Betty Jo Welch

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 Weirton Fire Department.  This organization is dedicated to our community and many times exhibits heroic efforts during critical and sometimes life-threatening situations.  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 winner (l-r), John R. Thayer, Scott E. Winwood, Chief Kevin Himmelrick, Weirton Fire Department; Kenneth W. Truax, Robert G. Mrvos, and Edward L. Kennedy.

First Choice America Credit Union continued to make significant progress in 2023, our 84^th year, amid tough competition, economic uncertainty, record inflation 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 34,000 members who remain the bedrock of our business.

Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO, said “Our employee team worked diligently to maintain a safe, sound and secure financial institution for its members.”  He listed these significant financial achievements in 2023:

• Grew assets to a record $600 million.
• Expanded deposits to a record $515 million.
• Preserved a strong capital position.

“Our Credit Union’s capital strength, asset quality and management ability help retain our enviable position as one of the very elite among America’s nearly 4,700 credit unions,” Winwood stated.  

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.

In our quest to offer the best available technology, First Choice America introduced Mobile Deposit to our mobile banking solution which provides our members the convenience to deposit checks from anywhere/anytime by simply taking a picture of the item with their smart phone.  Via our mobile banking APP, our members have access to their accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  In the future, we intend to continue maximizing our investments in technology to better serve our members and strengthen our position in a very competitive marketplace.          

While keeping pace with the latest technology, we still 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.

Acknowledging these efforts, we were honored to be named 2023’s Best Credit Union in West Virginia by Forbes Magazine.   This prestigious award recognized our member service, quality of financial advice offered, transparency and reasonability of fees, easy website navigation, branch services, and overall level of trust.  We are grateful for the honor and we will continue to offer the formidable combination of a devoted and proficient staff, excellent technology, and a full menu of affordable financial products and services making a real difference in the financial lives of the members that we serve.   

As is our custom for almost 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. 

Concluding, 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 bonds with our members by providing the most cost-effective alternative for all their financial needs.  We value and cherish these bonds, 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.”

During the meeting Robert G. Mrvos and Kenneth W. Truax 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 Community Federal Credit Union made a generous donation to the Weirton Salvation Army.  The funds donated were raised by a variety of First Choice America employee led fundraising events.  Scott E. Winwood, First Choice America President and CEO commented, “Our Credit Union Family is pleased to help the Salvation Army as they provide much needed assistance to families in our area.  They help alleviate many financial burdens faced by many of our neighbors, especially during and after the holiday season.”    

Pictured are Captain Gene Hunt of the Salvation Army accepting the donation from Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO of First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union.