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 Weirton Fire Department. The organization received a plaque and $2,500. Among those taking part in the presentation were, from left, John R. Thayer, Scott E. Winwood, Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick, Kenneth W. Truax, Robert G. Mrvos and Edward L. Kennedy. (Contributed photo)

WEIRTON — First Choice America Credit Union continued to make significant progress in 2023, its 84th year, amid tough competition, economic uncertainty, record inflation and a volatile interest rate environment.

Credit union officials credited their committed employee team and the support of its 34,000 members for the continued success.

“Our employee team worked diligently to maintain a safe, sound and secure financial institution for its members,” said Scott E. Winwood, president and CEO.

Achievements detailed in 2023 included:

– Assets growing to a record $600 million;

– Deposits expanding to a record $515 million; and

– Preservation of 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.

Those achievements reflect the commitment to success of the officials, management and staff, it was noted.

First Choice America has introduced mobile deposit to its mobile banking solution, which provides members the convenience of depositing checks from anywhere and anytime by taking a picture of the item with their smart phone. Through the mobile banking app, members have access to their accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the future, First Choice intends to continue maximizing investments in technology to better serve members and strengthen its position, Winwood explained.

First Choice offers better rates on loans and deposits, more personalized service and importantly, fewer fees than other financial institutions, it was noted, and reports that no new fees were enacted during the past year, nor any adjustments made to member benefits.

With fewer fees, better rates, more personalized service and a full array of financial products and services, membership in First Choice America offers a meaningful financial advantage — better value for your money, Winwood added.

First Choice was named 2023’s Best Credit Union in West Virginia by Forbes Magazine. The award recognized member service, quality of financial advice offered, transparency and reasonability of fees, easy website navigation, branch services and the overall level of trust.

Winwood said that for almost 85 years, the credit union has strived to embrace the merits of good citizenship – and expand its value to society – by supporting a wide range of charitable organizations in the communities it serves. First Choice strives to be a living example of the credit union philosophy of people helping people, which is one of the foundations of the business.

“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,” Winwood said. “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 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, 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 re-elected to the board of directors. Richard Schaffer, president of the West Virginia Credit Union League, offered remarks.

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