Welcome To The Branch Of The Future

We've learned of the "branch of the future", located in Colorado.

When you walk into the lobby, you wouldn't get three steps inside without being approached by an individual wearing khaki slacks and a golf shirt, sporting a badge with a first name, who smiles and greets you-asking how they can be of service.

This meeter/greeter, (four of whom are on duty at all times) will be anyone from a customer service person to the CEO, who will usher you back to what is considered, in the financial industry, to be a technology showplace. These are self-service machines that will accept deposits, cash checks to the penny, and dispense official checks, traveler's checks, and money orders.

Other self service kiosks support loan applications and feature product and service information in a multimedia format. They also provide community information and incorporate advertisements for various business partners, including a mortgage company and a brokerage.

Want to access your safe deposit box? They will assist you with that also.

If all else fails, your "usher" will escort you back-all the way in the back-to one of the two tellers on duty.

While you're tending to your business, your children can play in the "Zoofari", a play area containing kid-size furniture, toys, computer games and a three-dimensional mural depicting elephants, zebras, tigers and monkeys in a safari setting.

The purpose of all this personal service is to educate people and to make them comfortable with the use of the new technology. The financial institution hopes eventually to train people to switch to Internet banking.

In their efforts to be of value and service to the community, there is also a room that serves as a meeting place for local groups.

At Christmas, this branch flew Santa in by helicopter for the town, and took pictures of children with Santa.

Copyright © 1996 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 7, No. 1, 12/96