First Financial Credit Union broke ground Tuesday afternoon on its branch in Bernalillo.

FFCU has 16 additional branches throughout New Mexico with this being the first in Bernalillo. The newest branch will be at 165 E. Hwy. 550 in Bernalillo, (next door to Applebee’s on Camino Del Pueblo and HWY 550). Construction will begin in May and is expected to be complete by November.

“We are very excited to be able to offer our members a new location in the Bernalillo area to take care of their financial needs,” FFCU President and CEO Ron Moorehead said. “We are proud to be growing so we can bring our mission to more people and more families directly within the communities we are part of.”

The new sustainably sourced building will feature the latest innovative banking technology and offer members more choices and conveniences. The 1,900-square-foot branch will be a full-service financial institution with two drive-thru lanes and an additional ATM drive-thru lane. The lobby will have an open, welcoming environment for more personalized service. The branch will also have a lounge area, coffee bar and technology bar. Members who prefer to quickly and independently access advanced self-services can use the two Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) to perform banking transactions.

Moorehead stood in the center wearing a hard hat and holding a gold shovel for the groundbreaking. He was flanked on each side by FFCU employees and community leaders, including Bernalillo Mayor Jack Torres and Sandoval County Commissioner Katherine Bruch.

“First of all, thanks to Mayor Torres and our other esteemed guests today,” Moorehead said. “Bernalillo and north Rio Rancho have seen rather exponential growth over the last few years. First Financial actually has more branches outside of Albuquerque than any other credit union in the state, and we’re always thriving to provide the best and most complete financial services and resources for the people in New Mexico. So First Financial could not be more proud to introduce the branch here in Bernalillo.”