This summer, Azura Credit Union will break ground on a new, full-service retail branch in Ottawa, Ks. Located in Franklin County, Ottawa is home to a growing base of production, manufacturing and distribution employers; a strong ag economy and an historic university. The new building will be located next to Cosentino’s Price Chopper on East 19th Street.
“For generations, Ottawa has been built by farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs - hardworking people who value the benefits of a co-op and the opportunity to keep their money local,” said Greg Winkler, President/CEO, Azura. “As the only credit union in Ottawa, we’re excited to build on that tradition by offering our neighbors the option to participate in a member-owned, not for profit financial cooperative.”
With a rich history rooted in local community and a culture of giving, Azura has come to serve the financial needs and aspirations of working Kansans, including: teachers, manufacturing and communications workers, and employees of local, state and federal governments. People helping people — the motto and core mission of all credit unions — is fundamental to Azura’s strategy. Expansion into Ottawa allows Azura and its members to do just that — to help more people.
“The Ottawa Chamber is thrilled when institutions like Azura express interest in our community, as it affirms the economic growth we are seeing and expect to continue to see,” Ryland Miller, MBA, President/CEO, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited about Azura Credit Union’s plan to establish a branch in Ottawa and are eager to see them become strong community partners for the people in our area. When Ottawa’s business community thrives, all boats rise!”
Credit unions operate to promote the well-being of their members. Profits made by credit unions are returned back to their members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates. Brad Deiter, Board Chair of Azura, first announced the new branch at the credit union's Annual Meeting on April 16.
“A credit union is more than a place where you come to do business, it’s a community,” said Brad Deiter, Board President - Azura. “At our roots, Azura was founded by educators with $144 and a passion for helping each other succeed. That passion is alive and well today, and we are thrilled to share an Above and Beyond Banking experience with our Ottawa neighbors.”
HTK Architects has been selected as the architect, and local builder, Loyd Builders, has been selected as the construction manager. Azura will begin hiring in late 2024 with plans to open for business in early 2025. For more details, visit AzuraCU.com or contact Valerie Taylor, Vice President–Marketing, Azura at
valerie.taylor@azuracu.com.
On Tuesday, May 21, Azura staff and board alongside the Ottawa Chamber and Loyd Builders broke ground on the new branch located next to Cosentino's Price Chopper on East 19th Street. Stay tuned for updates as construction gets underway.
Since our May 21st groundbreaking, things have been moving along quickly in Ottawa. The structure is taking shape and the crew will begin working on exterior brick next. In addition, we have already hired team members who will begin their training at other area branches in the coming weeks. The new build remains on schedule to open in early 2025.
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Since 1939, Azura Credit Union is proud to have served Kansans as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with over $800 million in assets and more than 62,500 members. They are committed to providing Above and Beyond Banking through reliable, innovative products and to improving lives through a culture of giving. Azura has been named “Best Credit Union in Kansas” by Forbes magazine, and has earned numerous top honors, including “Best Credit Union” and “Best Employer,” in the local communities they serve. Learn more about their convenient locations, products and services at AzuraCU.com.