Bank is an historic landmark

The Kew Gardens Hills branch of Queens County Savings Bank celebrated the honor of being recognized as a historic place by state and national agencies.
Local politicians, community representatives and employees of the bank commemorated the designation, which occurred last year, with a ceremony at the Kew Gardens branch on Wednesday, October 18.
The branch, which was built in 1954 to resemble Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is currently the only structure in Community Board 8 on the state and national registers of historic places.
In addition to commemorating the bank as a historic landmark, those in attendance honored President and CEO of New York Community Bank, the parent company of Queens County Savings Bank, Joseph Ficalora, for his accomplishments with the bank as well as his commitment to the Queens Community.
&#8220Not only is Joe Ficalora a gifted banker, but he is also a civic activist in the borough of Queens,” said former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, who introduced Ficalora at the event.
Currently, Ficalora is a member of the Board of Directors of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and he has been a member of its Executive Committee since April 1992.
In addition, Ficalora serves as a board member for the Queens College Foundation, Queens Public Library Board of Trustees, Queensborough Community College Fund and New York Hall of Science among other institutions around the borough.
&#8220When you see a civic organization you see Joe Ficalora's name,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, who, along with City Councilmember James Gennaro and Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn presented proclamations to Ficalora during the ceremony.
Ficalora spoke about the emphasis that his banks place on knowing their customers and getting involved working with them to improve the community.
Currently, the branch is offering tours for schoolchildren as well as special programs that allow them to open bank accounts in order to prepare them for the future.
&#8220I am very pleased that people that work in this branch continue to do community work,” Ficalora said.
For more information about the Kew Gardens Queens County Savings Bank or programs they offer, contact branch manager Ronna Katz at 718-268-6801.