Burnaby NOW • Wednesday, November 7, 2012 • A21
New kid on the block: G&F Financial now open By Janaya Fuller-Evans The Heights Reporter
When Blockbuster closed in the Heights last fall, it was unclear what business might come in to take over the space. But at the end of September, G&F Financial Group celebrated its grand opening in the spot at 4191 Hastings St. The credit union held a large party for the community, closing off Carleton Avenue for the event. More than 2,000 people attended, according to Steven Comin, associate vicepresident of marketing for the credit union. There was music, free food, a fun zone hosted by the Vancouver Giants and more at the event, he said.
Politicians, community members and even Burnaby crooner Michael Bublé made appearances.
“But the biggest measure of success has been the number of relationships we’ve formed since that day,” Gill Sherwood, branch manager, said in an emailed statement. “Our big street party let us demonstrate our community spirit to our neighbours, and our neighbours are continuing to stop by with their banking questions and to ask for second opinions on financial matters that are important to them. As a member-owned financial institution, every business decision we make is meant to benefit our members, and these are the types of conversations we have always had at all of our branches.”
Sherwood helped the credit union win the Burnaby Business Excellence Award in the community spirit category last year with her involvement in the South Burnaby community, according to Comin, and looks forward to playing a new role in her own community, the Heights. “We chose to open a branch in the Heights in order to be closer to our members that live and work here and to offer our brand of personalized and practical financial services,” Peter Unadkat, regional manager of the Burnaby - New Westminster region for the credit union, said in the emailed statement. G&F Financial has more than 26,000 members at its 12 branches throughout the Lower Mainland.
CONTRIBUTED/BURNABY NOW
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Party in the Heights: Burnaby Coun. Pietro Calendino (left) and crooner Michael Bublé at the ribbon cutting ceremony for G&F Financial Group’s new branch in the Heights on Sept. 29.
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/5%9(%9( ,8!!09%2& 691 /69#%9( +8(*2'*5 We’re here for you From day-to-day banking to practical financial advice, our branch managers are here to help with your finances. Visit our new North Burnaby Branch at 4191 Hastings – in the heart of the Heights – and talk to Branch Manager, Gill Sherwood. Check out the inviting decor and let the knowledgeable staff assist you with all your banking needs. Or, if you’re in the area, drop by our South Burnaby Branch at Kingsway and Edmonds and chat with Branch Manager, Peter Unadkat and his excellent team. With 12 convenient locations throughout the Lower Mainland, visit a branch near you to find out about our great rates, great service and great people.
G&F Financial Group – your neighbourhood credit union.
604.419.8888 www.GFFG.com