When I received the call from Flagstar Bank announcing that they were open for business, I realized that I had not even considered covering banks in the new business space in the Gazette. I thought about why that was, especially considering that most of the new businesses that will be opening soon are banks. I think it is because a bank is a bank - everyone already knows what's inside.

I was surprised when I entered Flagstar. It doesn't look like a bank at all. There are no counters, no money drawers, no tellers, and no bulletproof glass. "This is not traditional banking," explained branch manager Bret Henderson. "It is something people should stop in and see."

I asked Bret to show me around. In the main lobby there is a help kiosk, three customer service desks, some teller machines, and a snack area with donuts and coffee and a plasma TV on the wall. "During the playoffs," mentioned Bret, "we show the basketball games. That way you don't have to miss your game to do your banking."

Next, Bret showed me the Remote Teller stations. These reminded me of the Communicore reservation system at Walt Disney World's EPCOT. (I am a Disney geek and fully realize that no one but me remembers the Communicore system.)

The Remote Teller stations operate like a drive-thru lane, but in the bank lobby. There is a call button and a pneumatic tube system with the capsule where you put deposits and such. The really unusual part, (like having this inside isn't unusual) is the TV screen where the live teller appears. During my visit the live teller was Didier. "We just press this call button," demonstrated Bret. "In a minute Didier will appear. He is in the back with the money."

Sure enough, Didier appeared on the screen with a smile and a wave. "This system is a quick and efficient way to handle normal banking transactions," explained Bret. "Lots of customers like it, but some of our customers prefer sitting down with someone. That is why we have three customer service representatives here in the lobby."

The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is Friday, April 1 at 2pm. Many special deals are being offered, like $100 gift certificates to Staples if you open a business account and an extra 0.25% on CDs.

Grand Opening prizes will be awarded from Buffalo Wild Wings, Dick's Bodacious BBQ, Crackers, Krogers, and Cardinal Fitness. "We hope people will come in to see us," said Bret. "They can come hang out, get some coffee, and see what we are all about."