BLAINE, Minn. (October 1, 2025) – Ideal Credit Union broke ground on a new full-service branch near the city of Blaine’s redevelopment district. Leaders from Ideal Credit Union, the city, and community partners gathered today to celebrate the beginning of the project construction.

Ideal Credit Union’s Blaine branch will be located at the corner of Lexington and 109th Avenue at 10777 Austin Street Northeast. The area is near Blaine’s transformational redevelopment project, which is underway to connect key destinations, including the National Sports Center and TPC Twin Cities Golf Course, to a vibrant, walkable central business district in the heart of the community.

“When we open in Blaine in 2026, we’ll also be celebrating 100 years of helping members Live their Ideal Life,” said CEO Brian Sherrick. “This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction — it marks our ongoing commitment to financial empowerment, strong relationships, and deeper community connections.”

Ideal’s Blaine branch will offer cutting-edge digital banking and award-winning, personalized service — all with the not-for-profit mission of delivering more value through lower costs and better rates. The expansion also positions Ideal to better serve a rapidly growing community.

“Blaine is growing fast, and we’re excited to grow with it,” said Alisha Johnson, Chief Growth Officer. “This location brings convenience to our members and opens the door to new business partnerships.”

To celebrate the groundbreaking, Ideal Credit Union presented a $1,000 donation to Hope for the Community, a nonprofit organization that operates the food shelf program in Blaine. This donation will help feed approximately 200 families and provide 6,000 pounds of food, supporting Hope for the Community’s mission to address food insecurity.

Pictured left to right: Tom Shamp (Carlson LaVine), Josh Longo (HTG Architects), Sean Raboin (HTG Architects), Kelsey Jarrett (HTG Architects), Amara Mackey (Ideal Credit Union), Steve Plienis (Carlson LaVine), Jay Hall (Ideal Credit Union), Ben Deziel (Carlson LaVine), Brian Sherrick (Ideal Credit Union), Scott Sonnek (Ideal Credit Union), Emily Kelly (Ideal Credit Union), Rick Blood (Ideal Credit Union), Alisha Johnson (Ideal Credit Union), Lisa Liddell (Ideal Credit Union, Board), Faith Tholkes (Ideal Credit Union), Jess Plienis (Carlson LaVine), Pastor Al Goracke (Hope for the Community Food Shelf), Jane Hennen (Ideal Credit Union)

About Ideal Credit Union: Founded in 1926, Ideal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative committed to delivering personalized financial solutions to its members, employees, and community. Offering everything from digital banking and savings to loans, mortgages, and business services, Ideal CU combines tradition with innovation. Branches are located in Eagan, Hugo, Inver Grove Heights, North St. Paul, Stillwater, Woodbury and Blaine (opening 2026).