Bensonhurst
Standing O welcomes Empire State Bank to Bensonhurst, the home of its newest Kings County branch, at 18th Avenue and 70th Street. The bank’s commitment to the community, customer service, and technological innovation will help it serve the nabe’s residents, according to its chief executive officer.
“Empire Bank is dedicated to the community,” said Philip Guarnieri. “While most banks focus on technology and convenience, we believe in implementing technology in combination with personal service to connect with our neighbors and support our community.”
The branch opened in September, but the bankers took a break from crunching numbers to celebrate the opening with an Oct. 30 grand opening party — complete with a ribbon cutting — with local political luminaries, including Borough President Adams and state Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge).
To celebrate their arrival in the nabe, bank reps donated $2,000 total to two local organizations, the borough’s chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, and the Ben Bay Kiwanis Foundation. Guests enjoyed a Chinese Lion Dance — complete with a drum, gong, and cymbals — followed by a ceremonial blessing where team members fed the lions red envelopes for good luck to honor the nabe’s Asian community.
Best wishes for Empire State Bank at its new home.
Empire State Bank (6923 18th Ave. at 70th St. in Bensonhurst).
— Julianne McShane
