APRIL 2017 Queens Business Dime Community Bank preserves the best of its past as it forges a cutting-edge future for customers BY HELEN KLEIN [email protected] The new Dime Community Bank is in many ways very much like the bank that has been established in Brooklyn for 153 years – with its laser focus on customer service and community engagement. But, with its simultaneous focus on state-of-the-art technology, this community commercial bank offers customers – both consumers and local business owners – so much more. And, yes, it all comes together as the bank strives to make money management – in all its aspects – easier for clients, whether in the commercial or retail banking aspects of the business. For Dime, the transformation – which began about three years ago – is from being a traditional thrift institution to becoming a full-service community commercial bank, a metamorphosis that is welcomed by many long-standing customers who now can get everything they need at the same bank. "We had a lot of demand from the businesspeople in the neighborhoods but hadn't been able to adequately serve their business accounts as we had their personal accounts," recalled Ken Mahon, Dime's President and CEO. "Now, we are going to be able to do both." For both commercial and retail customers, Mahon cited "a fourpronged approach – more loan products, more community engagement, training/development and technology investments." “There’s a bank on every corner,” he added. The changes Dime has made, he said, are meant to answer the question, “Why should I open an account at Dime?” For one thing, “We’re using technology to create a better experience for our customers,” explained Mahon. “People want convenience, they want choice, they want to do their transaction quickly, and go out and live their lives.” That’s why Dime recently unveiled two new branches – with more on the way – that reinvent banking for the 21st century and service customers who need to do their banking quickly, pleasantly and efficiently. At the new branches, one at 208 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, and one at 214 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, there is an “emphasis on technology,” said Dime’s Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer Bill Brown. While stressing that the new branches, “hopefully blend in and feel like part of the Brooklyn communities we serve,” Brown noted that both feature “unique design characteristics and effects that are visually appealing that look different from traditional bank builds.” Among their offerings are “the newest ATMs, self-service tablets and public wi-fi,” as well Dime Community Bank's new Park Slope branch. A Letter from the Publisher Welcome to the first issue of the revived Queens Business, a new monthly supplement in The Queens Courier dedicated to all things related to Queens business and real estate. Queens Business will feature stories about the dynamic local businesses that keep our borough strong; we’ll also tackle many of the different issues businesses face every day, from the time the doors open to when the last person checks out of the office. The monthly section will also highlight the achievements of business leaders across Queens and beyond, many of whom are very active in different charitable groups that improve the lives of countless individuals locally and nationally. In addition, Queens Business will also feature news about the ever-growing Queens real estate market and listings of various properties that are for sale. Most of all, Queens Business is about you. Whether you own a business or are looking to start one, or if you want to be in the know on how our borough is growing financially, this is the section you won’t want to miss. We’re always interested in great business stories about Queens, and if you have one to share, please call us at 718-224-5863, ext. 204, or email [email protected]. Victoria Schneps-Yunis Nominate your favorite real estate brokers! Page 5 LIC auto dealer still in high gear after 80 years Page 8 Get a leg-up on your construction career Page 13 >> See page 2 LIC auto dealer still in high gear after 80 years Page 6 Get a leg-up on your construction career Page 12
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