BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The $1.2 billion Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union played an even larger role than usual in this year's Pulaski Day Parade in New York. The annual day, scheduled for the first Sunday in October, celebrates the arrival of Poles in America. This year was the 400th anniversary.

"The Pulaski Day Parade is a special time for all Polish Americans, but especially for our credit union because we are able to take center stage to let everyone know how deeply committed we are to this community," explained Bogdan Chmielewski, CEO at Polish and Slavic. "We are so much more than just a bank to our people. That's where the credit union difference comes into play. Our members look to us for leadership, support and assistance. This is a role and responsibility that we cherish and hold sacred."

This year's theme of focusing on the future while holding on to the past gained particular poignancy from the elections, the CU said, reporting that it had led a significant effort to get its members to vote. In June, Polish and Slavic sent voter registration forms along with its statements to 70,000 members.