North Star Community Credit Union (NSCCU) held a ceremonial groundbreaking on May 15 at the site of its future branch office in Rugby along U.S. Highway 2 across from the Econo Lodge.

A few days later, the official groundbreaking began on the 5,500-square-foot credit union.

Cindy Hegland, CEO of NSCCU, said the office should be open for business early next year, and in addition to more office space, it will include three drive-up windows, two of which will be in use right away. There will be eight offices and four teller stations. Hegland said plans also call for an electronic message board to be installed, providing information about events in the community.

NSCCU has been at its current downtown location in Rugby since 1993, but lack of adequate parking and a less-than-ideal drive-up window for customer, prompted a search for another location, Hegland said. Other property downtown was looked into, but eventually the site along the highway proved to be the right fit, Hegland said.

A growing institution

In addition to Rugby, NSCCU has locations in Maddock, Cavalier and Bottineau and has approximately 7,400 members. Its Rugby branch has the most assets, and officials are hopeful the new location will provide additional business. There are currently 10 employed at the local branch.

Initially, construction was to begin last fall but was delayed until the spring. Mike Swanson Construction of Rugby is the general contractor and has been involved in past projects for NSCCU’s Bottineau and Maddock branches.

NSCCU is excited to begin this much-anticipated project, and they look forward to serving Rugby and the area for many years, Hegland said. Once the new location is open, the existing site will be sold.