30 The Courier sun • business • october 17, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com business Flushing and Long Island City. Amalgamated sees itself as a community bank with the services of a large bank and it has products uniquely designed to give people affordable access to the banking system. Amalgamated Bank’s personal banking offerings include deposits, investments, online banking, and loans, including residential mortgages with low rates. The bank recently launched its mobile banking platform. Customers can now transfer money externally and send money from their Amalgamated Bank account to another person using their account number, email address, or cell phone number. In addition, the bank provides easy access to funds with over 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs, a prepaid card, remittance services, and a recently announced pilot Immigrant Bridge Loan Program. The bank announced the Immigrant Bridge Loan pilot program in August. Amalgamated Bank, in partnership with the NYC Economic Development Corporation and four non-profit program managers, promotes loans to immigrants looking for employment in lines of work they trained for and held in their home countries. Loans in amounts from $1,000 to $10,000 with an interest of 9.99% will help immigrants pay for the job training and re-certifications they need to advance their careers. Customers have the option of paying only interest for 12 months, and have up to four years to complete repayment. There are no penalties if customers complete payments of loans earlier than scheduled. “This type of innovation, in support of working people, is what makes Amalgamated Bank stand out from its peers. The only program similar to this one is in Manitoba, Canada,” Berg said. In addition to a wide array of personal banking products, Amalgamated has also expanded its business lending. Amalgamated Bank recently hired Stefanie Handsman as Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking. A Queens native, Handsman is active in the community as a volunteer for the Queens Botanical Garden and a member of the advisory council supporting the garden. In addition, Handsman has twice been recognized as one of the “Top Women in Queens.” (continued from cover) (continued on page 32) Jackson Heights Branch Manager Roxana Ramos (far left) and Flushing Branch Manager Luisa Gosman (2nd from right) respresented Amalgamated Bank at the Festival de las Flores.
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