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SUNCOAST SCHOOLS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF NEW CALL
6th October 2005	Back

TAMPA, Fla. (October 6, 2005)-Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union (Suncoast Schools FCU), the largest credit union in Florida and the seventh largest in the United States, announces the opening of its new call center, called the Members Contact Center, in eastern Tampa, FL.

The Members Contact Center, roughly the size of a football field at 41,500 square-feet, serves the credit union's 390,000 members, accommodates 120 current and recently hired associates, and has the capacity to employ up to
350 associates.

"As we continue to grow we are determined to provide quality service to our members, and to be efficient and available to communicate with each of them," said Tom Dorety, President and CEO. "Our new facility will benefit
all of the communities in which we operate as well as our home-base of Tampa."

The $13.7-million project is estimated to provide an economic impact of $37.6-million in the East Hillsborough county area in its first year of operation, according to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Suncoast Schools FCU opened its original call center in 1993 with 12 employees servicing members only on the telephone. Today, the Members Contact Center handles an average of 8,000 calls and more than 750 e-mails
daily.

The new facility has been designed and built with numerous considerations for work environment, technology and ergonomic comfort.

Blue-glazed windows line the exterior of the three-level building, providing natural light to reduce eyestrain and to conserve energy. Photocell sensors throughout the building control light levels, and an energy efficient heating ventilation and air conditioning system has been installed beneath the floor to reduce the use of energy and provide consistent room temperature for employee comfort. The raised flooring conceals all wiring for the building as well.

The project, which totals more than 119,000-square-feet, including the two parking garage levels, was awarded to Beck Construction and Holmes Hepner & Associates Architects. The ground-breaking occurred in September 2004.

"This is not a typical design for a commercial call center facility," said Chuck Hoppe, Beck Director of Business Development. "The blue color glazing of the Suncoast Schools FCU offers modern design and provides a very open
and bright atmosphere for the credit union's employees. This center is truly a 'state-of-the-art' facility with a 'state-of-the-art' architectural design for a 'state-of-the-art' customer."

NOTES TO EDITORS: Images are available upon request, including exterior renderings, interior design shots and headshots. Interviews with President and CEO Tom Dorety can be scheduled at your request. Contact Natalie Citarella for images or interviews at: (813) 961-8388 or ncitarella@brockcomm.com.

Suncoast Schools FCU, chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, serves more than 390,000 members and operates 41 full-service branches in the following Florida counties: Levy, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Hardee, Desoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry and Collier. With assets of $4.8 billion, Suncoast Schools FCU is the largest credit union in the state of Florida and the 7th largest in the United States. For more information visit: www.suncoastfcu.org.


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