MINGO JUNCTION — Softite Community Federal Credit Union is thanking the community for a successful first year at its branch office at 100 Longview Ave., Mingo Junction.

“We want to thank the community for a successful first year and look forward to a successful future servicing the residents of Jefferson, Harrison and Belmont counties,” said Pam Fankhouser, Softite CEO.

Softite began in 1969 at the Martins Ferry Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Plant. Softite was a product used to coat steel at the Martins Ferry plant.

“We are rooted in steel, “she said.

The credit union started with a $40 deposit. Today, Softite has close to $20 million in assets. Membership in the credit union is open to anyone who lives, works, worships in or goes to school in Belmont, Harrison and Jefferson counties. Softite’s main office is in Martins Ferry, with another branch location in St. Clairsville.

A credit union is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution owned and controlled by the people who use its services. Roman said those people are called members not customers, and each member owns one share of the credit union. The commonality being such as where they live, work, worship or go to school or have a business in the three county area. She said a credit union is a safe, convenient place for people from all walks of life to save money and to get loans at reasonable rates driven by a people-first philosophy. The principles that make credit unions unique in the financial world are: service to the members, by the members, for the members. By becoming a member of Softite Community Federal Credit Union, you would be an owner in your credit union and have a say in how it is run.

“Join today and share the philosophy of people helping people,” Fankhouser said.

Softite offers the following services: online banking; online bill paying; overdraft courtesy paying up to $500; savings accounts; checking accounts; debit card; Visa credit card; Christmas club; vacation club; share certificates; IRA certificates; education savings accounts; IRA accounts, including traditional and Roth; money orders; home equity loans; personal loans; used car loans; boat loans; vacation and Christmas loans; remodeling loans; recreational vehicle loans; new furniture loans; payroll deduction; direct deposit; and wire money transfers. The Mingo Junction branch also offers nighttime deposit and an ATM machine. There also are ATMs at various locations in Belmont County and Jefferson that are surcharge free to members

Softite emphasizes customer service.

“You get personal attention here,” Fankhouser said. “When you call Softite, a person answers the phone and they will assist you with getting what you need.”

The Mingo Junction branch boasts three drive-in lanes.

Softite Community Federal Credit Union, Mingo Junction branch, can be contacted at 740-314-8965, the St. Clairsville Branch at 740-526-8103 and or Main office in Martins Ferry at 740-633-2103. Information can also be found on the credit union’s website at softitecfcu.com.