SEAFORD "“ Tidemark Federal Credit Union opened two new branches in Selbyville and Long Neck this past summer, growing the Sussex County-based financial institution.

The Long Neck branch, located at 24940 John J. Williams Highway, and the Selbyville branch, located at 36445 Lighthouse Road, are the fifth and sixth branches for the Seaford-based credit union formerly known as Sussex County Federal Credit Union. The credit union's other branches are in Lewes, Milford, Millsboro and Seaford.

[caption id="attachment_171414" align="alignright" width="300"] Tidemark Federal Credit Union recently opened two new locations, one in Long Neck and one in Selbyville. PHOTO COURTESY OF DBF[/caption]

Founded in 1959 with just eight members, Tidemark now holds more than $235 million in deposits and about $160.5 million in loans as of June 30, according to federal banking records. It's gained more than $7 million deposits in the past year, or about 3%, serving about 15,000 customers and employing about 50 people.

Tidewater President and CEO Pamela Fleuette and a board of directors chaired by John Lewis led the effort to rename the credit union in 2016, signaling its efforts to expand into Maryland's Lower Shore counties.

"It wasn't a shift in focus or a change of direction," Fleuette recalled in a statement announcing the new branches. "It was a sign of growth as we expanded our services in additional counties."

After its rebranding campaign, the credit union also looked to modernize its new brick-and-mortar branches with a focus on service and technology.

Among the ideas that officials embraced were "banking pods," or kiosks staffed by tellers that replace the traditional wall of tellers; a more relaxed lobby with comfortable seating, natural light and amenities; customer-available executive conference rooms; and secure, 24/7 ATM access.

Completing the new locations in about eight months build time were Milford-based architectural/engineering firm Davis, Bowen & Friedel Inc. and Selbyville-based Bunting Construction Corporation.

[caption id="attachment_171413" align="alignleft" width="300"] One of the new banking pods is seen here at Tidemark FCU. PHOTO COURTESY OF DBF[/caption]

The new Tidemark prototype location comprises about 2,500 square feet and features four universal banking pod-stations situated among lounge-type seating in the lobby. Other amenities include two ATMs, a digital informational kiosk, a bistro-style transaction table and the executive conference rooms, officials said.

In a statement, DBF President Michael Wigley said he was proud of his firm's contributions to Tidemark's rebranding and modernization campaign.

"It was exciting to be a part of their planning process and to assist in creating a new prototype: one that functions well, and one that is easily identifiable and unique to Tidemark," he said.

By Jacob Owens

jowens@delawarebusinesstimes.com