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Facilities Development Firm Assists Institution Expand after Receiving Community Charter

ATLANTA--(allCUnews)--LEVEL5, a consulting and facilities development firm specializing in financial institutions, announced today that Anderson, Ind.-based Independent Federal Credit Union has chosen LEVEL5 as its partner to design and build its new main office and combined retail branch. The new main office will permit the credit union, which was recently approved for a community charter, to reach a broader membership base and better serve its 15,000 members while also positioning it for future growth.

Independent FCU wanted to better serve its members and spark growth after several large factories in Anderson closed and branch activity declined. To further strengthen the credit union, executives determined a new strategically located, efficient main office combined with a state-of-the-art retail branch (to replace the current main office and its associated branch) and the closing of another branch with low visibility would better serve the community. The credit union considered five firms and ultimately chose LEVEL5 because executives believed it to be the most advanced in its strategic retail banking approach.

“Competition among financial institutions is fierce right now,” said Norm Getts, chief executive officer of Independent Federal Credit Union. “Being a smaller credit union, it’s critical for us to look at the big picture and plan strategically for both our future as well as our members. Our goal for the new office is to see an average continuous growth of 7.5 percent for the next five years. LEVEL5’s designing and building expertise will not only help us ensure that our headquarters is functionally efficient but also aesthetically pleasing and equipped with the latest technology to enhance our productivity and member service.”

Independent’s headquarters will be on an extremely visible corner of Scatterfield Road, one of the heaviest traveled routes in Anderson, just down the road from the local Super Wal-Mart. The headquarters will be approximately 12,000 square feet and will feature the latest teller center technology and multi-lane drive-thrus to optimize branch efficiency and member convenience. Two-way video communication will connect drive-thru employees to members in their vehicles and provide direct face-to-face member service.

“Independent FCU is going after growth opportunities in a very proficient manner,” said J.F. Kassler, CEO and president of LEVEL5. “By paying attention to the physical location in addition to the technology implemented, Independent is responding to the changing market conditions with the most efficient, effective approach: thinking strategically and building creatively.”

The new main branch for Independent FCU is expected to be complete in the first half of 2009.

About LEVEL5

Headquartered in Atlanta, LEVEL5 is a consulting and facilities development firm that works exclusively with financial institutions across the United States. The company assists institutions develop and implement growth strategies through unique services that include strategic consulting, real estate, integrated design, construction management and branding. The company ranked 51st on the 2008 Inc. 500 and 2nd in both the Top 100 Construction Companies and Top 100 Businesses in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga. Lists. Atlanta Business Chronicle also selected LEVEL5 as a winner of its 13th Annual Pacesetters Award and ranked it as the 28th fastest-growing private company in Atlanta. For more information about LEVEL5, call 404.761.0008 or visit http://www.level5.com/.

Contacts
For LEVEL5
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mike Colvin, 404-761-0008
mcolvin@level5.com
or
Heather Cunningham, 813-531-9662
or
Emily McDermott, 678-781-7226