LAKEWOOD – Affinity One Federal Credit Union is expanding. Construction has begun on the credit union’s new branch location at 10 Sessions Ave. near the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and Southwestern Drive in Lakewood.

When the credit union opens in November, the new facility will provide full-service credit union services with two drive-through lanes, a full-service depository ATM and inside teller stations.

The credit union was originally founded in 1948 to serve the employees of MRC Bearings. In 2007, the name was changed to Affinity One FCU to reflect the credit union’s expansion to serve 14 employer groups as well as anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the lower half of Chautauqua County, as well as their family members and certain other household members.

Reflecting on the growth of the credit union, Melinda Best, CEO, said, “Our branch in Lakewood will allow us to better serve our membership at a location convenient to both the shopping centers and our members in the western suburbs. We are excited to take this next step as we continue to serve the needs of our diverse and growing membership.”

Affinity One FCU currently has 11 employees working out of its existing branch at 545 E. Second St., Jamestown.

The credit union expects to boost total employment to 15 with the opening of the Lakewood facility. Working on the project are several construction workers employed through Kinley Construction of Allegany, who has been selected as the general contractor for the project.

Affinity One FCU is a federally chartered financial institution chartered by the National Credit Union Administration which provides share insurance up to $250,000 per eligible account. The credit union has assets of over $32,100,000.