More than 100 customers, elected officials, business leaders and well-wishers joined Gold Coast Bank to celebrate the opening of the bank's second branch at 315 Main St. in Huntington Village on Sept. 16.

"Gold Coast Bank has taken a truly community spirited approach," Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said. "They are here to help small businesses and that is the name of the game. We are proud to welcome you to Huntington."

To celebrate the new branch opening, the bank is offering a 1.25 percent, 90-day Money Market rate and signed copies of Nelson DeMille's bestseller, "Gold Coast," to new customers depositing a minimum of $5,000.

The Huntington branch offers a unique business and networking center with free amenities, including a full-size conference room, WiFi and other office technology, for customer use six days a week. Customers are encouraged to conduct their own business at the branch, including meeting with their customers and networking with potential new customers all at a convenient Huntington Village location. In addition, the branch has been set up as a mini-art gallery, displaying fine paintings for sale by local artists.

"Our brand of banking, which amounts to private-client banking for business owners and senior management, professionals and high-net worth individuals, is a great fit for Huntington," Gold Coast Bank Board Chairman John Tsunis said.

In addition to the new Huntington location, the bank recently announced that it has received approval from regulators to open a third branch in Setauket, which it also expects to open in 2010.

"There is a strong demand for a community commercial bank with exceptional customer service, offering an alternative to the large regional banks and money-centers," Gold Coast Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Perri said.

For more information, contact Vice President/Huntington Branch Manager Raymond DiPresso at (631) 848-1302, e-mail rdipresso@gcbny.com or visit www.goldcoastbankny.com.