Lawrence Jones: Where are we now, where are we headed and where are the opportunities?

Bethpage Federal Credit Union and other credit unions on Long Island stepped up to the plate to meet the financing needs of commercial real estate owners on Long Island when the local and national banks exited the market. The financial crisis created the opportunity for smart traditional lenders to re-enter the market and be competitive utilizing safe and sound underwriting and offering fair pricing and fees. Bethpage has been successful in growing our commercial real estate portfolio by expanding our staff with experienced Commercial Relationship Managers and leveraging our Business Development and Branch Networks. Bethpage has a long history of community involvement and high service levels, which have continued in our Commercial Lending initiative, and assists us in creating relationships not just doing transactions. Competition from local and national banks as well as Life Insurance Companies and the Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities market have returned to the market. Even with the increased competition we continue to grow our pipeline while maintaining our traditional credit standards by focusing on the service and needs of our members. Property owners have grown leery of the CMBS Servicers or having to deal with a servicing operation that does not know the local market. Bethpage's commitment to our members continues to be one of the keys to our success. Lawrence Jones is with Bethpage Federal Credit Union.