller after hours.
The official opening date for the new financial center will hinge on the construction schedule for the outside kiosk.
F.J. Lesher of Palmerton is the general contractor for the project.
The current building, which First Commonwealth reopened after the Nor-Car Credit Union closed in 2004, no longer meets their space needs. It’s too large for a branch.
A lot of members have asked about what will happen to the current building after the move.
Szurgot said they are hoping to find a business that will enhance the community.
“A lot of members are passionate about the building and what’s going to happen. It’s really more space then we need.
“We’re working with a local Realtor to find the next benefactor,” she said.
First Commonwealth, based in Bethlehem, has eight locations.
