ASHLAND The iconic ribbon of the Northeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was cut on Thursday afternoon to mark the grand opening of Ashland Credit Union’s newest contribution to the city’s downtown.
In addition to Scott Martin, president of the local chamber of commerce, several local officials said the eye-catching building located at the corner of Winchester Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard provides a lasting first impression for those new to the area, potentially changing the future of economic development in the area.
Introduced as the governor of eastern Kentucky, Rocky Adkins, (the senior adviser to Gov. Andy Beshear), remarked about the establishment’s first impression.
Adkins said some could take the new facility for granted, but a first-time visitor, such as a CEO of a company looking at communities to invest in, will see the modernized construction as representation of a community taking pride in itself.
“This is an investment that could carry us to the next level,” Adkins concluded, “(and) carry the region forward to the prominence it deserves.”
The state-of-the-art building will serve as the headquarters for the credit union as the previous location was outgrown years ago, but with the new space, according to Ashland Credit Union’s President and CEO Larry Lucas, previously spaced-out departments can now fit all under one roof.
“I want to thank the members driving growth to support this investment,” Lucas said.
Lucas mentioned defining features of the building include a multiple-story atrium and lobby, comfortable waiting areas and new technology similar to self-serve kiosks for multiple services.
For those who prefer in-person financial dealings, Lucas said that’s definitely still an option.
Lucas said members may recognize a nod to the past with bar-height tables made from lanes previously part of the Blue Ribbon Lanes bowling alley of yesteryear.
Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins said travelers crossing the Ohio River into the city “can look across and see this amazing facility for an amazing organization.”
Perkins said from the credit union’s investment to local-level leaders, those involved with the new development wanted to ensure Ashland shined.
As for Thursday’s grand opening and reveal, “Ashland is shining as bright as ever,” Perkins said.
The new credit union’s headquarters is at 305 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and will offer extended hours, according to Lucas, with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ashland Credit Union also has branch locations in Cannonsburg and Russell.