By Alex Ginsberg
Hundreds of area residents in need of better banking options – or just seeking some fun – turned out for the grand opening of the new Commerce Bank branch at 80th Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village Saturday afternoon.
A disc jockey spun favorites such as “Louie Louie” and “YMCA” as customers danced and helped themselves to free hot dogs, cheese steaks and Italian subs. A juggler tossed rings in the air as a woman on stilts circulated through the crowd. Children lined up to have their faces painted, even as their parents lined up to open checking accounts, savings accounts and CDs.
“Business is phenomenal,” said Susan Gatti, a career development officer with Commerce helping out for the grand opening. She said CDs were attracting the most interest so far.
A choice of one of six free gifts was being offered to customers starting new accounts, and Gatti said the George Foreman grill was the most popular. The other gifts from which customers could choose included an alarm clock radio, a bathroom scale, an umbrella, a handheld vacuum cleaner or a sports bag.
Valerie and Sal Tuminello, Middle Village residents who were waiting to sign up for savings and checking accounts, said they were attracted to Commerce by a friend who recommended it.
But they also said convenience was a major factor.
“Definitely the hours are great,” Valerie said, adding quickly, “I don't know about the people that have to work here!”
Commerce Bank branches are open seven days a week, with banking hours extending as late as 8 p.m. on some days, said Jack Rainey, a vice president with the company.
Rainey said the branch's opening provided about 30 jobs. Nearly all those positions were filled by borough residents, starting with the branch manager herself, Rosedale resident Linda Latorre.
Bob Holden, president of Middle Village's Juniper Park Civic Association, praised the opening as an enhancement for the neighborhood.
“It's a nice bank,” he said. “Good location. I like the fact that it has parking.”
Middle Village, like so many Queens communities, is strapped for parking space, and the bustling corner of 80th Street and Metropolitan Avenue is often clogged with consumer traffic.
According to Rainey, every Commerce branch is located on a street corner or in a free-standing structure to enhance accessibility.
Still, Holden said with the Commerce opening, the area now had enough banks.
“We hope that they won't put any more in,” he said. “We need more food stores.”
Commerce has one other branch in Queens, located in Astoria at 31-04 Ditmars Blvd. Rainey attributed the success of the fast-growing company to its emphasis on customer service and hiring quality employees.
“You hire well, you train well and you retrain.”
Reach reporter Alex Ginsberg by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 157.
