BankAtlantic (NYSE: BBX), Florida's Most Convenient Bank, announced today that it is pleased to partner with the Children's Services Council of Broward County (the "CSC") in support of Financial Literacy for Children.
CSC's President and CEO, Cindy J.Arenberg-Seltzer, and host of CSC's Future First: Focus on Broward's Children, recently led a panel discussion focused on children and financial literacy with BankAtlantic's Corporate Communications Officer, Leo Hinkley, and Lois Marino, BankAtlantic's AVP and Administrator of BankAtlantic's "Kid Power" program. Future First: Focus on Broward's Children, which is being aired through BECON TV on COMCAST, also featured Daniel Fiore, a Teacher at Lakeside Elementary, Laura Berger-Morrina, Teacher and parent at Lakeside Elementary, and Molly Morrina - a third grade student at Lakeside Elementary.
"Parents, college students and adults of all ages are struggling with the financial challenges presented to them by the recession. The high rate of unemployment and the general economic slowdown have created a burden on families of all economic strata in our community," commented Cindy J.Arenberg-Seltzer, President and CEO of CSC. "It is extremely unfortunate that so many children in our community are the silent victims of the recession. However, education in personal finance can break the cycle and equip our children as they grow to adulthood with the power to survive and thrive through any economic environment."
Those interested in the advocacy of Financial Literacy for Children can view CSC's Future First: Focus on Broward's Children, on BECON TV. Also, the episode can be viewed on CSC's Facebook link at www.facebook.dj/cscbroward or on BankAtlantic's YouTube link at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4cfJHHSk4k (part 1) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xzoFHD11_s (part 2).
"The need for Financial Literacy for our children is here and now," commented Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic. "We are very pleased to offer BankAtlantic's Kid Power program to the schools in our communities and to partner with CSC in their efforts to support Financial Literacy for Children."
About the Children's Services Council of Broward County: The Children's Services Council of Broward County (the "CSC") focus is Broward's children. Created by the voters in September, 2000 we provide leadership, advocacy, and funding for services for and on behalf of children. Over 100 CSC programs are delivered by "provider" agencies that have clearly defined goals and outcomes and are regularly monitored for quality and performance. The CSC funds programs that have been proven to work. On average, the CSC gets less than 2 cents of every dollar paid in property taxes, which fund a wide variety of programs designed to help children lead a healthy, safe and productive life. And that, of course, makes a difference for all residents of Broward County. For additional information, please visit www.cscbroward.org.
CSC Broward Media contact:
Andrew Leone, 954-377-1119
Email: aleone@cscbroward.org
About BankAtlantic's Kid Power Program: BankAtlantic has taken its Kid Power® program to schools across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Hillsborough and Indian River counties since its inception in the 2002-2003 school year. The dynamic program provides elementary school children in the 2nd and 3rd grades with educational information regarding money and savings in real-life applications. The Kid Power® series features a trained BankAtlantic facilitator at the school presenting information to the children over the course of three weeks, for approximately 45 minutes a week. On the fourth week, the children are treated to a field trip to their local BankAtlantic branch to see banking in action. During the program, the children are taught the basics of Financial Literacy including how to write a check and the importance of a savings, a savings account, and how interest is accumulated. For more information, please contact Lois Marino at 954-940-6373 or LMarino@BankAtlantic.com
About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, Florida's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers extended weekday hours, Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center, Change Exchange coin counters, as well as retail and business checking accounts. Member FDIC.
Banking just got a whole lot easier! For further information, please visit us at www.BankAtlantic.com or a BankAtlantic branch nearest you.
BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic. For further information, please visit: www.BankAtlanticBancorp.com
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.
BankAtlantic Media Contact:
Caren Berg, Boardroom Communications, 954-370-8999
cberg@boardroompr.com
or
BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. Contact Info:
Leo Hinkley, Investor and Corporate Communications Officer, 954-940-5300 InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com
or
Sharon Lyn, V.P., Investor and Corporate Communications, 954-940-6383
CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com
