Great Southern Bank to debut first Express branch in Springfield

Great Southern Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: GSBC) has a new branch concept called the Express Center, and construction is underway on the first.

Kelly Polonus, vice president and chief communications and marketing officer for Great Southern Bank, said the branch at 1615 W. Sunshine St. is scheduled to open in the third quarter. An existing location at the site was razed last month.

She said the center is designed for drive-up customer activity, with four lanes.

"Video remote tellers offer an ATM-like interface but with the enhancement of a video screen that allows customers to speak directly to a service representative in real time and in a highly personal manner," Polonus said via email. "Nearly any teller transaction that can be performed in the traditional drive-thru can be performed at an ITM, including cashing a check to the penny."

American Contracting Enterprise is serving as general contractor for the 3,800-square-foot Express Center designed by Hood-Rich Inc., she said.

At the Express branch, video remote tellers will be available 7 am.-7 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with ATM services open 24/7.

Great Southern Bank recently reported 2022 net income of roughly $76 million, a 1.8% increase from $74.6 million a year earlier, according to past reporting. The company had 92 branches at year’s end.

GSBC shares were trading at $58.49 as of 11:04 a.m., compared with a 52-week range of $50.30 to $64.16 per share.