Credit unions are facing a pivotal point in their transformation to best serve their community. Digital transformation is accelerating, but members still expect the convenience and connection that physical branches offer. Striking the right balance between digital access and in-person service is essential, and it starts with knowing where to build and how to design.
That’s why Element is proud to partner with CUCollaborate, a leader in credit union analytics and strategic planning. Together, we’re creating a comprehensive solution that pairs data-driven market insights with award-winning branch design and build services.
“At The Element Group, our mission has always been to create intentional, engaging spaces that strengthen connections between credit unions and their members,” said Nate Baldasaro and William Foley, Founders of The Element Group. “Partnering with CUCollaborate allows us to expand that impact by pairing their deep, data-driven insights with our design-build expertise. Together, we’re empowering credit unions to make smarter decisions about where and how they grow, ensuring every branch not only reflects their brand but also meets members where they are.”
“Credit unions are looking to partner with full-service vendors that provide holistic solutions to their complex growth challenges,” added Sam Brownell, Founder and CEO of CUCollaborate. “Our partnership with The Element Group will allow us to support credit unions throughout the entirety of their branching journey.”
Why Location Still Matters
Even in a digital-first world, proximity remains a key driver of member loyalty. Recent data shows that the majority of credit union members live within five miles of a branch. When members move outside that radius, they are far more likely to close their accounts.
For leadership teams planning future growth, that means branch location isn’t just a real estate decision; it’s a member retention strategy.
A Partnership Built for Credit Union Growth
Through this collaboration, credit unions gain access to:
- Advanced market analysis to identify the best opportunities for branching and expansion.
- Strategic planning to align branching decisions with long-term growth objectives.
- Integrated design-build services that translate strategy into welcoming, high-performing spaces.
This approach ensures that every branch investment is rooted in data and brought to life with intentional, member-first design.
From Insight to Impact
Data alone can’t build a branch, and design alone can’t ensure it’s in the right location. Together, CUCollaborate and Element provide a start-to-finish solution:
- Understand the market. Use analytics to uncover where members and potential members live, work, and bank.
- Plan with confidence. Prioritize the right locations for expansion or consolidation.
- Design for people. Create branches that reflect your credit union’s brand and deliver the experience members expect.
Ready to Rethink Your Branching Strategy?
This partnership is about giving credit unions the tools they need to grow smarter and better serve their members. If you’re re-evaluating your branching network or planning your next location, now is the time to combine data and design for lasting impact.
