Press Releases

Columbia Credit Union Announces Redesigned Website

Vancouver, WA, May 6, 2004 - In an ongoing commitment to provide members with increased convenience, Columbia Credit Union launched its redesigned website this month at www.columbiacu.org. Designed and developed in partnership between Columbia Credit Union and Extractable, the new site is focused on improving member support and access to information. "Extractable' experience with web marketing strategy, information architecture, user interface design, and creative design was a perfect match for the direction we wanted our website to move toward," stated Bergen Peterson, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Columbia Credit Union. The new site strategy was developed through a detailed discovery process including management interviews, member feedback, competitive site audits and strategic development.

"On average we have over 4,000 unique site visitors each month. They're visiting for a purpose and looking to accomplish a task - whether it is to conduct business or to gather information that is of interest to them," adds Colleen Boccia, Vice President of Marketing. "It was important to us, and ultimately to our members and potential members, that they find what they needed quickly and easily. We believe we have delivered on that goal."

The website redesign has resulted in an improved navigational structure as well as a new layout that allows members to quickly see all the services offered by Columbia Credit Union and yet still allow a member to find what they need simply.

Some of the new design features include a more advanced search system, allowing members to find information quickly, a link to online banking on every page within the site, and a drop-down menu labeled "How can we help you?" that links viewers to popular pages, such as credit card access, loan applications, and rate pages. Online financial seminars registration, identity protection education and access to a gamut of educational resources on home buying, investments, insurance and individual retirement accounts can also be found in the new Education Center. Convenience was a top priority throughout the redesign and the site appears to have exceeded this goal. According to Boccia, " In the last year we have seen our online applications grow steadily. This desire for members to conduct business through the Internet continues to increase, and as a result we wanted our members to have the same conveniences through the website as they do in the branches."

About Columbia Credit Union
Established in 1952, Columbia currently serves one in three Clark County households with assets more than $619 million and 11 branch locations and is one of the largest credit unions in Washington State. With a 5-Star Bauer rating, Columbia Credit Union consistently ranks as a top financial performer in the nation. Individuals and businesses residing in the state of Washington are eligible for membership. To find account details and/or branch locations, visit Columbia at www.columbiacu.org.

About Extractable
Founded in 1999, Extractable is a leading website design and web systems development firm that helps companies leverage their online presence to gain real business advantage. From web strategy and design to system integration, Extractable provides end-to-end technology for top corporations. Recent Extractable clients include Visa International, PeopleSoft, AmerisourceBergen, and Technology Credit Union. More information is available at www.extractable.com.