POLAM Federal Credit UnionA Brief History
by Christopher Hiller
POLAM was chartered as a federally insured credit union in 1969. From humble beginnings with only ten members and $100 in capital the credit union was operated by a small group of dedicated volunteers out of the home of Henry & Lila Westwalewicz. The West-Walewiczes managed the credit union until 1977 when they suffered a serious auto accident. The Board of Directors then hired Christopher Hiller, to fill the position of the first full time manager. Office operations were automated and many new services were introduced. During the late 70's and early 80's the credit union grew rapidly, propelled by California's economic prosperity and its transformation into a full-service institution.
Over the years the credit union has gone through quite a transformation, however the basic structure of the credit union remains the same. POLAM's board of directors serve without compensation and are elected from the ranks of the membership at the annual meeting. Policies are established by the board and are implemented by the Manager/CEO who directs the daily operations of the credit union. Christopher Hiller has served as manager since 1977 and Izabella Frankowski has been treasurer since 1974. Margaret Adamczak, the Senior loan office, has been with POLAM for over ten years. The long tenure of these individuals has provided the membership with a sense of stability and continuity.
Many individuals have worked with the credit union as volunteers. However, a few names deserve special recognition for their many years of service. For over ten years, Michael and Irene Mullen have both served in a variety of volunteer positions and attorney Andrew Rudnicki has served as board member and president for over ten years.
Currently POLAM has offices in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego and offers a full range of deposit and loan programs as well as a variety of hi-tech programs such as Audio Response, ATM's, Debit Cards, VISA and Electronic Fund Transfers. POLAM is one of two Polish Credit Unions in California and one of 14 Polish credit unions in the United States. Prospects for the credit union's continued growth were boosted in 1993 by the introduction of a network of jointly operated credit union service centers throughout California. This quickly expanding network offers POLAM members an additional 20 office locations in which they can conduct business. There are also plans to expand this network to neighboring states at some point and to merge this network with a similar network operating on the East Coast.
Today's technological advances have opened up unlimited potential for POLAM. As it enters the 21st Century the focus and common bond of the Polish-American community has taken on a pro-active character. POLAM has evolved into a formidable financial institution and is poised to play an integral role in the social economic development of our community.
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.