The Peru Gazette

Architectural drawing of new facility

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Federal Credit Union moved into its current Davey Drive location in 1998. By July 2015, it should be celebrating the opening of a new and greatly expanded facility still on the Bear Swamp road, but closer to the Adirondack Northway. Dignitaries and staff members participated in the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday at the new location, directly across from Livingood’s Restaurant and adjacent to the the Peru Veterinary Clinic.

Credit Union Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee

L-R – Staff members Nicole Prentiss, Dianne King, Morgan Kowalowski, Abbey Shay and Maggie Pope assisted by Assemblywoman Janet Duprey

Credit Union CEO Maggie Pope is enthusiastic about several aspects of the new building. She explained, “With 2,100 members we’ve outgrown our current facility. The new building is built with growth in mind. We’ll be offering additional services including a 24-hour ATM and a two-lane drive-thru. We’ll also have a larger lobby and more office space.” At 3,400 square feet, the new building will be almost 2.5 times larger than the current building.

The Peru Federal Credit Union is comprised of employee groups; all the entities involved in the construction project are credit union members. Pope told those assembled, “Our new building is being built by our members for our members.” The general contractor is Steven E. Fuller Excavating, the engineering firm is AES Northeast, the heating and refrigeration contractor is A. Hogan Refrigeration and Mechanical, the electrical contractor William J. Murray and the security firm is Security Concepts. Employees from these firms along with employees of the Peru Central School, AuSable Valley Central School and other businesses and institutions comprise the credit union’s membership.

Peru Town Supervisor Peter Glushko expressed satisfaction regarding the credit union’s expansion. He stated, “The members will appreciate the expanded services and the development along Bear Swamp Road is good for the town. We’re extending the water district to the Northway (I87). I’m hopeful that more businesses will be locating there.”

The Peru Credit Federal Credit Union’s Current Facility

The Bear Swamp Road I87 Exit 35 offers easy access to the credit union, restaurants such as Subway, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Livingood’s and Pasquale’s along with a gift shop, a financial service office, medical offices and insurance agencies. It’s also an often-used exit for Peru, Keeseville, AuSable Forks and Adirondack Region visitors and residents.