July 15, 2008 — It's not quite as homey as the old 600-square-foot office, but FirstBank's new state-of-the-art branch in Red Hook is rolling out the green carpet to its East End customers.
FirstBank is one of the first occupants of the new East End Plaza, with the new branch directly across the street from the new ferry terminal. The bank has signed on for a five-year lease of the space.
FirstBank spent $1 million in construction costs on the new branch, according to Aurelio Aleman, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer for FirstBank.
With live steel-pan music, a catered breakfast and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, FirstBank's executive management treated customers to opening-day festivities. The new office will be led by Branch Manager Edith Blackman and Assistant Branch Manager Rose Peters.
FirstBank has 14 branches in the U.S. Virgin Islands and three in the British Virgin Islands.
The old branch in American Yacht Harbor was the smallest FirstBank office, according to Dacio Pasarell, FirstBank's chief operations officer. There were no spaces for private client-banker conversations, while the new branch boasts at least six glassed offices and a welcome island.
The goal of the design and décor is a feeling of simplicity, spaciousness and comfort, Pasarell said.
The welcome island is staffed by a greeter, and the job is not an introductory position, according to Pasarell.
"This is a critical position," Pasarell said. "It is high profile, and the greeter can also perform transactions."
The new facility has room for four tellers where the old branch could accommodate only two. The new branch also has more parking. The lot is gated with a computer-generated ticket, but the bank will provide a token to customers for two hours of free parking.
The new facility will also have extended banking hours, operating from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but is not open on Saturdays. The branch telephone number is 775-5650.
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