Greylock Federal Credit Union has broken ground on a multi-million dollar, full-service branch at 464 Fairview Avenue. Participants in the golden shovel ceremony included Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson; Columbia County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jeffrey C. Hunt, CCE; Greylock President & CEO John L. Bissell, and the first three members of Greylock’s Hudson branch team, Manager Kasey Nobles; Assistant Manager Shanatia Bygrave, and Branch Specialist Victoria Bemiss.
“I’m very excited about the addition of Greylock Federal Credit Union to our community,” said Mayor Johnson. “I have seen the strong community bond Greylock has created in the Berkshires and hope to mirror that bond here in Hudson.”
The Chamber of Commerce has been working with Greylock for more than a year through the research stage of this project. “On behalf of all the Chamber members and Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome Greylock Federal Credit Union to the State of New York, and more importantly, to our great county,” said Hunt. “Needless to say, these are unprecedented times and for Greylock to build in and invest in Columbia County, despite the global pandemic, speaks volumes to their commitment to our community. As your Chamber President, I am elated to welcome Greylock to our County.”
Greylock President John Bissell indicated that Greylock already has a sizable membership in Columbia County. “More than 1,600 folks in Columbia County have already joined Greylock, entrusting us with nearly $30 million in loan and deposit relationships,” Bissell said. “The opening of our new branch signals our commitment to investing even more deeply in the Hudson community and we are grateful for the enthusiasm and support we have been shown. We are also thrilled to have the first three members of our branch team in place. They know the Hudson area well and will be key to helping us meet local needs.”
The new branch will include space for personal financial education, coaching and community meetings. According to Bissell, Greylock focuses on financial inclusion as a key component in achieving greater equity across communities. Greylock’s branch professionals will act as financial coaches to help address the needs of under-served and under-resourced members of the community by providing free financial counseling, educational opportunities, and specialized financial products designed to build credit and grow family assets.
The new facility will also include three drive-up teller windows, an ATM, multiple teller stations, private member service offices, a waiting area with coffee bar and a children’s space.
According to Bissell, Greylock leaders have already engaged in multiple partnership discussions with stakeholders and community leaders. “We understand that Greylock has a role to play in elevating financial literacy, strengthening the Columbia County workforce and promoting home ownership,” he continued. “We are regional leaders in mortgage and auto lending and small business banking. We come with expertise in serving rural communities, small cities, and diverse groups and look forward to becoming an even more active and engaged partner in the community.”
The planning, research, design and construction has been overseen by PW Campbell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “It has been a great experience working with the fine people at Greylock Federal,” said PW Campbell’s President & CEO Jim Caliendo. “After completing a market demographic and competitive analysis for Columbia County, we were able to help secure a fantastic site and look forward to completing construction of a full-service, highly-creative branch office.”
The construction is scheduled to take six months to complete. However, due to delays from COVID-19, Greylock will set an official opening date at a later time.