LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the opening of the fifth branch of
Alma Bank on Broadway, in Astoria, Queens

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by
the faithful efforts of those financial institutions and their leader-
ship who devote their purpose to promoting economic vitality and serving
the public need; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the grand opening of the fifth and newest branch of Alma Bank on 41-02
Broadway, in Astoria, Queens; a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on
Saturday, January 30, 2010, with many supporters and community members
in attendance; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, Efstathios Valiotis immigrated to the
United States of America from Vordonia, Greece; in 1976, he established
a custom-made furniture business known as Knossos, Inc., in Astoria,
Queens, a business he managed until 1994; and
WHEREAS, Efstathios Valiotis also embarked on another highly success-
ful career, the investment in real estate; and
WHEREAS, At the same time of pursuing his real estate profession,
Efstathios Valiotis, along with several other investors, formed Marathon
National Bank; he served on the board of directors for eight years
before it was acquired by Piraeus National Bank of Greece in 2001; it
was the year 2007 when Efstathios Valiotis founded Alma Bank; and
WHEREAS, The foundation of Alma Bank is its true professionalism
coupled with its dedicated community service; the extensive banking
services offered at each of its branches are and always have been driven
by its spirited passion to help and assist the people of each and every
one of its communities; and
WHEREAS, The other four branches of Alma Bank are located at: 28-31
31st Street, Astoria; 213-11 Northern Boulevard, Bayside; 28-20 Ditmars
Boulevard, Astoria; and 8424 5th Avenue, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional institution and its contributions to the local
and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the opening of the fifth branch of Alma Bank on Broadway, in
Astoria, Queens; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Efstathios Valiotis, founder of Alma Bank.