Banco Popular restates commitment to Rosemont, despite cutting jobs

Puerto Rico-based Popular Inc., the parent of Banco Popular, says it remains committed to its North American headquarters in Rosemont, despite streamlining that has eliminated 89 jobs in Chicago and the suburbs.

"We have no plans to change from Rosemont, but we are constantly evaluating on a day-to-day basis," spokeswoman Teruca Rullan, based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said in an interview.

Still, about 69 positions were cut in Rosemont, while more than 200 workers remain, she said.

Another 20 positions were lost in the last year when two branches consolidated in Chicago, and branches in Bensenville and Aurora's Indian Trail had closed.

Other area banks, including Prospect Heights, on Broadway in Aurora, and Westmont, are expected to remain open as usual, said Manuel Chinea, senior vice president of marketing and sales in Rosemont.

Last December, the bank said it would start the nationwide streamlining efforts. Popular then reported in April a net loss of $52.5 million, a smaller loss compared to the $702 million in the previous quarter, but still a hit versus net income of $103 million in March 2008.