The Polish National Credit Union has come a long way since its founding in 1921, becoming one of the area’s fastest-growing financial institutions specializing in savings. With a starting capital of $325, 15 men began the credit union and opened its original location at 222 Exchange St in Chicopee.
Over a century later, Polish National Credit Union has eight branches in towns across Western Massachusetts, including its Westfield location at 1 Parkside Ave. In 2006, PNCU acquired Westfield River Federal Credit Union (which was originally on Ashley St) as part of its ongoing expansion efforts.
PNCU’s Westfield Branch Manager David Kinstle said that Westfield River Federal Credit Union was started for teachers and municipal employees who the credit union continues to serve alongside police officers and firefighters. David, who has more than 20 years of banking experience, is proud to serve and support the Westfield community in his role as branch manager in keeping with PNCU’s strong commitment to the community.
For PNCU, community involvement goes beyond business relationships. Their mission is to grow lasting relationships to improve people’s lives – to make a difference for its members and the communities it serves. Through its Community Giving Program, PNCU donates food, school supplies, and household items to charitable organizations through corporate giving and in-house fundraisers. Employees are encouraged to participate in community initiatives and volunteer their time. David serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and he is involved with a variety of their causes as opportunities arise. David said the Westfield branch of PNCU supports the Boys and Girls Clubs plus Westfield Technical Academy, among a variety of other causes in the community.
At the Westfield branch of PNCU, David hosts an intern who is a senior at Westfield Technical Academy. The intern spends one week in the classroom and one week at PNCU. As proof of the program’s success, David noted that last year’s intern is now a teller at the Westfield branch.
Prior to his career in banking, David worked in the hotel and restaurant industry. He said
applies the same rules of hospitality from that career to his interactions with PNCU members. “I have a very personal connection with our members. We get to know our members and help them with the important milestones in their lives. We always take the time to help members with financial issues,” David said, “whether it’s assisting families with the accounts of a deceased member or to resolve any fraud issues.” In fact, PNCU hosts Financial Elder Abuse workshops to educate seniors about fraud and identity theft.
David said one of the most rewarding aspects of his role at PNCU is to see young people build their credit and “be able to stand on their own two feet.” According to David, The Polish National Credit Union is your go-to-stop for quality banking services. Personal, business, loans, investments and more are available to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in their service areas.
“Whatever your needs, we make it our mission to help you succeed financially in order to
improve your overall life,” he said.
Polish National Credit Union
1 Parkside Ave
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-9973
