The State Journal November 30-December 6, 2007  by Jim Fisher, The Exponent Telegram Clarksburg – Although one of the latest states to jump on the tax increment financing bandwagon, West Virginia officials seem to have taken to heart the lessons learned by other states over the past q... [More]

Owners and managers of Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill, located at Charles Pointe next to the Microtel Inn, held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning with city officials present. The ribbon-cutting ceremony came on the heels of a successful Sunday opening to the public. “It was a wonderful opening,” said owner/operator Kornel Miksa. “We had a very good crowd and very few setbacks, which was nice. “Word got out very nicely, and we didn’t have a wait,” he continued. General Manager Jay Miller said those who visited the restaurant Sunday seemed to have a really good time watching the Steelers game. “It was a lot of fun, and we’re glad to see it finally came to fruition,” said Miller. The restaurant was originally scheduled to open September 24, but that had to be postponed. Miksa said he believed it worked out for the best. “It allowed us to get things straightened out and to make sure we were on task,” said Miksa. “It also allowed us more time to get our training team together and make sure any final construction details were completed … in the end it worked out.” The 6,000-square-foot facility features more than 30 television sets, including eight big screens featuring NFL Sunday Ticket and college games. Buffalo Wild Wings, formerly BW3’s, is anticipated to be a destination site, with seating for more than 230 people. The menu features a wide variety of appetizers, ribs and combos, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, desserts, children’s selections and, of course, wings. Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its wings and selection of 14 signature sauces. Combined, the management team of Buffalo Wild Wings, which consists of manager Greg Sikora, Dee Hatcher and Miller, has 57 years of restaurant experience. Store hours will be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.. [More]

Jim Fisher, Metro Editor Roughly 85 percent of Charles Pointe’s new homes are being sold to people moving here from other areas, development officials said. That ratio may start to slide back the other way once S&A Homes begins work on single-family houses in the near future. But for now the vast majority of the growth is not the result of families relocating from other parts of the county. “We’re getting a lot of people moving here from D.C. or even buying second homes. We’re seeing people from Pittsburgh, Maryland, northern Virginia and the North Carolina area,” said Bill Coy of S&A Homes, the exclusive home builder at Charles Pointe. So far, S&A has 62 homes either built or under construction, including 48 last year and 12 in 2005, making Charles Pointe the fastest-growing area of the county. For comparison, there have been five building permits approved for new home construction so far this year in Clarksburg, seven in 2005-06 combined and five in 2004. Shinnston City Manager Debra Herndon said she could only remember one new home being constructed in recent years. But once the development where that house was built begins selling lots, there should be more new homes going up, she said. The biggest impact on Shinnston’s housing market has been the construction of a new 48-unit apartment complex, Herndon said, which already has 30 apartments rented. Karen Lee, administrative assistant in Bridgeport’s Community Development Office, said there have been 26 building permits this year, 46 in 2006 and 39 in 2005. Coy, who has worked in 12 of S&A Homes’ 18 offices, said the company has been pleasantly surprised by the rapid growth of the housing market at Charles Pointe. Usually the company goes into an area, builds 50-100 homes and is finished. “But this is a 15-year project, so we’re going to be here a while,” Coy said. “This has been a very fast-moving development for us." Despite the fact that most of the homes are averaging around $300,000, officials with Charles Pointe developer Genesis Partners said early studies showed there was a good market for such upscale housing. “We know that there is the demand for quality housing,” said Rob Stuart, development director for Genesis. “What we’ve experienced so far is that people are willing to pay that for the quality of life that exists here." Since Charles Pointe is a planned community, practically every detail was mapped out years ago, long before the first shovel of dirt was turned. And that includes the different levels of housing – from duplexes to single-family homes ranging in price from the low six figures to more than a million. “It’s really exceeding our expectations, to be honest with you,” said Jamie Corton, managing partner of Genesis. “We’ve got probably four different developments right now, and I can’t wait to get into the single-family homes.” Stuart said there are plans for about 300 single-family houses, mostly in the South Land Bay. “I think when we get into that … we will experience some relocation (of county residents),” he said. “I don’t think we’ll see the 85 percent when we get to the single-family homes. “The pace right now is a little surprising,” he said. “Of course, the market can always change … but it’s pretty dag-gone strong right now.”. [More]

John G. Miller, Managing Editor Seven years ago there was a great buzz about development in Harrison County. A new concept to the area was announced – a planned community called Charles Pointe. Partially because it was a new concept and few knew what to expect, and partially because the area was starved for good economic news, many anticipated this huge development to unfold before their eyes. When that didn’t occur in short order, and as several years passed without any brick and mortar visible, critics began to wonder if the development would ever be even a sliver of its grand announcement. While there was little visible movement, developer Genesis Partners spent much of the first few years lining up a quality team of personnel and planning the enormous project. This would be no slipshod, piece-meal project that led to infrastructure woes. It would be planned for the future, with a design that was environmentally and user friendly. That planning has paid off. And any doubts about Charles Pointe have been subdued with the tremendous amount of growth experienced since late 2005. In less than two years, Charles Pointe’s North Land Bay has taken shape and includes two hotels, a conference center, housing, retail and office buildings. And it’s just a starting point. As Metro Editor Jim Fisher’s Page A1 story details, Genesis Partners is now moving forward at a rapid pace. The latest development is Marketplace, which will be a 230,000-square foot, six-building complex that will house more retail, offices and loft apartments. All of this is good news for Harrison County and the Interstate 79 Corridor. Charles Pointe’s development combined with the new United Hospital Center and White Oaks projects nearby, are positive signs of future economic growth.. [More]

Jim Fisher, Metro Editor Bridgeport When Jamie Corton shared his company’s vision for a massive, $750 million master-planned community alongside Interstate 79 nearly seven years ago, it was met with a mix of optimism, excitement and even a little skepticism. But driving along W.Va. 279 now, in the waning days of summer, it’s clear that any doubts that Corton and Genesis Partners could pull off such an ambitious plan were unfounded. Although slow-moving in the early years, Charles Pointe is now rumbling along like snowball careening down the K2 , gathering momentum and growing exponentially with each passing day. In fact, that entire section of Harrison County should be drastically different in the coming years with the planned White Oaks business park and the under-construction United Hospital Center across I-79. When the $8.7 million Wingate Inn opened in November 2005, the rest of Charles Pointe was still little more than plats on paper. Now, less than two years later, the North Land Bay is nearly full, and work already has begun in the monstrous South Land Bay. Bordered by I-79 to the west, W.Va. 279 to the south and W.Va. 131 to the east, the North Land Bay has evolved from rolling farmland to a mix of housing, retail and office buildings. Being around Corton and listening to him talk about what’s been accomplished so far, and what’s still to come, is like talking to an excited first-time dad. This is his baby, and he’s proud of it. “I come up here in the morning and the evening, and there’s always people walking on the sidewalks,” Corton said, sitting in his car on the flat hilltop that overlooks a pond and several businesses built to the east of the new Exxon station. To the north of that as-yet-undeveloped plot lies Park view village, one of two housing developments in the North Land Bay . And the hilltop won’t be empty for long, Corton says, as he already has someone on the line interested. The transformation is stunning. From the Bridgeport Conference Center , Microtel and under-construction Buffalo Wild Wings, this first part of Charles Pointe stretches along W.Va. 279 and includes the Exxon, Petroleum Development Corp., Fairmont Federal Credit Union, the Christie-Cutlip Office Complex, Cubby’s Day Care and a physicians’ building, not to mention the townhouses and duplexes. And all that in less than two years. “Honestly, we really didn’t think we’d be this far along,” Corton said. “It’s just all really coming together.” One of the newest pieces of Charles Pointe is the planned Marketplace, a six-building, 230,000-square-foot complex nestled between Barrington Manor and Buffalo Wild Wings. Crews right now are working on a $4 million project to relocate some natural gas wells and lines in the area. Construction on Marketplace should begin in September, Corton said. Marketplace is a microcosm of the overall plan for Charles Pointe. The six buildings are planned to include retail shops, commercial space and even loft apartments. There are leases in place and letters of intent from a half-dozen companies, Corton aid, all before a single block has been laid. “The whole idea is to get West Virginians involved. We’re hoping to have festivals and other activities,” Corton said. “There’s a lot of interest up here. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s all out within two years.” It’s little wonder that Corton can barely contain his enthusiasm when talking about the future of Charles Pointe. Although still in its developmental infancy (the completed North Land Bay represents only about 10 percent of the overall plan), Charles Pointe is garnering attention from all over. In fact, the West Virginia Development Office points to it as a model of how to inject vitality into an area and encourage growth. “A key to attracting businesses to the state is to have a location already prepared, so the transition is quick and the company can easily envision themselves in locations such as Charles Pointe,” said Kelley goes, secretary of the Department of Commerce. That footprint is very important because it lays the foundation no only for what is already there, but for what may come years down the road, Goes said. And that very concept is part of why it took several years to get to this point, Corton said. Corton and Director of Development Rob Stuart describe Charles Pointe as “environmentally sound,” meaning that all the basic groundwork already has been laid. The entire project has been approved as a planned unit development; whole sections have been mapped out and dedicated to particular uses, such as housing, retail, commercial and recreation. With that overall plan in hand, Genesis was able to get preapproval from the Army Corps of Engineers as well as other environmental impact studies out of the way. While that may have contributed to delays up front, it now means that the time between a company expressing interest in construction and completion of the project is drastically reduced. There’s little doubt that Charles Pointe already is impacting Bridgeport ; but the potential to affect the entire county – even the wider region – is almost inevitable. “This has definitely had an impact on some of the larger companies wanting to come here,” said Harrison County Commission President Ron Watson. “We’ve been talking to Northrop Grumman, and we know we’re in the running for some major jobs.” But it’s not just Charles Pointe, Watson said, it’s really the entire I-79 corridor from Morgantown down to northern Lewis County that is not only benefiting, but also contributing. Watson noted that companies are looking at the airport for possible relocation; the West Virginia High Tech Consortium continues to grow; and there is even new development around the Jane Lew area. “That whole area up there just has a snowball effect,” he said. Joan Keith, marketing director for the North Central West Virginia Regional Airport agreed, saying that a development such as Charles Pointe is a great positive when marketing air service. “The fact that there are two hotels less than two miles away, and meeting and convention facilities … that’s always a positive,” she said. The overall numbers are staggering. When completed, Charles Pointe will encompass roughly 1,700 acres, have 2.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space and 2,300 residential units. And parks, recreation facilities and miles of walking trails. But for Corton and the rest of the team at Genesis, it’s not just about Charles Pointe. In fact, Corton wants to get more involved with Clarksburg ’s revitalization efforts, saying it’s critical for there to be progress all across the county. Corton is also excited about the prospect of even more businesses connected with White Oaks and the new hospital. “They say rising tides lift all boats,” he said.. [More]

Lynn Vance, News Staff Writer “Build it and they will come” is how the saying goes, and that is exactly what Cubby’s Child Care Center co-director Jennifer Trippett said has happened. Cubby’s held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday for its new 18,000 square-foot facility at Charles Pointe, with city officials, state Treasurer John Purdue and Gov. Joe Manchin’s son, Joe Manchin IV, present. The new facility is triple the size of its former 6,000 square-foot location on Cherry Street . Although the facility is larger, it doesn’t mean that Cubby’s has room for more children. In fact, the facility is already at capacity. “We are licensed for 307 children, and we are full with a waiting list,” said Trippett. Trippett, who operates the facility with her sisters, Janelle DeMarco and Jeanette Laverdierre, said Cubby’s was licensed at the previous location for 164 children, which included the Benedum Civic Center for after-school programs. She said the new facility has gained a lot of interest from working parents. For the past five years, Trippett, and her parents, Joe and Joyce Spatafore, who own Cubby’s have been looking to relocate. “It was a vision from the Lord that got us here and a dream come true to be located at Charles Pointe,” said Joe Spatafore. “We are very happy we decided to locate here, but couldn’t have done it without the help and cooperation from Huntington Bank, Genesis Partnership and the U.S. Small Business Administration.” Trippett said she’s delighted to finally have a bigger facility to meet the needs of working parents. “For five years we’ve tried to get a building for the after-school kids to give them a place of their own,” said Trippett. “We looked at a lot of property that was for sale in Bridgeport .” Trippett said the new location at Charles Pointe is better than she could have imagined. “It’s everything under one roof … it’s really been perfect,” she said. “It’s convenient for anyone and everyone coming from any location – it’s easy access.” Trippett said she never considered building any place other than Bridgeport . She said not only is it convenient for herself, having lived and grown up in Bridgeport, but Cubby’s services Bridgeport schools, and she felt it had to stay in the area for that reason alone. The new state-of-the art facility in child care features an entire wing for school-age kids. It features a gymnasium with a fenced-in basketball area, an arts and craft room, a homework/media room and a playroom. Each age group also has its own playground located directly outside of its age-appropriate classrooms, and has a set curriculum that is followed. “It’s small group sizes and low staff-to-child ratios,” said Trippett. Classrooms all have diaper changers or bathrooms, and children age 2 and older all have access to water fountains inside their classrooms. “They’re completely functional in their classrooms,” said Trippett, who has been overseeing the operations at Cubby’s for 11 years. “And for the kids, it’s the perfect location. There are cows on the hill, trucks coming in from the asphalt plant and airplanes (that fly in and out of the airport).” The facility also has a complete surveillance system that ties in to the office, so Trippett can see what is going on in every classroom. There is also additional parking, which was not available at the previous location. According to Trippett, employees of the new facility, with help from parents, made the move from the former location in one weekend. The new facility officially opened at Charles Pointe on May 14. Cubby’s is open from 6:20 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for infants through children 12 years of age.. [More]

Bridgeport’s Microtel Inn & Suites at Charles Pointe is 15th in the nation and first in West Virginia, according to the company’s 2006 report of product quality and service. The report compares evaluations performed twice annually on all 255 Microtels nationwide. James A. Corton, managing partner of Genesis Partners, which manages Charles Pointe, said that the results are amazing, but not surprising. “We hire the best hospitality professionals to ensure that every experience is an excellent one for our business and leisure travelers,” he said. “We’re very pleased that this nationwide study shows that our Microtel Inn and Suites is in the top 6 percent for quality and service.” The report is developed from information provided by “mystery shoppers,” who provide an overall assessment of the hotel’s accommodations and service from the perspective of a guest. Observations and experiences are assessed from the moment the reservation is made, through the pre-arrival and check-in phases, during the entire period of the stay at the hotel, and even includes the checkout experience. According to Microtel, the replacement of a “traditional quality assurance checklist” with a use-friendly, guest-oriented questionnaire that allows a “mystery shopper” to anonymously evaluate the execution of service, standards, amenities, staff interactions and product presentation levels from a guest perspective, is progressive and revealing. In addition to answering standard questions, the shopper also provides comments that support and highlight the highs and lows of individual experiences. “Mystery shopper evaluations provide owners and hotel staff with real-time information, and with quantifiable and objective data,” said Gabe Fiest, general manager of the Charles Pointe Microtel Inn and Suites. “Each Microtel hotel in the country is evaluated twice a year, and the results are published. The entire process helps the individual hotels learn from the experiences of the guests, which is the most important perspective.” The Microtel Inn & Suites at Charles Pointe received an overall score of 96.06 percent, and received a score of 100 percent in the areas of housekeeping, safety and security. “We strive to make every Charles Pointe experience a quality experience,” Corton said. “For our Microtel guests to acknowledge our high level of service and quality is a tribute to our commitment.” For more information on the Microtel Inn & Suits at Charles Pointe in Bridgeport, please call 808-2000 or visit microtelinn.com.. [More]

by Elizabeth Grey Morrison Outstanding communities are generating prestigious recognition, particularly in the case of Genesis Partners, a Bridgeport-based business responsible for developing Charles Pointe. Because of Genesis Partners’ success in developing the area, the business recently received the Chairman’s Award from the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Genesis Partners spokesperson Jeff Loudin said the business was honored to receive the award. “Certainly Genesis Partners appreciates the recognition from the Chamber for the advancements that they are making in North Central West Virginia,” Loudin said. Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Wagner said Chairman Clayton Rice chose Genesis Partners to be the recipient of the award. “It’s a selection of the chairman, and it goes to a recipient that is outstanding in more than one way,” Wagner said. “It’s just kind of a recipient that was deserving but didn’t quite fit into any other category. Wagner said this is the second year this particular award has been given at the ceremony. Loudin said he believed Genesis Partners received the award because Charles Pointe is the first master-planned community in West Virginia. Additionally, Loudin said Genesis Partners is committed to job creation and advancing North Central West Virginia. Wagner said Genesis Partners was deserving of the award because of the success of the Charles Pointe development. “It’s a huge economic development for Harrison County,” Wagner said. “Just the total impact of the entire project was deserving of the award.” The award was given at the Chamber’s 88th Annual Awards Dinner held at the Village Square Conference Center. More than 300 people attended the event, making it one of the most heavily attended ceremonies in the Chamber’s history. “We had reservations for 325 people,” Wagner said. “It was one of our largest.” James A. Corton, managing partner for Genesis Partners, and six associates received the award on behalf of the business.. [More]

by Lynn Vance Fairmont Federal Credit Union held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday at its newest location at Charles Pointe with several city officials on hand. According to company officials, the $3.2 million dollar facility is the 10th location for Fairmont Federal Union, which offers free checking accounts, competitive savings rates, online services, auto and home loans and other financial services. Ken Watts, president of the West Virginia Credit Union, said credit unions are very instrumental in the financial well being of its members and this new location will be no different. “You don’t judge a credit union by the assets it accumulates or by the buildings that it builds,” said Watts. “You judge a credit union’s success based upon the level of commitment to member service and that’s been the hallmark of this credit union since its formation in 1939 and has continued up until this day.” Watts said that from a trade association’s standpoint, to see a credit union grow and develop excites him. “It makes me feel good … to see a credit union grow and develop and never, ever lose sight of that fundamental purpose, which is to provide affordable financial services to individuals to allow them to achieve a greater degree of financial independence by being a member of a credit union than having to go to one of those “B” (bank) words.” Those on hand for the ceremony also heard from Butch Osborne, Chief Operating Officer; Stanley Rittenhouse, Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Corton, Managing Partner of Genesis Partners; and Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie. Corton said he was thrilled when Fairmont Federal Credit Union wanted to build at Charles Pointe. “When I heard a credit union was interested in Charles Pointe, I was ecstatic because I thought what a perfect relationship because I know they are in the relationship business,” said Corton. “Being in a relationship business is everything.” FFCU also unveiled a new brand identity with the new positioning statement “Borders beyond Fairmont. Benefits beyond Banking.” by Lynn Vance Fairmont Federal Credit Union held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday at its newest location at Charles Pointe with several city officials on hand. According to company officials, the $3.2 million dollar facility is the 10th location for Fairmont Federal Union, which offers free checking accounts, competitive savings rates, online services, auto and home loans and other financial services. Ken Watts, president of the West Virginia Credit Union, said credit unions are very instrumental in the financial well being of its members and this new location will be no different. “You don’t judge a credit union by the assets it accumulates or by the buildings that it builds,” said Watts. “You judge a credit union’s success based upon the level of commitment to member service and that’s been the hallmark of this credit union since its formation in 1939 and has continued up until this day.” Watts said that from a trade association’s standpoint, to see a credit union grow and develop excites him. “It makes me feel good … to see a credit union grow and develop and never, ever lose sight of that fundamental purpose, which is to provide affordable financial services to individuals to allow them to achieve a greater degree of financial independence by being a member of a credit union than having to go to one of those “B” (bank) words.” Those on hand for the ceremony also heard from Butch Osborne, Chief Operating Officer; Stanley Rittenhouse, Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Corton, Managing Partner of Genesis Partners; and Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie. Corton said he was thrilled when Fairmont Federal Credit Union wanted to build at Charles Pointe. “When I heard a credit union was interested in Charles Pointe, I was ecstatic because I thought what a perfect relationship because I know they are in the relationship business,” said Corton. “Being in a relationship business is everything.” FFCU also unveiled a new brand identity with the new positioning statement “Borders beyond Fairmont. Benefits beyond Banking.” by Lynn Vance Fairmont Federal Credit Union held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday at its newest location at Charles Pointe with several city officials on hand. According to company officials, the $3.2 million dollar facility is the 10th location for Fairmont Federal Union, which offers free checking accounts, competitive savings rates, online services, auto and home loans and other financial services. Ken Watts, president of the West Virginia Credit Union, said credit unions are very instrumental in the financial well being of its members and this new location will be no different. “You don’t judge a credit union by the assets it accumulates or by the buildings that it builds,” said Watts. “You judge a credit union’s success based upon the level of commitment to member service and that’s been the hallmark of this credit union since its formation in 1939 and has continued up until this day.” Watts said that from a trade association’s standpoint, to see a credit union grow and develop excites him. “It makes me feel good … to see a credit union grow and develop and never, ever lose sight of that fundamental purpose, which is to provide affordable financial services to individuals to allow them to achieve a greater degree of financial independence by being a member of a credit union than having to go to one of those “B” (bank) words.” Those on hand for the ceremony also heard from Butch Osborne, Chief Operating Officer; Stanley Rittenhouse, Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Corton, Managing Partner of Genesis Partners; and Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie. Corton said he was thrilled when Fairmont Federal Credit Union wanted to build at Charles Pointe. “When I heard a credit union was interested in Charles Pointe, I was ecstatic because I thought what a perfect relationship because I know they are in the relationship business,” said Corton. “Being in a relationship business is everything.” FFCU also unveiled a new brand identity with the new positioning statement “Borders beyond Fairmont. Benefits beyond Banking.” by Lynn Vance Fairmont Federal Credit Union held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday at its newest location at Charles Pointe with several city officials on hand. According to company officials, the $3.2 million dollar facility is the 10th location for Fairmont Federal Union, which offers free checking accounts, competitive savings rates, online services, auto and home loans and other financial services. Ken Watts, president of the West Virginia Credit Union, said credit unions are very instrumental in the financial well being of its members and this new location will be no different. “You don’t judge a credit union by the assets it accumulates or by the buildings that it builds,” said Watts. “You judge a credit union’s success based upon the level of commitment to member service and that’s been the hallmark of this credit union since its formation in 1939 and has continued up until this day.” Watts said that from a trade association’s standpoint, to see a credit union grow and develop excites him. “It makes me feel good … to see a credit union grow and develop and never, ever lose sight of that fundamental purpose, which is to provide affordable financial services to individuals to allow them to achieve a greater degree of financial independence by being a member of a credit union than having to go to one of those “B” (bank) words.” Those on hand for the ceremony also heard from Butch Osborne, Chief Operating Officer; Stanley Rittenhouse, Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Corton, Managing Partner of Genesis Partners; and Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie. Corton said he was thrilled when Fairmont Federal Credit Union wanted to build at Charles Pointe. “When I heard a credit union was interested in Charles Pointe, I was ecstatic because I thought what a perfect relationship because I know they are in the relationship business,” said Corton. “Being in a relationship business is everything.” FFCU also unveiled a new brand identity with the new positioning statement “Borders beyond Fairmont. Benefits beyond Banking.” by Lynn Vance Fairmont Federal Credit Union held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday at its newest location at Charles Pointe with several city officials on hand. According to company officials, the $3.2 million dollar facility is the 10th location for Fairmont Federal Union, which offers free checking accounts, competitive savings rates, online services, auto and home loans and other financial services. Ken Watts, president of the West Virginia Credit Union, said credit unions are very instrumental in the financial well being of its members and this new location will be no different. “You don’t judge a credit union by the assets it accumulates or by the buildings that it builds,” said Watts. “You judge a credit union’s success based upon the level of commitment to member service and that’s been the hallmark of this credit union since its formation in 1939 and has continued up until this day.” Watts said that from a trade association’s standpoint, to see a credit union grow and develop excites him. “It makes me feel good … to see a credit union grow and develop and never, ever lose sight of that fundamental purpose, which is to provide affordable financial services to individuals to allow them to achieve a greater degree of financial independence by being a member of a credit union than having to go to one of those “B” (bank) words.” Those on hand for the ceremony also heard from Butch Osborne, Chief Operating Officer; Stanley Rittenhouse, Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Corton, Managing Partner of Genesis Partners; and Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie. Corton said he was thrilled when Fairmont Federal Credit Union wanted to build at Charles Pointe. “When I heard a credit union was interested in Charles Pointe, I was ecstatic because I thought what a perfect relationship because I know they are in the relationship business,” said Corton. “Being in a relationship business is everything.” FFCU also unveiled a new brand identity with the new positioning statement “Borders beyond Fairmont. Benefits beyond Banking.” Fairmont Federal Credit Union held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday at its newest location at Charles Pointe with several city officials on hand. According to company officials, the $3.2 million dollar facility is the 10th location for Fairmont Federal Union, which offers free checking accounts, competitive savings rates, online services, auto and home loans and other financial services. Ken Watts, president of the West Virginia Credit Union, said credit unions are very instrumental in the financial well being of its members and this new location will be no different. “You don’t judge a credit union by the assets it accumulates or by the buildings that it builds,” said Watts. “You judge a credit union’s success based upon the level of commitment to member service and that’s been the hallmark of this credit union since its formation in 1939 and has continued up until this day.” Watts said that from a trade association’s standpoint, to see a credit union grow and develop excites him. “It makes me feel good … to see a credit union grow and develop and never, ever lose sight of that fundamental purpose, which is to provide affordable financial services to individuals to allow them to achieve a greater degree of financial independence by being a member of a credit union than having to go to one of those “B” (bank) words.” Those on hand for the ceremony also heard from Butch Osborne, Chief Operating Officer; Stanley Rittenhouse, Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Corton, Managing Partner of Genesis Partners; and Bridgeport Mayor Jim Christie. Corton said he was thrilled when Fairmont Federal Credit Union wanted to build at Charles Pointe. “When I heard a credit union was interested in Charles Pointe, I was ecstatic because I thought what a perfect relationship because I know they are in the relationship business,” said Corton. “Being in a relationship business is everything.” FFCU also unveiled a new brand identity with the new positioning statement “Borders beyond Fairmont. Benefits beyond Banking.”. [More]

The Bridgeport News, Thursday, June 7, 2007 Bridgeport’s Microtel Inn & Suites at Charles Pointe is 15th in the nation and first in West Virginia, according to the company’s 2006 report of product quality and service. The report compares evaluations performed twice annually on all 255 Microtels nationwide. The report is developed from information provided by “mystery shoppers,” who provide an overall assessment of the hotel’s accommodations and service from the perspective of a guest. Observations and experiences are assessed from the moment the reservation is made, through the pre-arrival and check-in phases, during the entire period of the stay at the hotel, and even includes the checkout experience. According to Microtel, the replacement of a “traditional quality assurance checklist” with a user-friendly, guest-oriented questionnaire, which allows a “mystery shopper” to anonymously evaluate the execution of service, standards, amenities, staff interactions and product presentation levels from a guest perspective, is progressive and revealing. In addition to answering standard questions, the shopper also provides comments that support and highlight the highs and lows of individual experiences. The Microtel Inn & Suites at Charles Pointe received an overall score of 96.06 percent, and received a score of 100 percent in the areas of housekeeping and safety and security.. [More]