Santander Bank Expands Its Presence In The Bronx

Opens Second Branch at 389 East 149th Street & Presents Donations Totaling $12,000 to Two Community Non-Profit Organizations

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Santander Bank, N.A.

Mar 23, 2017, 13:34 ET

BOSTON, March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Santander Bank today announced the opening of its newest branch in the Bronx located on 389 East 149th Street – the Bank's second branch in this community. The Bank held a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting yesterday evening where Santander executives presented checks totaling $12,000 to two local non-profit organizations – South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO) and Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School.

"This new branch gives us the opportunity to extend our reach in the Bronx and help more area residents and business owners meet their financial goals," said Elsie Leon-Cruz, region president for Santander's Metro New York/Northern New Jersey region. "By supporting non-profit organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors, we are contributing to the economic health and well-being of our local communities."

SoBRO strengthens businesses and creates innovative economic, housing, educational and career development programs for youth and adults in the South Bronx. The $10,000 grant from Santander will support the organization's projects and programs, including its Minority Business Center that offers business development services to Minority Business Enterprises.

The Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School prepares students for college and provides training for employment in the automotive, pre-engineering, or building trades. Santander's $2,000 grant will fund the annual community auto show that highlights the school, its programs and the students' accomplishments.

Leon-Cruz added, "From investing in the people and businesses in the Bronx to encouraging academic excellence and preparing students for success after they graduate, SoBRO and the Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School share Santander's commitment to investing in the future of our communities."

Santander's East 149th Street branch features a modern interior design aimed at improving the customer experience with an open layout and comfortable meeting "nooks" 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 deposit-taking ATMs is also available at the branch for customer use after bank hours.

"Bronxites are always looking for new banking options, and we welcome Santander Bank to the South Bronx and congratulate them on the opening of this new branch. Great things are happening in our borough, and my office looks forward to working with Santander Bank as we continue the positive redevelopment of this wonderful borough," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

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 top retail and commercial banks by deposits and a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. - one of the most respected banking groups in the world. With its corporate offices in Boston, Santander Bank's more than 675 branches and nearly 2,100 ATMs are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Bank's 9,500 employees are committed to helping our 2.1 million customers make progress toward their financial goals with the support of our call centers, interactive online banking platform and easy-to-use mobile app. Madrid-based Banco Santander (NYSE: SAN) serves more than 125 million customers in the U.K., Europe, Latin America and the U.S. Through its local affiliates, including Santander Bank, Banco Santander is the largest corporate contributor to higher education in the world, investing over $165 million annually in colleges and universities across more than 20 countries, including the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com.