Appeal
Valley Green Bank opened its doors to the South Philadelphia neighborhood with a festive ribbon cutting on June 7. Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, State Representative Jordan Harris and a myriad of customers, neighbors and civic and business leaders were all on hand to welcome Valley Green Bank’s 3rd branch to the corner of Broad and Tasker. The overall buzz throughout the event was the synergy of Valley Green Bank, one of the fastest-growing banks in the Delaware Valley, locating a branch in South Philly. “This was a no-brainer for us; our intention all along was to take advantage of the strength of this South Philly community,” commented Bob Marino, a South Philadelphia native and President of Valley Green Bank’s Delaware Valley region. “The potential is enormous,” echoed Jay Goldstein, President and CEO of Valley Green Bank, who continued, “This is an excellent market for us. We have had experienced South Philadelphia bankers doing great business in South Philly and we believe their success and the prospect for more growth will serve the community well”. In his remarks Mayor Nutter commented that, “Community banks are so vital to the revitalization of our neighborhoods. Valley Green Bank has been a real leader in that regard, lending
in Philadelphia throughout the financial downturn and playing a significant role in improving the economic climate in the City.” In the short time that Valley Green Bank has committed to be in South Philly, it has lent more than $20 million into the community before opening the branch. And, throughout the region, Valley Green Bank has lent more than half a billion dollars – helping small business start, grow, thrive – and hire employees. “Customers were turned off to the big banks. They wanted a local bank that knew them as people and not numbers. They wanted and expected exemplary customer service,” says Marino. “With our small business customers, we are able to make good solid loans. Why? We are experienced bankers who know and understand our customers. We are committed to their growth and success,” added Goldstein. South Philly natives Frank Pizzo, Valley Green Bank’s South Philly Branch Manager, and business developer Howard Briskin explain it this way. “Banking’s all about relationships - understanding the unique aspect of a business and becoming a trusted advisor. This bank takes relationship-building to the community, as well. We know how important it is to have a financial institution like Valley Green Bank totally committed to the neighborhood. We look forward to a long partnership with South Philly.” prh
Briskin greets Vince Catroppa (left) of Summit Real Estate who seems very pleased with the Bank’s ➧KhangHoward branch opening. ❚ 7 Mastery Charter School’s Thomas Campus keyboard musicians Alexander Siriphongphat, Lam, Ayanna Simmons, Nadir Williams & Paul Bowen with their proud teacher, Denisa Reichold.
❚ 8 WIP sports broadcaster and local celebrity, Anthony Gargano, shares his enthusiasm about Valley Green Bank’s opening with Richard Washington from The Washington Group & Joe Tomasetti. ❚ 9 Lender Jonathan Blahosky; South Philly branch manager Frank Pizzo; Bob Marino, President of the Delaware Valley Region; Elle Mele, Customer Service Representative & business developer Howard Briskin. ❚ 10 Adding to the excitement of the Ribbon Cutting were dynamic singers from the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). (L to R) Ashley Catanzaro, Tyler Pinder-Hudson, Tatiana Sykes & Isaiah Moregrass. ❚ 11 Lou Galdo, owner of Galdo’s Catering, chats it up with Valley Green Bank’s South Philly business developer Howard Briskin & Bank President Jay Goldstein. ❚ 12 Valley Green Bank’s South Philly branch Assistant Manager, Vicki Clemmer ❚ 13 Valley Green Bank’s President of the Delaware Valley Region Bob Marino & mother Elaine Marino. ❚ 14 Michael Giordano, President of Century 21 Forrester Real Estate, and Wanda & Richard Washington from The Washington Group, owner/builders, were all smiles with the convenience afforded them with the opening of Valley Green Bank’s South Philly branch. ❚ 15 Munish Narula (left), owner of the Tiffin Group with 2 restaurants in South Philly - Tashan and Tiffin Bistro - laughs it up with local celebrity/ WIP sportscaster Anthony Gargano while Lesley Seitchik, Valley Green Bank’s Director of Marketing, joins in the fun.
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