Commerce Bank Opens Branch With Donations

Celebrating the opening of Commerce Bank's newest Queens store (l. to r.) are: Steve Abel, Hillcrest branch manager, state Senator Frank Padavan, Captain Steve Cirabisi, 107th Police Precinct commander, Lisa Berton assistant branch manager, Carol Ann Foley, 107th Precinct Community Council president, Commerce Retail Market Manager Peter Sarantos, Sister Kathleen McKinney, principal, The Mary Louis Academy, Commerce Bank Regional Vice President Thomas Gilmartin, Denise Brewer, Pomonok School principal, and Alan Nossen, Commerce Bank senior retail market manager.

In keeping with Commerce Bank's long-time spirit of community support, the bank marked the opening of its newest Queens location with donations to several local nonprofit organizations. At the opening of the new Queens branch, located at Union Turnpike and 164th Street, Commerce Bank made a donation to The Mary Louis Academy, P.S. 200, the Pomonok School, and the 107th Police Precinct Community Council. Many local residents attended the grand opening celebration, which featured free refreshments, photos with the Easter Bunny and a $500 cash prize giveaway.

A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is another vital element of the Commerce philosophy. Overall, the Commerce Bank Corporate Giving Program has contributed more than $56 million- 4,900 contributions and $9 million in 2006 alone- to nonprofit organizations, helping improve the quality of life of the people living in the communities served by the bank. In 2006, Commerce donated 2 percent of its pre-tax income to beneficiaries- well above corporate America's average of 1 percent, according to the Giving USA Foundation 2006 annual report on philanthropy. Commerce Bank provides financial and other support to educational, community, human service, arts, and healthrelated programs, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.