STROUDSBURG, Penn.– –Polish & Slavic FCU, which is headquartered in Brooklyn, has opened its first Pennsylvania branch.
PSFCU cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art, 1,500-square-foot branch with the assistance of local politicians, state senators, schoolchildren from the Pope John Paul II Polish School in East Stroudsburg and more than 100 local Polish-Americans. The new branch is PSFCU’s 19th, and marks the fourth state in which the credit union operates, joining New York, New Jersey and Illinois.
The credit union said the new branch will generate five jobs to start, and will likely grow as it attracts more local members.
“We also hope it won’t be our last one in the Keystone State,” said Bogdan Chmielewski, CEO of PSFCU. “Trust is the foundation of our credit union, and the nourishment of these trusting relationships with members is what paves our roads to success. Today, our journey has led us to cross the Delaware, and we’re expecting a successful first step in Stroudsburg.”
Over the past few years, an increasing number of Polish-Americans have moved to the Poconos region, thereby creating a desirable opportunity for PSFCU, the nation’s largest ethnic credit union, the CU said.
Prior to the grand opening, Pennsylvania State Sen. Mario Scavello presented PSFCU with a Certificate of Recognition that lauded the credit union’s commitment to community and philanthropy, and its past history of providing economic opportunity to individuals and businesses within the communities it serves.
“I know that Poles are a group of good hard workers—we see this standing here today. I thank PSFCU for its philanthropic commitment and investment in Stroudsburg. I wish you great success,” said Sen. Scavello while attending the ribbon cutting ceremony.
PSFCU said its philanthropic commitments have been fundamental to its success within its communities. During the grand opening ceremony, Chmielewski and Krzysztof Matyszczyk, the credit union’s chairman, presented a $10,000 check to Hanna Czuma, director of the John Paul II Polish School.
“We are firm believers in supporting the Polish-American community by engaging in a variety of organizations and staying involved,” said Matyszczyk. “I wish you all the best and hope that we continue to thrive and help each other.”