This month's Spotlight on Business is Edward Szala, branch manager of the HSBC Bank USA NA, located at 2970 Hempstead Tpke. in Levittown. Szala's banking career has been anchored at this location since 1987, from when it was the Williamsburg Savings Bank, then later Republic National Bank, and, eventually, to the present HSBC. Regardless of what the bank name has been, this site has always been "Ed Szala's bank."

The HSBC Bank USA NA in Levittown, which has hosted the Levittown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors monthly meetings for the past 10 years, has 30 employees, of which many are Levittown residents. The branch was the first Republic National Bank office on Long Island to offer Financial (Brokerage) Services. Many years later, as HSBC Bank USA NA, they now offer over 100 banking products, including full service personal and commercial banking, financial services, mortgages and insurance. HSBC Bank USA NA was the number one lender in the New York metropolitan area for SBA (Small Business Administration) loans for the year ending 2004.

An active supporter of the Levittown community for the past 18 years, Szala's achievements include past presidencies of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, Levittown Kiwanis, who honored him as Distinguished, and N.Y. State Safe Deposit Association. He has previously held board positions at YOM (Yours Ours Mine Community Center) from 1998 to 2000; Rotary Club of Levittown from 1975 to 1979; and, remains on the board of directors of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce since 1986, SONYMA (State of New York Mortgage Association) since 1989, and N.Y. State Safe Deposit Association since 1989. Ed remains an active Kiwanian since 1986 and is a lecturer and trainer for New York State Safe Deposit Association.

Ed is a Vietnam veteran having served with the 588th Engineer Battalion and a graduate of Fairfield University National School of Finance. He spends his time off with his wife Felicia and two pet poodles in their upstate retreat in Margaretville, NY. Stop in and introduce yourself to Ed, he'll gladly spend some time with his friends and neighbors from Levittown.

The monthly Chamber Spotlight on Business is chosen by a business card lottery amongst the Levittown Chamber members in attendance at the monthly general meetings. For more information about becoming a Levittown Chamber member and/or attending one of their meetings, call 520-8000 or visit www.levittownchamber.com.