First National Bank Celebrates Grand Opening in East Meadow

East Meadow residents have a new place to handle their financial needs, as the First National Bank of Long Island at 1975 Hempstead Tpke. celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday night.

Local politicians, chamber of commerce members and people from the community celebrated what many hope is a step in the right direction for local businesses.

"In this economy, every opening of a new business is great," Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said. "Hopefully it's a sign that we're coming out of this egregious economy that we're living through."

The bank, which originally started in 1927 when farmers and businessmen were unsatisfied with the service of large New York City banks, now has 33 branches, and two more are being constructed in Point Lookout and Massapequa.

The construction took less than a year to complete, and it cost just over $600,000 to finish the East Meadow branch. The bank's assets amount to just under $1.7 billion.

"I'm still pinching myself," Assistant Bank Manager Millie Jones, a resident of East Meadow, said. "We weren't expected to have it finished so quickly."

Leg. Norma Gonsalves, R-East Meadow, says that the bank is going to be a positive asset for the community.

"I think it's definitely going to be a plus," Gonsalves said. "It really adds some character."

For Vittorio, the location was very appetizing for the bank.

"East Meadow is special because we have so many professionals in the area," Vittorio said. "It's the kind of community where we feel comfortable because we have a community bank philosophy."

For more on the First National Bank of Long Island, visit their website.