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BERRIEN SPRINGS — As an essential service and community partner, Honor Credit Union has remained open and committed to taking care of its team and members by adhering to governmental guidelines and best practices throughout the public health crisis, according to representatives.

Now, as communities begin to gradually reopen, rebuild and reset together, the credit union is also beginning its reopening process.

Utilizing a phased approach, it began welcoming members back into our lobby on May 18, in Allegan, Buchanan, Decatur and Gwinn. The member centers in the second phase to opened Tuesday. Those include: Coloma, Urbandale. Plainwell. Berrien Springs and Stevensville.

“We plan to open the lobbies of additional Honor locations in the coming weeks once all necessary controls are in place to protect Team Honor, our members and the community,” said Halee Niemi, brand coordinator.

As additional locations reopen, impacted members can expect to receive updates through email and online channels.

Honor’s phased reopening plan is designed to ensure that our teams can continue to monitor public health recommendations, implement engineering guidelines, and utilize protective equipment. This plan, which is subject to change, allows Honor to remain flexible while reopening additional member centers over the coming weeks.

Safety precautions in place

To ensure the safety of all parties, members can expect to see the following precautionary measures in place during their next visit:

• Sneeze guards –Plexiglass barriers will be installed at teller windows and most member specialist offices.
• Masks/face coverings – The “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order requires face coverings to be worn in all enclosed public spaces. Honor employees will be wearing face coverings at all times when social distancing cannot occur.
• Social distancing – Use the floor markings to maintain at least six feet apart from others while inside.
• Occupancy limits – Honor is asking that customers ask limit themselves to only the person(s) necessary to perform the transaction. The credit union reserves the right to limit the lobby occupancy if needed.

While the plan includes a phased approach to eventually open all member center lobbies, customers can continue to use drive-thrus, ATMs and digital channels (online banking, mobile app, and mobile check deposit) to safely manage money from a distance. The Virtual Member Center will continue to be available by phone at (800) 442-2800 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

“While most account needs can be handled remotely, we know sometimes it’s easier to stop in and work with an Honor team member in-person. We are now offering a new option for members to reserve an appointment online,” Niemi said.

Some of the most popular items to book an appointment for include:

• Account maintenance
• Applying for a loan
• Notary/signature guarantee
• Open additional accounts
• Wire transfers and more

Appointments can be booked for up to 60 days in advance. For basic teller transactions (check and cash deposits), appointments are not needed at any time.

“The safety of our team, our members, and our communities remains our top priority,” said Scott McFarland, Honor’s CEO. “As our communities begin to reopen, rebuild and reset, we are confident that reopening our member center lobbies using a phased approach will help create a safe environment for everyone. We look forward to seeing our members in person while practicing social distancing and taking all necessary precautions. We’re here for you, and we can and want to help. Let us know how we can serve your specific needs during this time of transition. Thanks for being a member.”

As Honor’s member center lobbies reopen to serve members, they will do so under the following business hours.

Lobby hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Drive-thru hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed