Naveo Credit Union held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and cocktail reception on Nov. 20 to celebrate the reopening  of its renovated Somerville branch. Among those attending the ceremony were Cooperative Credit Union Association President Ronald McLean, Somerville City Councilor Will Mbah, Cambridge City Councilor Timothy Toomey Jr., current and former board members, local business owners and members of the community.

Rui Domingos, Naveo Credit Union’s CEO, said in a statement that the renovated branch provides members with a more comfortable space to conduct business. He added that the renovations concluded a long-term strategic plan that began with a field of membership change in 2006, the name change from Cambridge Portuguese Credit Union to Naveo in 2014 and renovations to the Cambridge branch in 2016.

Tina Mancini, chair of the Naveo Credit Union board, with retiring board member Maria Santos. Photo courtesy of Naveo Credit Union.

The renovated branch at 493 Somerville Ave. features a modern open-concept style branch with pods, cash recyclers and a coffee bar in the lobby. The new space offers an interactive, personalized approach to banking where members can sit in the lobby or stand beside a retail team member, rather than behind a glass.

“The removal of our traditional teller windows allows for a more personal way to greet our members, one that enhances their overall member experience,” Domingos said in the statement. “The implementation of new technology expedites transactions, allowing more time for staff to interact with our members. The new space has been well received by our members and has allowed us to become more visible to our neighbors and potential members in the community.”

Alfred Ricci, who was CEO of what was then known as the Cambridge Portuguese Credit Union when the Somerville branch opened 28 years ago, spoke at the reception. Recently retired board member Maria Santos received an award from Naveo’s board of directors to recognize her 20 years of service, including 10 as chairperson.