LAWRENCE COUNTY Credit union will have open membership

A new, larger building is being built on West State Street in Union Township.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- If you've got any affiliation at all in Lawrence County, First Choice Federal Credit Union wants you.
First Choice, formerly B & amp;O New Castle Employees Federal Credit Union on South Mill Street, is changing its name and designation Monday.
B & amp;O had been open to people working for certain companies or belonging to certain organizations, but recent charter changes will allow anyone to join.
"Beside all the 35 groups we have, including CSX [railroad employees], we will be able to take in anyone who lives, works, worships or belongs to a group in Lawrence County," said Marilyn Wehr, manager and chief executive officer.
B & amp;O had to apply for changes in its charter to the National Credit Union Administration. Those were approved a few months ago, Wehr said.
In addition to the new name, the credit union will soon get a new home.
B & amp;O's building at 27 S. Mill St. was sold to the city of New Castle as part of the downtown revitalization project. It will be razed for a parking lot.
New location: Wehr said the credit union will move to a temporary home in Cascade Galleria in July until a new building is finished at 2209 W. State St., Union Township, next to Burger King.
The new building will give the credit union more drive-through windows, automated teller machines, safety deposit boxes and parking, she said.
Credit union officials are hoping membership will also grow with the new building and status.
There are now 3,000 members.
"One of the things we have always said is we will be here to service our children's children. By making this adjustment, we are guaranteeing this for their future," Wehr said.