BETHPAGE, N.Y. – Bethpage FCU opened its 25th branch Monday in the community of Patchogue Village as part of an expansion in Suffolk County to better serve minorities, including Latino Long Islanders.
The $4.3-billion credit union called the opening as part of an “aggressive Suffolk County expansion,” including efforts to serve minority populations. The branch, Bethpage’s 11th in Suffolk, includes Spanish speaking staff.
Bethpage described the opening as part of the Village of Patchogue’s revitalization, including businesses, government, and arts and entertainment entities.
Bethpage in 2008 began a push to win over Latino Long Islanders, working with focus groups to better understand how to appeal and serve that community, which has been growing in the region. Since then, the credit union has expanded into various other regions, including some that it believes are underserved and often overlooked by financial institutions. The credit union two years ago opened a branch in Roosevelt, the first time a financial institution opened a branch in that location in 20 years.
As part of its expansion, Bethpage also plans to open a branch in West Babylon later this year, seeking to reach across the region that its federal community charter allows it to serve.
