DURANGO, Colo.–Sunward FCU has crossed state lines to open its first branch in Colorado.

The Alburquerque, N.M.-based Sunward, which was formerly known as Sandia Laboratory FCU, plans to host a grand opening celebration on May 30, but reported its office at 22 Town Plaza is now open.

Hill Martinez-Uribe, Durango branch manager, told the Durango Herald the $4.2-billion Sunward was already serving the Four Corners region from its office in Farmington, N.M., and the expansion into the Durango market made sense.

“Durango seems like such a perfect fit for our brand of community-first, personalized banking,” she said. “It’s such a thriving, vibrant community and we wanted to be a part of it.”

Exploring Community Partnerships

Adding that community is important to the credit union, Martinez-Urbe said the credit union is exploring partnership with Fort Lewis College, the Durango Chamber of Commerce and small businesses

Sunward FCU is offering a promotion with a sign-on bonus of up to $225 for new members who open their first checking and savings accounts with credit union, as well as a referral bonus.

The credit union has approximately 168,000 members.