First Choice America Credit Union continued to make significant progress in 2020 while navigating the unprecedented times created by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Credit Union moved steadily forward with the excellent performance of a dedicated employee team and the tremendous support and loyalty of its 35,000 members.
As a result of the on-going Coronavirus pandemic, the 82nd Annual Meeting was held via conference call with the membership on Tuesday, February 16, 2020. Scott E. Winwood, President and CEO expressed his gratitude to the membership by saying, “We certainly appreciate your understanding with the necessary steps we’ve taken to help ensure a safe environment and to help stop the spread of the virus during these most extraordinary times. Our top priority remains the health and well-being of our vital employee team and our valued members. Despite the pandemic, our Credit Union has maintained the safe, sound, and secure financial institution committed to our members that you can trust during times of uncertainty.” He listed these significant achievements in 2020:
· Earned another “Superior” rating.
· Grew assets to a record $515 million.
· Expanded deposits to an all-time high of $440 million.
· Preserved a strong capital position.
“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 5,500 credit unions,” Winwood exclaimed.
“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 you, and very proud of the significant strides made during this past year’s unprecedented events,” he stated.
He continued, “Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely impacted some of our members causing them financial difficulties, as we’ve done throughout our history, we worked with those members to provide financial solutions tailored to fit their individual needs and support them during these trying times.
The pandemic of 2020 further illustrates the need for First Choice America to continue to maximize our investments in technology to serve our members. We offer state of the art technology to allow our members access to their accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While keeping pace with the latest technology, we continue to offer members better rates on loans and deposits, more personalized service, and importantly, fewer fees than other financial institutions.”
“Your membership in First Choice America is an important and meaningful financial advantage and it adds up to “better value” for your money,” Winwood said.
Our Credit Union has always embraced the merits of good citizenship by expanding our value to society by generously supporting a wide range of charitable organizations in the communities that we serve. Due to the pandemic, we understand the need is even greater with more people facing challenging times and financial hardships. Therefore, we are proud to announce that we expanded our support of worthwhile organizations, such as the Salvation Army, to help alleviate the financial burdens faced by so many of our neighbors. 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. Additionally, and despite the pandemic, we continue our commitment to promote financial literacy through our scholarship programs, Cool Kids Cash Club, and our Bank at School efforts. Our long-standing commitment to charitable organizations and the financial education of our young people will not waiver especially now during this unexpected period in history.
Concluding, he said “While it is impossible for anyone to predict how this crisis will continue to unfold and its ongoing impact, it does not alter First Choice America’s commitment to serving our members. Throughout our 82-year history, our Credit Union and its members have faced and survived many times of uncertainty. Although there will continue to be challenges ahead, we are confident that our commitment to our members, employees, and communities in which we live and operate, along with our safe and sound business practices will continue to guide us so we remain the safe haven, reliable resource, and leader that you can count on for all your financial needs for many years to come. We truly value and appreciate your loyalty.”
During the meeting, Robert G. Mrvos and Kenneth W. Truax were reelected to the Board of Directors.
Founded in 1939 in Weirton, First Choice America maintains eight offices in the Ohio Valley.