AmTrust Bank, a division of New York Community Bank, is opening a new branch, but this one is unlike any of the others: It will be run entirely by children. The latest location will be a part of Junior Achievement of Arizona’s (JAAZ) educational facility, JA BizTown. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 10 at 3:30, at the JA BizTown facility at JAAZ’s headquarters in Tempe.

AmTrust Bank has a broad partnership with JAAZ, including more than 45 volunteers, five-year sponsorship of events and representation on the board of directors.

“Junior Achievement is thrilled to add AmTrust Bank to our JA BizTown community,” said Joyce Richards, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona.  “We have had a close partnership with AmTrust for the past five years and this is a wonderful way to commemorate that partnership.”

Students who participate in the JA BizTown program will obtain a better understanding of how important it is to manage finances. They will have the opportunity to “work” in the branch, learn what it takes to provide quality customer service and to support customers that are making important financial decisions for themselves and their families.

Doreen Rast, Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Regional Executive  of AmTrust Bank, a division of New York Community Bank,  said, “It is our privilege to make this happen for the youth of Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.” Our relationship with Junior Achievement has evolved over time and with that, so has our commitment to their programs.  On Tuesday we will celebrate, not only a five year financial commitment to JA, but also the development of The AmTrust Bank Branch joining the other businesses in JA’s incredible BizTown.

“We are honored to support the efforts of Junior Achievement in Arizona,” added Michael Fields, First Vice President, Community Reinvestment Act Officer of New York Community Bancorp, Inc. of which AmTrust Bank is a division.  “JA’s mission to inspire and prepare goes hand-in-hand with our mission to excel in all we do for all we serve.  When it comes to supporting the communities we serve, enhancing quality of life through education is a major component of our outreach efforts.” JA BizTown is an elementary school program for students in grades four through six.  The program combines four-week in-class learning sessions with a day-long visit to the JA BizTown facility, where students have the opportunity to run banks, manage restaurants, read utility meters, write checks and even vote.  It is a fully interactive, true-to-life, simulated town where students learn the fundamental relationship between academics and life beyond school.