Assisting Rotary Charities
Repeating its traditional assistance, First Choice America Credit Union made a significant donation in support of the 2015 Weirton Rotary Club’s Kentucky Derby fundraiser. Pictured are (seated, l-r) JoAnn Babela, Rotary member; Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO of First Choice America; and Rhonda Quattrochi, Rotary Committee Chair. Standing in the back (l-r) are Doug Finton and Mayor George Kondik, both Rotary members. This year’s 141st Kentucky Derby “Run For The Roses” will find Rotary and community boosters gathering at Williams Country Club on Saturday, May 2nd for Weirton Rotary’s 11^th Annual Charity Event.  From 5:30 to 10:30, there will be hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and entertainment by “T” & Rich Dueling Piano Show. 

Helping United Way                     
First Choice America Credit Union once again is serving as the runway sponsor for the 2015 Weirton United Way Fashion Show on Sunday, May 17 at 2 p. m. at the Serbian-American Cultural Center.  Tickets are $30 each and include dinner and the Fashion Show featuring apparel from Anna-Kay’s Unique Fashions.  Pictured are (seated, l-r) Amber Hagg, 2015 United Way Campaign Co-Chair and Kristin Bowman Cross, Executive Director and Event Chairperson of the Weirton United Way. Standing in the back (l-r) are Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO of the Credit Union; and Michael Hagg, 2015 United Way Campaign Co-Chair.   United Way supports 14 member agencies.

Community Spirit Award
At the annual meeting of First Choice America Credit Union on Tuesday night, the Weirton Christian Center was presented the Annual Community Spirit Award by the First Choice America Board of Directors.  The organization received a beautiful plaque and a cash award. Pictured are Directors (l-r) John R. Thayer, Edward L. Kennedy, Scott E. Winwood, Kim Weaver, Executive Director of the Center; Kenneth W. Truax, and Robert G. Mrvos. 

First Choice America Credit Union made steady progress in 2014, its 75^th year, amid tough competition and a lackluster economy. Financially strong, efficient and respected for integrity, West Virginia’s largest credit union renewed its commitment to excellence in serving the 40,000 members who are the bedrock of our business, stated Scott E. Winwood, Chairman.
“Growth has been steady, “said Winwood, “reflecting our business strategy that the membership is deserving of nothing less than impeccable service every day and at every touch point of the business. Perpetually striving for perfection continues to be the defining characteristic of our credit union.”
 Significant achievements of the credit union in 2014 were:
·         Earned another Superior rating.
·         Grew assets to a record $412 million.
·         Expanded deposits to a record $353 million.
·         Maintained a strong capital position.

Winwood added, “We renewed the distinction of again earning a Superior Rating from our official industry rating group which was significant. This honor reflects the commitment of all employees to our success. It also recognizes the excellence of our capital strength, asset quality and management ability. Thus, First Choice America remains one of the elite among America’s credit unions.”
He emphasized the impressive achievements reflect the sincere commitment to success of the officials, management, and staff of the credit union. “Our 97 employees are highly skilled, committed to excellence in serving you, and very proud of the significant strides made during the past year.”
He said that the credit union intends to maximize its investments in technology to better serve the members and strengthen competiveness. “Our members enjoy the convenience of electronic services such as mobile banking and bill pay via their smart phone or other device at their fingertips anytime and anywhere. In the future, additional technology driven products and services will increase our efficiency and clear the way for added growth, strength and member services.”
Winwood noted, “As is our custom for over 75 years, we strive 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.  Our commitment to promote financial literacy among young people remains an important role of First Choice.”
Throughout our history, First Choice America has established strong bonds with our members by providing the most cost effective alternative for all their financial needs. This bond is something we not only value but cherish.
“We thank every member of our credit union for their business and their loyalty. And we will never cease in our efforts to earn both your business and your trust.”                                                                   
Reelected to the Board of Directors were Robert G. Mrvos and Kenneth W. Truax.  Both are Weirton residents with many years of service at First Choice America. In addition to Winwood, their fellow directors are John R. Thayer and Edward L. Kennedy.
Founded in 1939 in Weirton, First Choice America maintains eight offices in the Upper Ohio Valley.

First Choice America Credit Union renewed its Platinum Level contribution to the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights for its annual Mardi Gras Gala scheduled Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 7 p. m. at Williams Country Club. At the presentation are (l-r) Jack Fowler, Weirton Heights Rotary Club Member and Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO of the credit union.  All proceeds benefit the Social Media Advisory Counsel, which is a non-profit group who educates and promotes positive ways of communicating on social media. This year’s Mardi Gras event will feature music by the Groove Doctors.

Visa Gift Cards Make Great Gifts
Do you have a hard to buy for person on your list?  Or do you want to give someone the freedom to buy what they want?    First Choice America has the perfect solution for you: a VISA Gift Card.  They are a great fit for anyone on your list.  You can buy a VISA Gift Card at any of First Choice America's eight locations.

*There is a $2.00 fee for VISA Gift Cards.