First Niagara held a ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 11 for its new branch in Fairmount, which opened at 3413 W. Genesee St. on Jan. 18. “We’re proud of this location, and we’re proud of the fact that we’re expanding during difficult times,” said Thomas Amell, First Niagara Eastern New York Regional President. The branch is First Niagara’s 65th in the region, and becomes one of more than 250 branches within the entire company. Amell presented a check for $1,000 to John and Cheryl Vermilya, owners of the Town Shop Youth Center in Camillus. But first, he read from an article about the Town Shop where a parent had said of the Vermilyas, “My son has become a confident and conscientious individual due to their influence.” “I’m so impressed and I’m proud that we’re able to contribute to their cause,” Amell said. “Thank you so much,” Cheryl Vermilya said. “This is big money. When someone gives us $25, I get excited.” Vermilya said the donation will “definitely benefit young people,” and will go toward upgrading equipment and helping the Town Shop fund future field trips. Branch manager Deborah Cole expressed enthusiasm to be heading up the new branch.
“I’m excited to be in this community,” Cole said, “I’m excited about this location, I’m excited to be a part of a phenomenal team.” “The Camillus Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting business in our community,” said chamber president Paul Sheedy, “and it is my honor to present this membership to Deb, your staff and to First Niagara.”