Santander Opens Newest Branch In The Bronx At Grand Concourse Plaza

BOSTON, Dec. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Santander Bank today announced the opening of its newest branch in the Bronx located on 220 East 161st Street ? the Bank's third branch in this community.  The Bank will hold a grand opening celebration this afternoon where Santander executives will officially open the branch and present checks totaling $12,000 to two local non-profit organizations ? the Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) and Bronx Works Inc.  The branch at Grand Concourse Plaza is one of the 10 new retail branches Santander has committed to opening in low- to moderate-income communities and communities of color as part of its "Inclusive Communities" plan, which outlines the Bank's five-year, $11 billion commitment to lending and community development across its northeastern U.S. footprint.

"Santander knows how important it is to contribute to our communities and invest in the people and organizations that make up the neighborhoods where we live and work," said Elsie Leon-Cruz, region president for Santander's Metro New York/Northern New Jersey region. "To improve financial futures of residents in underserved areas, banks need to be easily accessible and convenient with approachable team members who are personally connected to the community." She added, "With three branches now open in the Bronx, Santander is well positioned to be the bank of choice for local residents and businesses looking for personalized financial guidance and attention from a company that is also committed to giving back to the community."

The Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development organization founded on the idea that all people deserve healthy, vibrant communities. The $2,000 grant from Santander will support the organization's Bronx Cook Space program, which provides commercial kitchen space and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs launch small food businesses.  Santander team members continue to volunteer their time at Bronx Cook Space, offering their financial know-how to support local small business owners.

Bronx Works Inc. helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being and made a difference in the lives of over 45,000 Bronx residents in the past year. From toddlers to seniors, Bronx Works feeds, shelters, teaches, and supports its neighbors to build a stronger community. Santander's $10,000 grant will help support the organization's successful community-based programs.

Santander's new East 161st Street branch features a modern interior design aimed at improving the customer experience with a welcoming, open layout, several meeting spaces and a comfortable meeting "nook" where customers can meet privately with our bankers to discuss their financial needs. The branch also has a "help bar" that provides a casual gathering area for waiting and quick conversations. A 24-hour zone with two full service ATMs is also available at the branch for customer use after bank hours.

"I welcome Santander Bank opening another new branch in our great borough, providing quality banking and financial services to our neighborhoods," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "We live in a fast-paced world, and access to banking institutions has become more important than ever. Santander Bank has a great reputation of emphasizing the importance of personal banking and promoting local economic development, which is why I am grateful that they continue to expand their presence throughout The Bronx and welcome them to our borough's business community."

The branch manager and her team are available Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist existing customers as well as those who would like to learn more about Santander's products and services.

Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the country's largest retail and commercial banks with more than $79 billion in assets. With its corporate offices in Boston, the Bank's 9,700 employees, more than 650 branches, 2,100 ATMs and 2.1 million customers are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) - one of the most respected banking groups in the world with more than 125 million customers in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. It is managed by Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Banco Santander's intermediate holding company in the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com. 

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Nancy Orlando
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SOURCE Santander Bank