Brooklyn's Progress
August 2003

By Independence Community Bank

Henry Ngai, First Vice President of Brooklyn-based Independence Community Bank has been named “Banker of the Year” by the New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC Business-New York).
The award, created in 1991 to honor a bank loan officer in New York State who has excelled in fostering and promoting small business development in partnership with NYBDC, was conferred by the organization’s board of directors at their annual meeting on June 18, 2003.

“I am grateful to receive this reward from NYBDC as this is a true testimony that the SBA 504 program works and promotes real jobs and economic activity,” said Henry Ngai. “It has been personally exciting for me to assist small businesses in getting access to the capital they need to grow.”

Mr. Ngai joined Independence Community Bank in 1998 as Vice President and Relationship Manager. In 2001 he was promoted to First Vice President and Team Leader for the Business Banking Division of Independence Community Bank. He is based in the Bank’s offices at 551 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. He graduated from New York University in 1985 with a B.S. degree in Finance.

“We are delighted to recognize Henry Ngai for this award,” said Robert W. Lazar, president and CEO of NYBDC. “He has demonstrated an exemplary record partnering with NYBDC to assist small businesses.” 

“Henry Ngai is a key member of the Independence Team and we all take pride in the honor bestowed on him by NYBDC,” said Alan Fishman, President and CEO of Independence Community Bank.

Independence Community Bank has played a vital role in the economic growth of the New York metropolitan region since it was established in 1850.  With over $8 billion in assets, Independence offers a wide range of banking services through a network of 78 branches conveniently located throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and New Jersey. Working through the Independence Community Foundation, which was funded in 1998 with assets of over $60 million, Independence is also committed to the improvement of the quality of life in neighbors throughout the New York metropolitan region. For more information, log on to the Independence website, http://www.myindependence.com/.

NYBDC-Business New York is a privately owned financial organization funded by 165 banks from around the state.  It is a leading provider of long-term financing for small businesses.  It is the largest provider of SBA 504 commercial second-mortgage loans in New York state and one of the largest in the country.  Its gross loan portfolio is $345 million. NYBDC-Business New York’s Web site can be found at http://www.nybdc.com/.