Now Open
in Ottawa
We look forward to making a difference in Ottawa and building lasting relationships.
December 4, 2024
Azura Credit Union has opened the doors to their new, full-service retail branch in Ottawa, Kansas. Located next to Cosentino’s Price Chopper at 124 E. 19th Street, the branch features an open floor plan with private offices and banking suites for personal services. Outside are two drive-thru lanes with Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) and Video Teller services. There, members can speak directly with Azura staff to perform nearly any service that can be completed in a lobby or traditional drive-thru window.
“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.”
- What is a credit union? As a financial institution, Azura offers a full-range of financial products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, home and auto loans, credit cards, and personal and business loans. What makes a credit union different is that they are not-for-profit and member-owned. That means the profits generated by the credit union are returned to our members through lower loan rates, higher returns on savings and CDs, and reduced fees.
- Who can be a member? Anyone who lives, works or attends a place of worship in Franklin County (or in any of the other 54 counties we serve) may become a member of Azura.
- How do you join? Becoming a member is easy. Simply open a savings account with $5 and you are eligible to apply for access to all of Azura’s financial products and services.
“A credit union is more than a place where you come to do business, it’s a community,” said Brad Deiter, Board of Directors President. “Azura was founded by Kansans who had a passion for helping each other succeed. That passion is alive and well today, and we are thrilled to be able to share an Above and Beyond Banking experience with our Ottawa neighbors.”
Azura’s lobby is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Drive-thru ITMs with Video Teller are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Drive-thru ATM services are available 24/7. Azura has hired four local full-time employees. Ottawa-based Loyd Builders served as the construction manager on the project. For more details, contact Valerie Taylor, Vice President - Marketing.
Original Press Release
from April 25, 2024
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.
May Update
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.
November Update
Questions?
For more details, visit AzuraCU.com or contact Valerie Taylor, Vice President–Marketing.
The Ottawa branch is making significant strides toward completion. On the inside, flooring and furniture have been installed; and on the outside, signs and drive-thru ITMs are going in the first week of November. Following soon after, our team will have access to begin installing all the necessary equipment for operations, and our local team will transition to training on site in the new space. The new build remains on schedule to open this winter. Stay tuned for an opening date.