MADISON, Wis. – Branch design and consulting services will be available to credit unions under

an alliance agreement recently reached by CUNA & Affiliates and IBT, an Atlanta-based company.

IBT offers a comprehensive range of integrated services, including strategic consulting,

market assessment, space planning, design, architecture and construction. The firm has 20 years’

experience in the design and consulting field, having worked with more than 175 retail and 500

financial services clients on the development of more than 2,400 workspaces. The firm handles in-

store, storefront and freestanding locations.

“IBT is a recognized, leading provider of branch design and professional services for

financial institutions,” said Wes Millar senior vice president of Strategic Services for CUNA.

“Each credit union has a unique growth strategy, which IBT recognizes as it customizes

assignments to address the credit union’s needs, whether for a cost-effective entry into new

markets or a signature branch that members consider a destination for doing business.”

Offering an example of IBT’s integrated approach, Millar pointed to recommendations the

company made for EECU of Fort Worth, Texas, to invigorate the credit union’s retail merchandising

program. The merchandising program was a resounding success, and CUNA’s Marketing & Business

Development Council awarded the credit union’s program with a “Diamond Award”, which is the

credit union industry’s premier awards competition. This award was given to the credit union

with the best overall branching strategy designed to enhance member awareness of credit union

services.

“Through this alliance with CUNA we intend to better serve Credit Unions nationwide, by

offering our vast knowledge of strategy, innovative design and service delivery,” said Mylle

Mangum, chief executive officer of IBT. We are proud to be affiliated with CUNA, with its

strong reputation and leadership, and we expect this alliance to benefit credit unions and

their members.”

For more information, contact Shirley Mazanet, director of product management for CUNA’s

Strategic Services at (800) 356-9655, ext. 4290 or at

smazanet@cuna.coop.