Dear Valued Ridgewood Savings Bank Customers and Neighbors,
December 26, 2025
As we gather with family and friends to ring in the new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year always gives us a moment to reflect and appreciate the relationships that make our communities strong. For more than a century, Ridgewood Savings Bank has been part of neighborhoods across the New York metropolitan area, and we remain deeply grateful for the trust you place in us every day.
This past year gave us many reasons to feel proud of the work we do together. One highlight was Ridgewood's feature on The Balancing Act: Local Edition, which aired throughout the New York metro area and offered an opportunity to share how we support financial empowerment for families and small businesses. We were also pleased to regularly share expert advice with CBS MoneyWatch and to stand with New York City when it recently announced a major financial literacy initiative for students. Each of these moments reflects something important: Ridgewood's belief that financial knowledge strengthens communities.
We also celebrated an important milestone at our Lindenhurst Branch, which marked its 25th anniversary this past September. The celebration brought together local leaders, longtime customers, neighbors, and partners who joined us to honor the branch’s service to the community. The strong turnout from village, town, county, and state officials reflected the deep relationships our Lindenhurst team has built over the years. We are grateful to our branch team for the dedication and care they continue to bring to the families and businesses they serve.
Customers often tell us that what makes Ridgewood special is not simply our products, but the people behind them. Our employees live and work here, and take pride in helping their neighbors make sound financial decisions. We hear time and again that New Yorkers value a bank that understands their lives because we are part of their lives. We have been honored that Newsweek has chosen Ridgewood as one of America’s Best Regional Banks for three consecutive years, and we view this recognition as a reflection of the trust our customers place in us every day.
This year, we expanded our commitment to financial education with the launch of our new Business Financial Literacy Resource Center created especially for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The site includes short, easy-to-follow videos on topics such as managing cash flow, understanding credit, building a budget, and planning for long-term growth. These tools are designed to meet business owners where they are, whether someone is just starting out, preparing to hire their first employee, or planning to expand. Small businesses are the backbone of our region, and we are honored to support them with resources that are both practical and accessible.
We also remained deeply engaged in our neighborhoods through events that empower local families. One meaningful example was our Financial Literacy and Homeownership Day held at our Norwood branch in the Bronx in partnership with the Bronx Borough President's Office and the University Neighborhood Housing Program. This event brought together housing counselors, financial educators, and community members to help prospective homeowners understand the steps and opportunities of purchasing a home. Programs like these, rooted in education, partnership, and hope, reflect who we are as a community bank.
Whether you bank with us in one of our 36 branches and/or through our digital channels, we continue to invest in tools and services that make managing your finances easier, safer, and more convenient. Our highly rated mobile app, secure online banking platform, and continually expanding digital features are designed to meet you wherever you are, while still offering the personal service you expect from your community bank. And if you ever need help, our Customer Care Center is available seven days a week to provide friendly, knowledgeable support. At Ridgewood, you can always Count on Us.
As a result of your support, we are proud to report that the Bank has reached the highest level of Assets, Deposits, Loans and Capital in our proud history. As we look toward 2026, we remain committed to delivering trusted guidance, expanding financial education, supporting small businesses, and investing in the tools and services you rely on every day. We will continue to be your neighbor, your bank, and your partner for the road ahead.
On behalf of the entire Ridgewood Savings Bank team, thank you for your continued confidence and loyalty. We wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Leonard Stekol
Chairman, President & CEO
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