Brooklyn Chamber Announces First American International Bank as 1,800th Member

Bank Located on 8^th Avenue- Brooklyn Chinatown Latest to Join Fast-Growing Chamber of Commerce 

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce today announced that First American International Bank has become the 1,800th member to join the organization, whose membership has grown by 150% in the last two years.

“I am thrilled to announce that the First American International Bank has joined the Chamber,” said Chamber President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura. “Eight is a very lucky number in the Chinese community and we are lucky to be partnering with First American International Bank on a new initiative on – where else – 8th Avenue, as well as announce them as our Eight-teen hundredth member. The addition of this fantastic institution into the Chamber’s ranks is indicative of our efforts to broaden the Chamber’s membership beyond our traditional geographic base and work in communities across the borough. I want to thank our dynamic Board Chair Denise Arbesu, the entire board, our Ambassador Team, and our amazing staff for helping the Chamber reach this latest milestone.”

“When we announced our 1,700th member just a few weeks ago, I said I couldn’t wait until 1,800- and I am excited we are able to do it so quickly,” said Chamber Board Chair Denise Arbesu. “We are excited to have First American International Bank, with all of the services they provide to the growing Asian community in Brooklyn joining the Chamber. Thanks to the entire Chamber team for helping us achieve this remarkable milestone. I am looking forward to announcing our 2,000th member.”

“We are very proud to be joining the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce as its 1,800th member,” said Mark Ricca, President and CEO. “This year we are celebrating our 15th year anniversary from when we opened our headquarter branch on 8th Avenue in Brooklyn. Since then we have grown to eleven customer locations, with four located in Brooklyn, and the majority of our commercial and residential loans are made in Brooklyn. By joining the Chamber we hope to further our history of stimulating  economic growth and promoting investment and job creation, while serving the financial needs of all Brooklyn’s residents and businesses.”

In addition to joining the Chamber, First American International Bank is also partnering with the Chamber, Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Councilman Carlos Menchaca and the Brooklyn Community Improvement Association to sponsor a three-month street cleaning pilot program aimed at cleaning up 8th Ave-Chinatown and making it a destination for shoppers from across Brooklyn and New York. 

The pilot program calls for cleaning the street, street corner garbage cans. The cleaning will be three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“I’d like to congratulate the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and President Carlo Scissura on welcoming the First American International Bank as their 1,800th member,” said Assemblyman Peter Abbate. “Both the Brooklyn Chamber and First American International Bank have been instrumental in promoting the 8th Avenue-Chinatown business community. As we continue our partnership to invest in the area, through the clean-up and other initiatives, I know that 8th avenue will become Brooklyn’s premiere shopping destination.”

“I am thrilled that the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with community based organizations and elected officials, is working diligently to support the small business community in Sunset Park,” said Councilman Carlos Menchaca. “I congratulate them on their 1800th member, and congratulate the First American International Bank on joining a group of businesses that represent the entrepreneurial spirit of our borough. I look forward to working with the Chamber as they continue to connect businesses to the valuable services they provide.”

8th Ave-Chinatown is the latest neighborhood to fall under the Brooklyn Chamber’s growing portfolio known as the Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Program. NEP is currently active in nine areas – 13 Avenue in Dyker Heights, Fourth Avenue in Park Slope/Sunset Park, Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, South Williamsburg, North Crown Heights, Red Hook, Midwood and Sheepshead Bay – and works with local merchants and Business Improvement Districts to promote local businesses. 

The Brooklyn Chamber is also in the works of putting together a map highlighting local merchants which will be given to shoppers at various stores throughout 8th Ave-Chinatown. The shop local campaign is part of the newly-created “I Invest” Program, and will serve as a catalyst for economic development throughout the neighborhood.

The First American International Bank offers a full array of consumer and business banking products such as checking and saving account, certificate of deposits, commercial real estate loan, residential mortgage, home equity loan, credit card and letter of credit. Branch services include 7-day banking, ATM, safe deposit, domestic and international wire transfer and online banking for both consumers and businesses. It also offers a complete line of insurance and investment products. The Bank has multi-lingual and multi-dialect staff, and its customer materials are mostly written in both English and Chinese.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is the foremost resource for doing business in Brooklyn, respected as a leader in advancing public policy, new technologies, products, services and programs that support and promote a vibrant local economy. Its mission is to promote a healthy and robust business environment throughout Brooklyn. The chamber is the foremost economic development leader for the Borough of Brooklyn.

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