Auburn University Federal Credit Union Selects LEVEL5 for Strategic Consulting, Facility Development.

Firm helps credit union relocate headquarters to support growth, enhance service

ATLANTA -- LEVEL5, a consulting and facilities development firm specializing in financial institutions, announced today that it has partnered with Auburn University Federal Credit Union (AUFCU) to help develop and implement a growth strategy for the credit union's expanding member base. The Auburn, Ala.-based credit union plans to develop a new headquarters and retail branch approximately one-quarter mile from Auburn University's campus to improve access for members and support future growth.

LEVEL(5) and AUFCU management expect to break ground in the fall of 2007 and open doors to the members in January 2009. LEVEL(5) worked with the credit union's executive team to develop a facility plan that meets the credit union's long-term business goals. The new headquarters will be approximately 18,000 square-foot, two-story structure that includes a retail branch and drive-up lanes located on 3.6-acres. This is an improvement over the credit union's current facility located on Magnolia Ave. The proposed plans should decrease congestion while supporting membership growth and additional member services.

"LEVEL5's experienced team helped us to plan and design a new facility that better serves our members in all areas," said AUFCU president and CEO Henry Armstrong. "We pride ourselves in providing excellent member service and safeguarding our member's assets, and LEVEL5is helping to ensure that service standard. The company's end-to-end approach from facilities planning and consulting on the location to the design of the building structure minimizes risk and allows us to respond to changing market conditions in the most efficient, effective manner."

The AUFCU Board of Directors has agreed in principal for the sale of their existing property to Auburn University to make way for further expansion on the northwest side of the campus.

"This relocation will allow the credit union to continue to meet the financial needs of its members, while focusing on its primary goal, member service," said AUFCU Board Chairman Joe M. Morgan. "The Board of Directors is excited to announce this upcoming move to a new facility as it will greatly enhance accessibility for our members."

The AUFCU will maintain full service operations at its existing W. Magnolia Avenue branch until the new facility is complete.

"Auburn University Federal Credit Union demonstrates a strong commitment to its community, and relocating off campus will help it further develop its member relationships with ease and efficiency," said Joseph F. Kassler, LEVEL(5) president. "LEVEL5's veteran consulting team recommended the new location and developed a plan that perfectly complement's the credit union's unique business model. We look forward to presenting the finished product to the credit union's friends and family."

About AUFCU

Chartered in 1960, the Auburn University Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative of members whose common bond is employment with Auburn University or a family member of a member. With $99 million in assets and over $50 million in loans, the AUFCU provides 14,543 members with a full range of financial services, member savings options and programs to promote sound money management.

About LEVEL(5)

Headquartered in Atlanta, with other offices strategically located to best serve its clients, LEVEL5 is a consulting and facilities development firm that works exclusively with financial institutions across the United States. The company assists those institutions in the development and implementation of growth strategies through its unique services that include consulting, real estate, integrated design, construction management and branding. For more information about LEVEL5 call Mike Colvin at 404.761.0008 or visit their Web site at www.level5.com.

Editor's note: For more information on Auburn University Federal Credit Union please visit aufcu.org.