Bethpage Federal Credit Union Launches Expanded Partnership With Long Island GLBT Services Network

April 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Bethpage, NY – April 17, 2012.  As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, Bethpage Federal Credit Union (Bethpage), New York State’s largest credit union, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its partnership with the Long Island GLBT Services Network (Network), the fifth largest GLBT community service group in the nation.  The new Affinity Program will provide the Network’s tens of thousands of constituents the opportunity to be part of community credit union that has been a partner to and supporter of the Network.

To kick off the launch of the Affinity Program – and as part of its everyday practice of ‘giving back to the community’ – Bethpage will donate $50 to the Network every time a new member makes a full direct deposit … plus that member will also receive $50.  Bethpage is also offering the opportunity to order a co-branded credit card and checks to all Network members and employees when they open a new account or apply for a credit card at Bethpage.  As part of the launch of the Affinity Program, Bethpage has also sponsored the Network’s new “Community Room” at the Garden City facility and has also installed ATMs at the Network’s two community centers – in Bay Shore and Garden City.  

Notes Long Island GLBT Services Network Chief Executive Officer David Kilmnick, “The Long Island GLBT Services Network has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Bethpage Federal Credit Union for many years, with Bethpage continually sponsoring many of our annual events.   We are pleased to make this new Affinity Program available to our members, as both the member and the Network will benefit.  While many of these types of partnerships occur on a national level, our partnership is local – a local financial institution’s positive relationship with a local community organization.  The effect this relationship will have on the lives of thousands of Long Islanders is tremendous.”

“Bethpage is pleased to partner with the Long Island GLBT Services Network with this latest initiative and looks forward to offering a host of banking services to its members,” noted Bethpage Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy Linda Armyn.   “Bethpage has had an ongoing relationship with the Long Island GLBT Services Network, having sponsored its Annual Gala, Prom, Business EXPO, Pride Parade and it’s new Community Room at the Garden City facility.  They are a valued member of the Bethpage family. ”  

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing solely to serve its members and has experienced rapid growth in recent years to become a strong alternative to banks.  Bethpage was approved for the largest federal community charter in the U.S. in 2003 and now is Long Island's largest credit union and leading community financial institution with over 196,000 members, 26 branches and 60 shared service center locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.   As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers better rates, lower fees and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services.

Bethpage maintains branch locations in Bay Shore, Bay Shore King Kullen, Bethpage, Central Islip, Commack King Kullen, Elmont, Farmingdale, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown King Kullen, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Melville, Mineola, North Babylon, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Seaford, Smithtown, Roosevelt, West Babylon and Westbury with over 350 surcharge-free ATMs in King Kullen, 7-Eleven, Walgreens and Costco locations throughout Long Island.  For more information, call 1-800-628-7070 or visit www.bethpagefcu.com.

About Long Island GLBT Services Network
The Long Island GLBT Services Network is an association of five non-profit organizations serving Long Island’s GLBT community, including Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), the Long Island GLBT Community Center (The Center), Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders – Long Island (SAGE-LI), the East End Gay Organization (EEGO) and Equality Long Island (EQLI).  Together, each organization works to end homophobia on Long Island, to provide a home and safe space for the GLBT community and to advocate for equality.  For more information, visit www.liglbtnetwork.org.