Betty Jo Welch

CREDIT UNION AWARD –A highlight of the annual meeting of First Choice America Credit Union on Tuesday night was the presentation of the annual Community Spirit Award to the Chester/Newell FISH Foundation.  This organization is dedicated to feeding the hungry in the Chester and Newell area.  The organization received a beautiful plaque and a cash award of $2,500. Pictured are the credit union’s Board of Directors and the award winners (l-r), Edward O. Kennedy, John R. Thayer, Scott E. Winwood, Jean Chaney, FISH Foundation; Cathy Glass, FISH Foundation; Bob Glass, FISH Foundation; Kenneth W. Truax, and Thomas F. Thayer.

First Choice America Credit Union continued to make significant progress in 2025, our 86^th year, amid tough competition, economic uncertainty, and a volatile interest rate environment.  The Credit Union steadily moved forward buoyed by the excellent performance of a committed employee team and the tremendous support and loyalty of its 33,000 members who remain the bedrock of our business.

Scott E. Winwood, Chairman of the Board, said “Our employee team worked diligently to maintain a safe, sound and secure financial institution for our members.”  He listed these significant financial achievements in 2025:

• Grew assets to a record $689.5 million.
• Expanded deposits to a record $564.5 million.
• Preserved a strong capital position.

These impressive achievements reflect the sincere commitment to success of the Officials, Management, and Staff of First Choice America.  Our employee team is professional and highly skilled, dedicated to excellence in serving our members, and very proud of the significant strides made during the past year.  Our Credit Union’s capital strength, asset quality, and management ability help maintain our enviable position as one of the very elite among America’s credit unions.”

While keeping pace with the latest technology, we continue to offer our members better rates on loans and deposits, more personalized service, and importantly, fewer fees than other financial institutions.  We are proud to report that no new fees were enacted during the past year, nor any adjustments made to our long list of member benefits.

With fewer fees, better rates, more personalized service, and a full array of financial products and services, your membership in First Choice America gives you a meaningful financial advantage – “better value” for your money.

As is our custom for over 85 years, our Credit Union strives to embrace the merits of good citizenship – and expand our value to society – by generously supporting a wide range of charitable organizations in the communities that we serve. We have strong bonds with these communities and their residents, and make a sincere effort to assist when needed.  We strive to be a living example of the Credit Union philosophy of “People Helping People” which is one of the foundations of our business. 

In summary, he noted “First Choice America is proud of our rich heritage of serving our members and the communities in which they live since our beginning in 1939.  We have established strong relationships with our members by providing the most cost-effective alternative for all their financial needs.  We value and cherish these relationships, and are grateful to our members for their loyalty.  We will never cease in our efforts to earn both your business and your trust.  We remain a safe haven, a reliable resource, and a leader that you can count on for all your financial needs, both today and tomorrow.  We appreciate your business and welcome the opportunity to serve you.  With your continued support, First Choice America is well-positioned for the future based on our successful past.”

During the meeting Edward O. Kennedy and John R. Thayer were reelected to the Board of Directors.  Richard Schaffer, President of the West Virginia Credit Union League, spoke briefly.

Founded in 1939 in Weirton, First Choice America maintains eight offices in the Ohio Valley.

First Choice America Credit Union has pledged a   gold level sponsorship to the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights for its annual Mardi Gras Charity Ball scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Pepsi Cola Roadhouse.   At the presentation are (l-r), Kim Weaver, Weirton Christian Center Executive Director; Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO of the Credit Union and Cathie Caranda, Weirton Heights Rotary Club President.  All proceeds this year will benefit Weirton Christian Center.  The Mardi Gras event will feature music, dancing, raffles & other surprises.