32 The Queens Courier • business • MAY 22, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com business (continued from page 30) provides after-school services and job services.” Ficalora encourages Queens residents to think of the library as a place where people come to advance and occupy themselves, rather than just a place to come and get books. “We get accolades for the services that this library provides, yet it can’t provide services to the people of Queens without proper funding,” notes Ficalora. “And that’s where banking and local business come into play.” As a part of NYCB’s core mission to help provide services that foster the development of the communities where it has a presence, the organization’s leaders are always seeking to learn. “We’re focused on becoming more familiar with the diverse needs of the communities we serve,” says Ficalora. For examples, Ficalora cites Atlantic Bank, which today serves many members of Queens’ Greek community. “The organization is an important fixture in the Greek community,” he explains. We have members of the board and management in place who understand the needs of this community. Looking toward the future, Ficalora says that NYCB plans to enhance its technical capacity and physical presence in the Queens community. By continuing to grow and actively reach out to the people of Queens, NYCB will be better able to provide them with the services they need. “Our goal is always to be familiar with the diverse needs of the community,” says Ficalora. “I’m not the only person in this organization with strong ties to the borough. As often as possible, the employees at all of our branches come from the communities they serve, which is a real testament to our community based roots.”
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