Madison, Wis.,-based CUNA Mutual Group announced Tuesday afternoon that it has pledged $100,000 over three years to the new six-screen theater that is being built in downtown Great Bend. One of Great Bend’s largest employers, CPI Qualified Plan Consultants was acquired by CUNA Mutual Group in 2009.
In making the $100,000 pledge, Steve Goldberg, CUNA Mutual Foundation executive director, said, “We look forward to the completion of this downtown project and the impact it will have on the community. CUNA Mutual Group is committed to investing where our employees live and work, and we are proud to contribute to improving the quality of Great Bend’s civic life.”
The new theater is being constructed at the southeast corner of Lakin and Kansas avenues. Plans call for a lobby with 26-foot ceilings, an expansive concession counter, six theaters with stadium seating and a community room that can be rented for events, parties and meetings.
“As a past president of Great Bend’s Association of Retail Merchants, I can tell you how important an active movie theater can be in driving traffic to the businesses in the area,” said Jon Prescott, CPI president. “The old Crest Theater was a tremendous draw to the downtown area in its day. We are pleased to lend our support to this worthy and worthwhile endeavor to improve the downtown and our entire community.”
“We are very grateful,” said Dennis Call, owner of Benefit Management Inc. and one of the project developers. “They are continuing to be good corporate citizens.”
In considering the contributions, Call said CUNA and CPI looked at ways to make Great Bend an inviting place to live. In the long run, it will benefit all employers by helping them to attract and keep good employees.”
In addition to this contribution, CUNA Mutual Group has also made significant investments in its Great Bend business operations. The company has invested in facilities, technology and business process improvements in Great Bend. Retirement Plan Services remains a key growth area for CUNA Mutual Group, and Great Bend employees will play an important role in the future success of this business.
CUNA Mutual Group insurance, retirement and investment products provide financial security and protection to credit unions and their members worldwide. CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company.
Call said they are still hoping to have the theater open by May 1, 2013.