Mar 7, 2026 By Rick Shrum 5 min read

In its 56th year, CHROME Federal Credit Union is shining more brightly.

The North Strabane-based FCU announced recently that its merger with Alcoa Pittsburgh Federal Credit Union had been finalized on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. CHROME emerged with 2,000-plus more members and retention of its name, which will serve all members of the now-united two entities.

Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU serves employees of Alcoa, an industrial corporation that specializes in alumina and primary and fabricated aluminum.

CHROME said in a news release the decision to merge “was made in the interest of honoring” former manager Lisa Blacer, who had stepped down for medical reasons. CHROME said the merger “allows Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU to continue to thrive with a like-minded partner with similar values and a similar background.”

John Foody Jr., former president of the Alcoa FCU board, said in a statement: “For over 85 years, we’ve been honored to serve our members with dedication and heart. As we prepare to merge with CHROME, we do so with deep gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us over the years.”

Foody joined the CHROME FCU board in August.

Broc Sleek, president and CEO of CHROME FCU, said in a statement: “We are honored to lead this next chapter for Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU members. This merger brings together two strong credit unions focused on delivering great products, innovation and care to every member we serve.”

CHROME started out as Washington Steel FCU, launched by seven employees of Washington Steel Co. in 1971 to serve those on the payroll. It has branches in Washington, Meadow Lands, Wexford and Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

The credit union serves more than 15,600 members. Membership is open to anyone residing, working, attending school or worshiping in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Women in construction

Building materials industry icon 84 Lumber has been celebrating Women in Construction Week (March 1-7) by saluting women who are playing key roles in helping to shape the future of construction.

The North Strabane-based company, owned by Maggie Hardy, said in a news release that it “remains committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for them to thrive across the construction sector.”

Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber, said in a statement: “Women in Construction Week is about more than recognition. It’s about visibility, opportunity and momentum.”

84 Lumber selected three associates from across the nation with interesting stories related to roles available to women in construction. They are: Alexandria Barber, manager trainee at the company’s Ballston Spa, N.Y., store; Isabelle Schroeder, customer sales manager in South Boston; and Allison Young, director of regional accounts for the Western division, based in Denver.

Young joined the company nine months ago. She started in real estate, then went into purchasing for a national builder, then manufacturing before moving into her current job.

“When I was ready to shift out of my real estate career, which I’ve always considered construction adjacent, I realized the new home construction industry just made sense,” Young said. “I went from selling the finished product to working alongside the people who actually make that product possible. Honestly, it’s been a lot more fun being closer to where the magic happens.”

Schroeder discovered 84 Lumber in an unexpected way. Still in college and bartending in the Albany, N.Y., area in 2020 during the pandemic, she met a group of 84 Lumber associates who introduced her to the culture and career opportunities available within the company.

Starting as the first woman hired at her location, Schroeder recalled receiving surprised looks from customers and occasionally being asked to get “one of the guys” for assistance. Instead of letting these comments stop her, these moments fueled her determination.

“It gave me the drive to prove myself, to prove that I belonged,” Schroeder said. Promoted to co-manager after several months of training, she found confidence to overcome challenges in a male-dominated field.

“I had already decided I loved working in the construction industry, so when I was promoted to co-manager in such a short time, I knew my story with 84 Lumber was just beginning.”

Barber may be a manager trainee four months into the job, but she is already having an impact. 84 Lumber’s Management Training Program provides hands-on experience, mentorship and a clear path to leadership.

She grew up in Washington state, in the midst of lumber facilities and logging roads that sparked an early fascination with the lumber industry. After building relationships with store associates while working at a local deli, Barber said she became increasingly interested in the company.

“I had conversations with them and asked detailed questions about their roles. In late summer, (store manager) Donovan extended a job offer, and I officially joined the team in early October.”

Barber is gaining experience in operations, sales and leadership, with a goal of one day operating her own store.