Bethpage Federal Credit Union opens in Long Beach

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, a major supporter of the city’s Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, opened its first branch in Long Beach this week.

Bethpage — New York’s largest credit union — is the first credit union to open in the city. City officials, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Bethpage President and CEO Kirk Kordeleski, and other Bethpage executives held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at the new branch, at 26 W. Park Ave., directly across the street from the Long Island Rail Road station. The branch will have six full-time employees, two part-time employees, and offer bilingual services.

“Bethpage’s unwavering support of our unique seaside community greatly helped get our feet off the ground during a time of uncertainty, and then continued for many months following,” City Council President Scott Mandel said. “They are a true community partner, and I look forward to implementing many successful initiatives together.”

Bethpage was the first Long Island business to partner with the city for last year’s “Open for Business” advertising campaign, featuring Billy Crystal, an effort to attract visitors to town in the aftermath of Sandy for the summer season. Bethpage donations also paid for the holiday lights on the boardwalk over the winter, an initiative to help draw business to the city in its slower months. On Tuesday, Bethpage announced it would continue to support community-based activities in the city with a $60,000 grant this year, bringing its total contribution to the city to $120,000.

Also as part of its partnership, and exclusive to the Long Beach community, Bethpage said that for every new checking account with full direct deposit opened at the new branch, it will donate $50 to the city’s Long Beach Relief Fund, and $50 to the new member. Members can also show off their Long Beach pride by applying for a commemorative Long Beach debit card, which will also raise funds for the Long Beach Relief Fund.

“We have worked very closely with city officials over the past year and a half on Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, partnering with the local government, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in Long Beach,” Kordeleski said. “We are proud to be part of the Long Beach community and to bring our special type of financial services into your city.”