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Washington Community Federal Credit Union ($131MM, 11,000 members) has a shiny new name.
"Chrome is simply good banking," said Christopher George, Credit Union President and CEO. "To us that means easy-to-use accounts, less fees, more stores and smart people who can't wait to help. We'll also be serving up state-of-the-art online and mobile banking, Chrome Confidence privacy and security assurance, and more."

The employees of Washington Steel Corporation founded the Credit Union in 1971, and it later expanded to serve all residents of Washington and Greene County. 2014 brought new leadership and vision under Mr. George, and the Credit Union's management team went to work creating a new culture unified under what they feel will become a challenger brand in the Pittsburgh region.

"Washington Community FCU was lengthy to say, tough to write, and hard to remember. We were also getting confused with the many other banks and credit unions in the area that have the word 'Washington' in their name," explained Amanda Lunger, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer. "What we're doing is special and different, and we wanted our name to reflect that while paying homage to what got us here- which is steel."

Chrome is rebuilding its flagship store at 440 Racetrack Road, doubling it in size to include a community room and small business incubator. They are also working on a new website and updated online/mobile banking and are seeking expansion into new markets.

Mr. George continued, stating, "We are flipping the model upside down. We feel banking is going digital, and everyone holds a bank in their pocket. The store is there to host a conversation about financial goals; so we can explain how we can make our customers lives easier with our simple products and services. And, while they're there, they can enjoy free wifi and a complimentary cup of premium coffee."

The Racetrack store remodel and the new chromefcu.org are scheduled for completion in July 2015.

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