First Niagara Signs On As Sponsor Of St. Patrick's Day Parade

First Niagara Bank hasn’t been in Rockland long, but has already taken steps to cement itself as a company that works closely with local businesses and others in the community.

On Tuesday at First Niagara’s Nyack branch, the bank donated $5,000 to the local Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and will serve as a main sponsor of the 51st Annual Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17 in Pearl River.

“We’ve been trying to get involved with the community in our first year here,” said Pearl River Branch Manager Ada Myteberi-Ferreira. “The buzz on the street was all about how important this event is to the community and all the local businesses nearby, and we wanted to be a part of that. We hope this can be a yearly tradition.”

Myteberi-Ferreira, along with First Niagara Commercial Market Executive Sara Tucker, First Niagara Retail Banking Director John Golding and First Niagara Vice President/Area Manager Louis Hoxha presented the check to President of the Rockland County AOH Vincent Tyer.

Last year, First Niagara purchased nine HSBC locations in Rockland, with the Nyack branch opening in May and the Pearl River branch opening in June. Since coming to Rockland, First Niagara has worked with a variety of organizations, including People to People, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County and Keep Rockland Beautiful. The bank also sponsors the Rockland Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Center.

“We’re trying to be a good neighbor and corporate citizens,” Tucker said. “Part of First Niagara’s philosophy is to be part of the local community, and we saw how important this event is the community, so we wanted to show our support.”

The bank will also have some activities outside of the Pearl River location the day of the parade, including some facepainting and some giveaways. The 51st Annual Rockland County St. Patrick’s Parade is Sunday March 17th in Pearl River.