Feb 4, 2024 6 min read

During the annual meeting dinner at the Century Inn, guests enjoyed a replica of the cake made for the Association’s 25th anniversary in 1949. Lindsey Parks, owner of Canonsburg Cake Company, created a smaller-scale cake based on the original, which was made by Hoge’s Bakery and weighed 530 pounds. Parks is the great-granddaughter of Charles Phillips, one of the bakers and decorators on the Hoge’s team in 1949.

During its annual meeting of members Jan. 24, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County officially kicked off a year of celebration as the Association marks its 100th anniversary.

Founded in March 1924 in Carmichaels as the Home Building and Loan Association of Greene County, the bank has remained a constant in Southwestern Pennsylvania against an ever-changing and evolving landscape.

“We wish our grand and special Association a ‘Happy 100th anniversary,'” said Charles W. Trump, Jr., President/CEO of First Federal of Greene County. “It is very special and meaningful to reflect on the individuals who sparked the First Federal of Greene County fire in March of 1924, remembering and cherishing the countless men and women that kept that fire burning in the last 10 decades, and celebrating the current team that continues to guide the mission and ensure the Association’s success for the next 100 years.”

As a way to pay tribute to the Association’s past, during the annual meeting dinner held at the Century Inn in Scenery Hill, guests enjoyed a replica of the cake made for the Association’s 25th anniversary in 1949. Lindsey Parks, owner of Canonsburg Cake Company, created a smaller-scale cake based on the original, which was made by Hoge’s Bakery and weighed 530 pounds. Parks is the great-granddaughter of Charles Phillips, one of the bakers on the Hoge’s team in 1949.

Financial highlights from 2023 included $1.027 billion in assets, $876 million in deposits, and $666 million in the Association’s mortgage portfolio. Although mortgage rates continued to be higher than in recent years, mortgage volume was favorable, and the year-end mortgage effective yield stood at 3.759 percent.

In response to higher loan rates and customer uncertainty after several large bank failures made headlines early in 2023, the Association offered more competitive and higher rates of return on various deposit products. Employees also engaged in numerous conversations with customers reassuring them of First Federal of Greene County’s solid financial footing.

“Unlike the failed institutions, our lending strategy, business plan and risk appetite are tempered and mitigated, and just as important, a large percentage of our funds on deposit are federally insured,” Trump wrote in his annual President’s Report. “Our team confirmed and demonstrated that our Association is well-positioned, financially sound and operating with the utmost of integrity, with the safety and protection of our customers being the priority.”

Customer safety is also at the forefront of the Association’s continued technological investments and improvements, from new products to modernizations of existing technology.

“The Association’s IT capabilities will continue to mature and keep pace with an ever-changing cyber and information technology landscape,” Trump noted. “The Board of Directors has demonstrated complete support in their backing of investments in technology, and stands committed to the investment and tools necessary in the future, ensuring safety for our customers and success for the Association.”

Looking back at the past year, two big changes for the Association that took place in 2023 were the opening of a new First Greene Mortgage office in Bridgeport, W.Va., and the retirement from the Board of Directors of Chairman John E. Mariner, also a past President/CEO. The Board named Mariner a Director Emeritus and elected former President/CEO Judi Goodwin Tanner Chairwoman of the Board.

“One would be hard-pressed to find better examples than these two leaders, in exemplifying dedication, commitment and fortitude in their respective service to First Federal of Greene County,” Trump wrote. “Leadership is crucial for any organization, if it is to grow and succeed. John and Judi have added power to, and confidence in, our Association’s longstanding mantra, ‘The people you know, the people you can trust.'”

Along with Trump and Tanner, the Board of Directors includes Gregory A. Parsons, Jay S. Hammers, Murray W. Hoy, Stephen M. Neubauer, Douglas A. Wilson and Michael C. Baily. Hoy, Trump and Wilson were re-elected to 3-year terms on the Board. Mariner and Henry T. Cochran serve as Directors Emeritus.

Also during the Association’s annual meeting, the Board of Directors approved the corporate officer title change of Terry L. Clutter to Vice President/Treasurer/Assistant Secretary. Trump was re-elected President/CEO, and the following Association officers were once again elected: Chad M. Moore, Executive Vice President; Jeffrey B. Widdup, Vice President; Courtney A. Schroyer, Vice President/Chief Financial Officer; Kathleen M. Toth, Vice President/Secretary; Sarah A. Westfall, Assistant Vice President; Danielle R. Tobusto, Assistant Vice President; Aimee D. Toothman, Assistant Vice President; and Brian E. Moody, Assistant Treasurer.

As part of the annual meeting, Trump also announced several employee promotions: Caitlin E. Brooks to Controller; Cody L. Byers to Human Resources Manager; and Elizabeth J. Menhart to Marketing and Public Relations Manager.

In closing, Trump credited the Board of Directors for their crucial support and oversight; the Officers for their day-to-day leadership and stewardship; and the employees for their special contributions.

“Our employees are the faces and voices of First Federal of Greene County,” Trump said. “We truly have one of the best teams and some of the most special and thoughtful people, in a workplace, that I have ever witnessed.

“A quote that came to me recently is, ‘Helping each other where we can, how we can – that’s what community is all about,'” Trump continued. “Our employees strive to help where they can, how they can, each and every day. We will count on their energy and passion, while serving our customers, as we launch into our next ‘Century of Service!'”

Since 1924, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County has served the residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania through a combination of traditional deposit and loan products and evolving technological convenience. From checking and savings accounts to mortgage and home equity loans, from online bill pay to mobile banking, First Federal of Greene County offers a variety of services to its customers, all while remaining committed to being “The People You Know, The People You Can Trust.” Based in Waynesburg, Pa., First Federal of Greene County maintains eight offices in Greene, Fayette and Washington counties in Pennsylvania, and two First Greene Mortgage subsidiary offices in Morgantown and Bridgeport, W.Va. For more information, visit www.ffgc.bank.

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