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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 Steubenville 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 winners (l-r), John R. Thayer, Scott E. Winwood, Fire Chief Carlo Capaldi, Steubenville Fire Department; Kenneth W. Truax, Inspector Tom Burchfield, Steubenville Fire Department; Edward O. Kennedy and Thomas F. Thayer.

WEIRTON—First Choice America Credit Union continued to make significant progress in 2024, our 85^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.

Kenneth W. Truax, Chairman of the Board, 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 2024:

• Earned another “Superior” rating.
• Grew assets to a record $650 million.
• Expanded deposits to a record $538 million.
• Preserved a strong capital position.

Our Credit Union renewed the distinction of once again earning a “Superior” rating from an official industry rating group which was significant.  This rating recognizes the excellence of our capital strength, asset quality, and management ability.  Thus, First Choice America maintains its enviable position as one of the very elite among America’s nearly 4,600 credit unions.

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 Card Valet to our mobile banking solution.  This feature provides our members the convenience to monitor the activity on their debit and credit cards, setup travel notices, setup spending limits, report a lost or stolen card, and lock or unlock a card. 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.

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 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 Edward O. Kennedy, Thomas F. Thayer, and Scott E. Winwood 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.