In this episode of the First Choice Federal Credit Union Newsletter for July of 2026, we take a gander at the upcoming Independence Day celebration – and it’s link to credit unions. We also discuss the changes to our mobile app – don’t forget to login again! We also announced our upcoming Annual Meeting (don’t forget to RSVP by July 24th).
A Letter From Our CEO – Credit Unions and the American Spirit; A Match from the Beginning!
As our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it is a fitting time to reflect not only on where we have been—but also on the institutions and values that continue to strengthen us today.
For generations, credit unions have quietly embodied many of the principles that helped shape America itself: cooperation, self-reliance, local decision-making, and neighbors helping neighbors.
Credit unions were founded differently. As a non-profit, there is not a focus on corporate profits. Shareholders do not get more say with more stock. In fact, at credit unions, our focus is directly on the people, with everyone getting an equal vote in electing governance. That concept has allowed credit unions to remain deeply connected to the communities they serve because we are truly made up of the community and its people.
“We The People…” have always been strongest when citizens work together toward a common purpose. Credit unions grew up around common work groups and common geography.
Credit Unions and the American Spirit
In many ways, credit unions reflect the very spirit of America:
- Independent, but connected
- Local, but impactful
- Built on trust, not transactions
- Focused on financial freedom for everyday people
At First Choice, we see that spirit every day. We see it in families taking pride in and improving their homes. We see it in young adults beginning to build credit and financial stability with that first car. We see it in small acts of kindness: conversations across teller lines, and friends helping friends through difficult seasons of life. You are not a number here, you are an owner and a friend.
America’s story has always been one of perseverance, innovation, responsibility, and the belief that ordinary people working together can accomplish extraordinary things.
Credit unions have played an important role in that story for more than a century—helping working families save, borrow responsibly, and build brighter futures together.
As we look ahead to America250, we are grateful not only for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, but also for the opportunity to continue serving you and this community with integrity, compassion, and local commitment.
While technology and banking continue to evolve, but the heart of a credit union remains unchanged:
People helping people
That philosophy is as relevant today as it was at our founding.
Thank you for your continued business and may God Bless America!
We Think Things Should Be Simple
We live in a complicated world that has ever shifting levels of expectation. My 9th grader is already taking classes that have College credits attached!
It feels like turning on my TV and getting into the “right account” just so I can watch a hockey game requires an advanced degree.
One of the core values of First Choice is to make sure it “makes sense over the ironing board”. Our founding location was in the Rail Master’s office in Mahoningtown. For a fixed time each day, they would set aside the work of the railroad, prop up an ironing board and a cigar box. Workers would file in with cash deposits with the promise of future dividends and small loans would be made from the same till with agreed upon repayment terms. People were accountable to one another. Those that made more, gave more in order to help those who made less. They shared the
risks, rewards, and responsibilities.
Whenever we offer a new product or even down to granting an individual loan, we use the same concepts. Does this make sense? Are we doing the best we can for our members? Are we looking out for and protecting both the depositor and the lender?
We try very hard not to make things too complicated. We feel that the simplest answer; the honest answer—even if it is a “no”, as long as it is delivered with respect and the desire to help someone improve their future— is the best way.
If you have a borrowing need, let us try to help you. If you are in a season of saving and building and want a good return with almost no risk, we can do that too.
We were founded on simple principles, with lofty and inspiring goals: Treat people well. Keep it simple.
The Same, But Better
Our mobile app just got a facelift. All of the same features are still present, it is just in a slightly different look and comes with loads of technology patches to make it more stable and enhance security. If you haven’t used our app, now is the time. If you use it a lot, we hope you like it.
Please update your app. If you use biometrics to access your account, you will need to log in again.
You Are Invited!
The 2026 First Choice Annual Meeting is next month. We are looking for to seeing you as we celebrate another productive and exciting year for First Choice!
- What: First Choice Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting 2026
- Where: 1144 Butler Ave. New Castle PA
- When: Saturday August 8th 2026, starting at 10AM
- RSVP: By July 24th
