A new second branch of Cranston Municipal Employees (CME) Credit Union held its groundbreaking ceremony on July 15. Construction will begin by the end of July with an anticipated completion date of February 2025. The new facility will be at 1224 Oaklawn Ave. in Cranston, next to Haruki Japanese Restaurant and across the street from the Washington Trust Bank.

The site used to be home to Miss Cranston Diner, which moved down the street to 1150 Oaklawn Ave. after an irreparably damaging fire in 2014.

CME Credit Union is a not-for-profit, Rhode Island-based company founded in 1946 by a group of Cranston City workers. Today, CME Credit Union serves all of Rhode Island, Connecticut and southern Massachusetts.

Notable attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony included Mayor Ken Hopkins, Councilman Daniel Wall (Ward 6), Councilman Richard Campopiano (Ward 4), Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli and CME Credit Union President & CEO Brian Ducharme. Representatives from Pariseault Builders included Seth LaPlante, business unit director, and Carlos Gutierrez, senior project manager.

It was a hot Monday night for the groundbreaking ceremony, but Joyce Bouchard with the Kona Ice truck made sure that everyone was able to cool off.

“Cranston has not lost its mojo,” said Mayor Hopkins at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are continuing to expand.”

This new retail banking center is a part of CME Credit Union’s growth initiative that aims to expand their presence within the community. According to a press release from CME Credit Union, the new facility will “feature today’s most innovative retail banking design, delivering to our members an enriched experience.”

“They are an established institution and we’re glad to have them,” said Councilman Wall. “They’re going to be good for the neighborhood. They’ll be a good neighbor.”

CME Credit Union announced its selection of Pariseault Builders as the general contractor for the construction of its newest retail banking center. Pariseault Builders is another Rhode Island company with its offices in Cranston, and is a fourth generation family-owned business.

“We are thrilled to partner with Pariseault Builders on this important growth initiative,” said CME Credit Union President/CEO Ducharme. “Their expertise, attention to detail and track record of success align perfectly with our vision for this new branch.”

“We understand the importance of this new branch to the community and are committed to delivering a facility that not only meets but surpasses expectations,” said Brian Casey, president of Pariseault Builders. “We look forward to bringing our expertise to bear in bringing this vision to life.”