Hudson Valley BUSINESS JOURNAL

March 23, 2009 - 2 7

Banking
Goldstein Lieberman & Co. extends lifeline in tough times
Goldstein Lieberman & Company LLC has pledged support to area charities for the duration of the recession and is chalalways supported various causes and notfor-profit groups in our community. The partners now have chosen to do so in a more struetured, public way because tbe need is great and all area businesses need to lend a hand. Goldstein Liebennan & Company recently developed a task force Recession-Expert Accounting Consultant Team (REACT) to guide businesses tbrough the economic downturn. "As we developed successful solutions for struggling businesses, we thought hard about what organizations in tbe not-for-profit sector are now facing," says Goldstein. "We wanted to do sometbing that will make a difference for our not-for-profits and the people who rely upon them," The first check will be awarded to the Committee for Families of War Veterans, an organization in the Hudson Valley region that has grown in response to tbe needs of families of soldiers who have died or have been wounded in these recent conflicts. "I am overwhelmed that a business would make tbis kind of commitment to the community, especially now when so many companies 4re cutting back on charitable donations or cutting them out eompletely," remarks Ray McCarthy a spokesperson for tbe organization that has helped many families in fhe region. Organizations that are registered 501 C can visit www.glepas.com for company information and send your request, including information about your organization, care of Goldstein Liebennan & Company LLC to ibe attention of Lisa Marshall.

Managing student fnancial aid and lpan debt during diffcult economic times
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) offers advice for students and families who are seeking financial aid or repaying student loans during these challenging economic times. HESC is the state agency that helps people pay for college. College-bound students and families are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal and state grants, federal loans, and some institutional scholarships. The information used on the FAFSA includes income from 2008. Students and families whose income has been impacted by the economic downturn because of unemployment or other circumstances can ask the college financial aid office for a review based on their 2009 estimated income. Colleges may consider adjustments to their original financial aid awards based on increased or unusual expenses associated witb lay off, moving, extraordinary health care requirements, or other significant changes in personal circumstances. Borrowers in repayment on federal student loans who are having difficulty making monthly payments because of economic hardship also have options. Depending on your situation, you may apply for forbearance, vvhieh is a temporary reduction in your regularly scheduled monthly payment on your federal loan; or request a deferral, meaning your lender may suspend your loan payments for a specified period of time. These requests are made directly to the lender and are granted at tbeir discretion. It is important to avoid defaulting on your student loan. If you fail to pay or do not contact your lender when you cannot meet your obligation, your account may end up in default, wbich has serious eonsequences. Remember, college financial aid remains available. Visit HESC's Web site at www.hesc.org to learn more about federal and state financial aid, grants, scholarships, loans and debt management options.

lenging other businesses to follow suit. Phillip E. Goldstein, managing partner of Goldstein Lieberman & Company LLC, announces that the firm has established tbe Goldstein Lieberman & Company Cares Program. Designed to be a lifeline for the region's not-for-profits., the firm will make a contribution to a different organization each month for as long as the recession lasts. "We have seen that many businesses are struggling and that, in turn, is putt'ng not-for-pro fits who depend on them in peril," says Goldstein. "Businesses must continue to give back to tbeir community especially now when donation dollars really count," he adds. According to Goldstein, the firm bas

Barron's names Wachovia Securities adviser as one of 1000 top financial advisers in the country
Kenneth Carter of Sufem has been named by Barron's as one of the top 1000 financial advisers in tbe country, and the only one from Rockland County. Carter is the Managing Director of Investments with Wachovia Securities in New City. He is responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of hundreds of families in Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen Counties; and completed a course to be a Certified Investment Management Analyst at the Wharton School of Business. He manages over $200 million in assets. "I am thrilled to receive this recognition. I always try to do my best for my clients and help them with their short-and long-term goals. Although it is currently a trying time for everyone, I look for opportunities, and through sufficient research, I am often able to find tbem," Carter remarked. Wachovia was second on the list afler Bank of America for total number of advisers on tbe list. Carter has been with the firm for 14 years, and teaches financial seminars. The number of advisers for each state is based on the total population of tbe state, so larger states have larger listings. The rankings reflect assets under management, revenues, quality of the advisors practices and other factors. Total assets are all assets overseen by the advisors' team, including some tbat are held at otber institutions. Assets managed for institutions are given less weigbt in ihe scoring. Portfolio performance is not a criterion because most advisors do not have audited track records. Criteria was based on more than 3000 filtered nominations from more than 100 investment, insurance, banking, and other related independent financial service firms. With approximately $900 billion in client assets. Wachovia Securities has over 16,000 full-service financial advisors and more than 4,400 licensed financial specialists. Tbis vast network of advisors, one of the nation's largest, serves clients through offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and in Latin America. Wachovia Securities is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company, providing certain retail securities brokerage services. Wacbovia Securities, LLC, member SIPC, and Wacbovia Securities Financial Network, LLC, member SIPC. As of January I, 2009, advisors and licensed financial specialists include Wachovia Securities and A.G. Edwards brokerage offices, selected Wells Fargo retail banking stores and Wachovia Bank financial centers, as well as financial advisors from Wells Fargo Investments, LLC, Member SPIC, A.G. Edwards is a division of Wachovia Securities.

Provident expands in White Plains

Provident Bank has opened a new commercial banking center in White Plains, continuing its expansion into the Westehester County market. The new banking center is located at 1133 Westchesfer Ave. and provides a full range of financing for small and mid-sized businesses, including loans and commercial lines of credit customized to business needs, commercial mortgages for purchase or refinancing, construction financing for commercial or residential property and other lending products. In addition, it is staffed with commercial deposit specialties. Provident Bank Vice President and Commercial Relationship Center Manager AI Coliigan will head the White Plains commercial banking team. "We are proud to open our second Commercial Banking Center in Westehester County," said George Strayton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Provident Bank. "Westchester is a great place to do business and we're looking forward to continuing our growth in this market. With a full range of business lending and deposit products, our relationship managers deliver local market expertise, immediate accessibility, fiexibility and an in-deptb understanding of customers' needs to help tbem make tbe most of every opportunity." "When we first entered the Westchester County marketplace witb tbe opening of our Tarrytown Commercial Banking Center, we quickly began to see strong results," said Stepben G. Dormer, Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending and Strategic Planning. "A key to our success is building relationships linking our customers with knowledgeable decision makers who are also bankers - which dilferentiates us from tbe competition in our markets. As tbe largest lending team in the Hudson Valley, our personal, in-depth understanding of our customers' businesses and local decision making enable us to provide flexible lending solutions and evaluate lending opportunities on a ease-by-case basis."

Meet S.A.M.
positions into microblogs is accomplished under the oversight of a consulting stratgie planner. Because the content is not only in the voice of the executive, but the actual creation ofthat executive, the relationships created are fostered even without further investment of time or effort. Online social networking and social media marketing are an amazingly cost effect means of spreading the brand message and building both customer rapport and loyalty. The use of the S.A.M. process increase the return on investment for tbis new form of info-comniunieations. Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez is founder of

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the consulting firm High Alert. LLC. He is a renowned .speaker on the importance of social netH-orking and has presented to national organizations. As a consultant, Dr Ramirez assists companies to align business continuity' plans with personnel and customer behavior during adversity. He is founding chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine and a Senior Physician-Federal Medical Officer. Dr. Ramirez has a new book: "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness, " which is now available on Amazon. Please visit www.mauricearamirez.com for more information.