America First Newsroom

America First Credit Union Opens Back-to-School Teacher Grant Program

20 educators across six states to receive up to $2,500 for classroom projects; applications open through Sept. 30

RIVERDALE, Utah – Aug. 10, 2025 – America First Credit Union is inviting teachers to apply for funding through its 100% for Kids Teacher Grant Program. The effort will award 20 grants of up to $2,500 to educators with innovative classroom projects that engage students and strengthen schools in the communities America First serves as students return to the classroom.

The program, administered by the America First Charitable Foundation, supports projects that enrich standard curriculum, promote creativity and address specific classroom needs. Teachers in Utah, Arizona, California, Idaho (Boise and Rexburg), Nevada and New Mexico (Albuquerque) are eligible to apply.

“Back-to-school season is a perfect time to shine a light on the teachers who give so much of themselves to help students succeed,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “These grants provide flexible resources for projects that otherwise might not happen, from science equipment to art supplies to hands-on learning experiences.”

The 100% for Kids program began in 2002 as a collaborative initiative of credit unions operating in Utah. In 2023, AFCU became the program’s primary steward, continuing its mission and expanding it to reach more educators across the credit union’s footprint. Since its founding, 100% for Kids has provided more than $6 million in direct funding to classrooms. https://utahscreditunions.org/100-for-kids/

Supporting education is one of the foundation’s four pillars, alongside community assistance, service to others and supporting children in need. The program’s transition to AFCU has allowed for continued investment in local schools while honoring its original vision.

How to apply

Application period: Aug. 1–Sept. 30, 2025
Where: Apply online
Teacher Grant, or scan the QR code on program materials
Who’s eligible: K–12 educators in AFCU service areas
What to submit: A short proposal describing the classroom project, goals, anticipated impact and budget

Recipients will be announced in fall 2025, with grants awarded directly to educators for use on approved projects.

America First Credit Union Supports Service Members at 2025 Commanders Cup Tournament

Hill AFB represents Utah in national military soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake

More than 400 active-duty service members from across the globe gathered in Utah this past weekend for the fourth annual Commanders Cup. The event is a military-only soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake and supported by America First Credit Union.

Held July 18–20 across facilities in Herriman and Sandy, the tournament brought together 16 teams from bases stretching from Alaska to Georgia and even the Pacific Islands. Hill Air Force Base, located in Layton, Utah, represented Utah as the hometown team.

“This was about more than soccer—it was about honoring service and creating a sense of pride, unity, and belonging,” said Brett Greenwell, AFCU vice president member and partner relations. “To see Hill AFB suit up in a jersey we helped provide and compete at this level, right here in Utah, was something special.”

As part of its longstanding commitment to military communities, America First Credit Union sponsored Hill’s team and partnered with RSL to provide co-branded kits for the players. AFCU also served as game sponsor for RSL’s July 19 match against FC Cincinnati, distributing 300 free tickets to military personnel participating in the tournament. The credit union was originally founded to serve military members in Salt Lake City.

After group play, the semifinals and final match were held at America First Field in Sandy on Sunday, July 20. Fans in attendance were treated to complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks courtesy of tournament sponsors. This year’s title went to Joint Base San Antonio, which topped the competition after three days of fast-paced matches.

The Commanders Cup has grown rapidly since its launch in 2022, expanding from six teams to 20 and drawing increased attention from the military community and supporters across the country. For America First Credit Union, the event is a reflection of its roots and ongoing aim to support military and other communities around the Western united states.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. It is also the fifth-largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members and more than $22 billion in assets. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dave Nellis

America First Credit Union

801.827.8606

dcnellis@americafirst.com

Help America First Deliver 1,500 Backpacks to Students This Summer

Backpack Bonanza runs through August 10 — join us in making a difference

RIVERDALE, Utah – July 25, 2025 – The America First Charitable Foundation Backpack Bonanza is in full swing, and there’s still time to help students in need gear up for the school year. Now through Aug. 10, employees, members, and anyone who would like to are invited to donate new school supplies at any of the credit union’s branches, or contribute funds as part of this annual back-to-school giving campaign.

The foundation’s goal is to collect and donate more than 1,500 fully stocked backpacks to young students in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah — an increase of 50 percent over the 2024 goal.

“As we work closely with community partners throughout the Western U.S., it’s clear there’s significant need as the school year approaches,” said Amber Greenwell, Director of Community Outreach and the Charitable Foundation at America First Credit Union. “If every AFCU employee contributed $5, we could reach our goal. But we also know our members care deeply about our communities and together, we can help thousands of kids start school with the essential supplies they need to be successful.”

There are specific items that are needed to fill the backpacks, as well as several ways to donate:

Drop Off School Supplies

Donated items can be brought to any America First branch. Needed items include:

Backpacks
Paper and notebooks
Binders and folders
Crayons, colored pencils, markers
Glue sticks, rulers, scissors, highlighters
Pencil boxes and other classroom supplies

Make a Monetary Donation

Members can use their AFCU mobile app or online banking to transfer funds to Savings account #5502281 (last name: AFCU)
When donating at a branch, use “backpack” in the description field
Community members can contribute through an online donation portal

All donations will help supply students in partner schools and youth organizations across the six-state AFCU footprint. In 2024, donations from employees, members, and the community helped the foundation exceed its target — and with continued support, AFCU aims to do it again in 2025.

To learn more or to donate online, visit americafirst.com/community.

America First Federal Credit Union and Meadows Bank Enter into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement

Strengthens Business Lending Capabilities and Adds Meadows Bank’s Premier Team of Local Business Advisors in Nevada & Arizona

July 25, 2025

America First Federal Credit Union and Meadows Bank are pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement under which America First will purchase substantially all of the assets of Meadows Bank and assume substantially all of its liabilities. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory and Meadows Bank shareholder approvals. Upon closing the transaction, Meadows Bank will operate under the name: Meadows Financial: a division of America First™.

Meadows was founded in 2008 and is a full-service community bank with six locations across Nevada and Arizona. Meadows is committed to developing valued partnerships with its clients, and its relationship-based approach to banking focuses on making decisions locally. Meadows offers a full suite of lending and deposit offerings and is a National SBA Preferred Lender.

America First was founded in 1939 and has grown into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. It is the sixth largest credit union in the nation with $22 billion in assets and 113 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, and serves 1.5 million members. America First is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping its members do more with their money.

The integration of our two organizations will further strengthen America First’s ability to provide its members with comprehensive business solutions and provide Meadows’ customers with access to a full suite of consumer products and services. It is an important milestone in meeting the financial needs of this dynamic region.

AFCU and God’s Garage Honor Ogden Mom’s Community Service with Surprise Car

America First and God’s Garage continue tradition of partnering and giving together

After 15 years of quietly helping others, Dora Rubio thought she was headed to a lunch meeting with her boss. Instead, when she arrived at the America First Credit Union campus in Riverdale, Rubio was handed the keys to a reliable, freshly detailed Toyota.

Rubio, a bilingual victim advocate at the YCC Family Crisis Center in Ogden, has spent more than a decade supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. But recently, she found herself without a working vehicle after her transmission gave out.

On June 25, America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation and Utah-based nonprofit God’s Garage surprised her with a car as part of their ongoing partnership. This is the fourth vehicle gifted through the collaboration.

“This gift is going to help me so much,” Rubio said at the event. “It’s going to help me feel confident — like I can be a mom, I can be there for my children, and I can be there for my community.”

Rubio had no idea she had been nominated for the program until she arrived and saw a crowd waiting. The surprise, coordinated in partnership with her employer, brought plenty of tears — and a lot of joy.

“This opportunity just brings back that hope,” she said. “I’m just so happy and so grateful that I can be there for those who need me.”

The story was covered by the Standard-Examiner and KSL-TV, as well as Fox13 and KSL NewsRadio.

God’s Garage, which started in a single repair bay six years ago, now operates out of six bays in Ogden and gives away nearly one vehicle a week to women in need. Volunteer mechanics accept donated cars, fix them up, and hand them off — no strings attached.

“We know we can’t solve every problem,” said God’s Garage leader Jimi Pitts. “But we saw a need — single moms without transportation — and we knew we could do something about that.”

AFCU’s donation of the 2017 Corolla made this particular giveaway possible. It’s part of the credit union’s broader commitment to community, which includes supporting causes through its Charitable Foundation’s four focus areas: Kids First, Community First, Education First, and Service First.

“We’re humbled to be part of something that provides not just a car, but hope,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “This kind of support can truly change a life.”

After the keys were handed over, Dora and the crowd shared a light lunch — and plenty of hugs. The team at God’s Garage encourages anyone with a vehicle to donate, no matter its condition. And for those wanting to get involved, God’s Garage Utah and the America First Creditable Foundation always welcome contributions, volunteers and other support to — as Rubio put it, help “Good things happen.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

ABOUT GOD’S GARAGE

We are a group of people who want to help others. God’s Garage was born out of the needs we saw around us, as some of our single ladies, widows, and wives of deployed military are struggling to make ends meet. Through donated cars and parts, we are able to bridge troubled times in so many people’s lives. We don’t charge anything for labor and try to help with parts as we can. We also give vehicles away to those in need. The future is bright for God’s Garage. We are looking forward to the future, as we train people to help others, and are anticipating becoming a full-time venture, with mechanics working every day. Learn more at godsgarageutah.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

America First Credit Union to Host Free Private Skate For Silver Knights Debit Cardholders on June 28

Event to be held at America First Center in Henderson

HENDERSON, Nev. (June 17, 2025) – America First Credit Union, the Official Credit Union for Hockey in Las Vegas, is inviting its Henderson Silver Knights debit cardholders to a free private skate on Friday, June 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at America First Center in Henderson.

Cardholders can bring up to three guests to join in the fun. To participate, members simply need to present their physical Silver Knights debit card at check-in to receive free skate rentals for the session.

“This event is our way of thanking our members and giving Silver Knights fans a unique way to enjoy their summer,” said Tammy Gallegos, Chief Marketing and Strategic Engagement Officer at America First Credit Union. “We love creating opportunities that bring our members closer to the community and to the sport they love.”

The Silver Knights debit card is accepted almost anywhere in the world, has Card Guard® security and mobile wallet compatibility. Members interested in forging their own Silver Knights debit card can use America First Credit Union’s free Picture Perfect® tool online.

Silver Knights debit cardholders enjoy exclusive perks throughout the year, including:

Free skate rentals at America First Center
30% discount on tickets to select Silver Knights games
10% discount on merchandise at team stores
Access to the Apothecary, an exclusive event-level lounge at all home games
20% off stays at U.S.-based Foley Entertainment Group hotel properties.
20% discount at Foley Family Wines & Spirits

“Since extending our relationship with America First Credit Union in August 2023, they have been a tremendous partner for our team, our fans, and for the growth of hockey in the Vegas Valley,” said Silver Knights Chief Business Officer Gabe Mirabelli. “They have offered wonderful benefits to Silver Knights fans, and now they are offering Henderson a fun way to beat the summer heat this month.”

America First Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights and Henderson Jr. Silver Knights youth hockey programs. They also continue to support educators in Las Vegas with the Game Changers program, recognizing a new teacher every month during the season for their positive impact in the classroom and in the lives of their students.

For more information regarding the free members’ skate on June 28^th, please contact Andrew Calandro at (317) 410-1992.

ABOUT THE HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

The Henderson Silver Knights are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Silver Knights are owned in part by Bill Foley and his family and operated by the Foley Entertainment Group. The Silver Knights play their home games at Lee’s Family Forum, a state-of-the-art arena in Henderson, NV. For the latest news and information on the Silver Knights visit hendersonsilverknights.com and follow the team on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 86 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable, and most progressive credit unions in the country. As Utah’s largest credit union, it has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 115 locations and is the sixth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $22 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.5 million members.

American Advertising Federation and America’s Credit Unions Name America First Credit Union “Best of Show”

AFCU takes home six ADDY Awards and ten Diamond Awards, including Best of Show

SALT LAKE CITY – May 7, 2025 – America First Credit Union earned top honors at two major marketing competitions, receiving “Best of Show” at both America’s Credit Unions’ Diamond Awards in San Antonio, Texas, and the American Advertising Federation of Utah’s ADDY Awards in Sandy, Utah. The Diamond Awards, which recognize excellence in credit union marketing, and the ADDYs, which honor achievements in marketing across industries, are considered among the highest accolades in their respective fields. In total, America First received ten Diamond Awards and six gold ADDY awards.

“Our team is focused on connecting with members and the communities we serve in meaningful ways — whether through humor, storytelling or shared values,” said Zach Winegar, SVP of marketing for America First Credit Union. “These awards are a reflection of the creativity and collaboration across our team and our commitment to being effective in driving growth for the benefit of our members. The fact that two independent judging panels in two independent competitions recognized the power of our messages demonstrates that these campaigns speak to the public at large.”

America First Credit Union submitted several campaign and individual projects across several categories. Its breakout entry was the “Get Your Money Working” campaign, which received significant recognition and was the recipient of Best of Show at both the ADDY and Diamond Awards.

America First Credit Union’s advertising campaigns are unique in that they are developed and executed entirely in-house by the AFCU marketing team, which includes full video production and graphic design crews.

“Producing our campaigns in-house allows us to move quickly, stay authentic to our brand and create work that truly resonates with our members,” said Kyle Curtis, VP of marketing at America First Credit Union. “It also gives us the freedom to experiment, take creative risks and push our ideas further with each campaign.”

America’s Credit Unions (formerly CUNA) have held the Diamond Awards for over 30 years, and it is considered the most prestigious marketing competition for the credit union industry. The ADDY Awards is the advertising industry’s largest creative competition. With six gold awards at the state level, America First Credit Union is now eligible for the district and national ADDY Award competitions.

America First Credit Union was recognized for the following entries:

“Get Your Money Working” Campaign

Diamond Awards for Best of Show; Best in Category – Use of Humor; Best of Category – Cutting Edge; Brand Awareness; and Video Commercial – Single or Series

ADDY Awards (Gold) for Best of Show; Integrated Media Campaign; Animation, Special Effects, or Motion Graphics; Computer Generated Imagery; Regional/National Television Commercial Campaign; and Social Media Campaign

This commercial series, which was recognized as the top entry across all categories by both American Advertising Federation and America’s Credit Unions, uses humor to depict people encouraging their money to do a bit more for them, reflecting a central message of helping members “do more with [their] money.

Utah Hockey Club Official Credit Union Ad
Diamond Award for Video Commercial – Single or Series

This commercial features Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller of the Utah Hockey Club talking about how change can be an exciting thing, especially with America First Credit Union to help you through it.

Father’s Day Video
Diamond Award for Video Non-Commercial – Single

This social media video honors fathers through heartfelt messages from children and adults, recognizing everyday acts of care, featuring real America First Credit Union employees and members.

Keyonte George “Financial Assist” Jazz Fan Campaign
Diamond Award for Audience Specific Marketing

In this social media ad series, Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George delivers surprise “financial assists” to families during everyday moments like breakfast or movie night.

Team Debit Card Campaign
Diamond Award for Community Partnerships & Relations, Endorsements, or NIL Efforts

This campaign highlights America First Credit Union’s exclusive team-themed debit cards through videos celebrating its partnerships with the Utah Jazz, Utah Hockey Club and Las Vegas Raiders.

Care-a-Lot Logo
Diamond Award for Logos

This logo was redesigned to renew engagement with America First Credit Union’s longstanding Care-a-Lot employee assistance program and reflects both legacy and connection.

The marketing initiatives of America First Credit Union exist to drive growth and thereby increase the institution’s ability to fulfill and support the mission to provide personal financial services of a superior quality to members.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86^th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606

dcnellis@americafirst.com

Phoenix Rising FC Partners with America First Credit Union in Community-focused Multi-year Deal

PHOENIX, Arizona – April 29, 2025 – Phoenix Rising FC and America First Credit Union today announced a dynamic multi-year partnership, naming America First Credit Union the Official Credit Union of Phoenix Rising. The collaboration is rooted in a shared mission to connect with local communities and create meaningful moments for Arizona families both on and off the field.

“We are extremely excited to welcome America First as Phoenix Rising’s Official Credit Union,” said Joey Castor, Phoenix Rising Vice President of Business Operations. “Since our first conversation, it was clear that we had a shared commitment to impacting our community and fan experience. Together, we look forward to amplifying those values and creating even more memorable experiences for our fans and the community we serve.”

As part of the partnership, America First Credit Union will feature on the club’s training tops, launch an exclusive Phoenix Rising Visa® Debit Card and be the presenting partner for the club’s “Out of School” match against Monterey Bay FC on May 17.

“Our partnership with Phoenix Rising underscores the importance we place on supporting organizations that bring people together and that exemplify the unique spirit of the city,” said Tammy Gallegos, EVP Chief Strategic Engagement Officer at America First Credit Union. “We look forward to being a part of an exciting season which we know will bring so much joy to fans and to the community alike.”

Unique to the partnership is “Goals for Good,” an original initiative whereby America First Credit Union will make a monetary donation to one of Rising’s partner charities for every goal scored by a Rising player in the 2025 season. The program brings the spirit of the game beyond the field, turning every goal into meaningful impact for families, neighborhoods and causes across the Valley.

Additionally, America First Credit Union will be the official partner of Phoenix Rising Member Cards. Brand new in 2025, the cards can be used in-stadium for exclusive member discounts at concessions as well as in the team store.

Together, America First Credit Union and Phoenix Rising FC are setting the stage for a partnership driven by purpose, connection, and community pride.

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ABOUT PHOENIX RISING FC

Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona history. Established in 2016, the club won the 2023 USL Championship as well as the 2023, 2020 and 2018 Western Conference Titles. Rising won USL Championship’s 2019 Regular Season Title and holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history (20 matches). It is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club chairman/CEO Pablo Prichard and an impressive collection of local business leaders and international celebrities. Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship. For season tickets or more information call (623) 594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), X (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play

America First Credit Union Holds 86th Annual Meeting

RIVERDALE, Utah – April 15, 2025 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) held its 86th annual meeting at 3 p.m. MDT. The meeting was conducted by Linda Carver, chair of the board of directors, and included both in-person and virtual attendance options for members.

The meeting agenda included approval of minutes from the 85th annual meeting and the election of board members. Gil Miller, chair of the nominations committee, oversaw the election process, sharing an overview of the qualifications, duties and responsibilities expected of board members. In accordance with AFCU’s bylaws, three qualified candidates were elected by acclamation: Barney Chapman, Ted Maxfield and Kenlon Reeve. All three will continue serving on the board of directors.

Guests in attendance included Scott Simpson, CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and the Utah Credit Union Association; Rusty Cannon, president of the Utah Credit Union Association; and Bruce Richards, who served as parliamentarian and has long supported the credit union’s mission.

Carver recognized fellow board members for their service, as well as Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of AFCU; the executive team; and senior management. She also extended appreciation to AFCU’s 3,398 employees across the organization for their commitment to serving members and supporting operations across all locations.

Written remarks from the board chair, supervisory committee and president are available in the spring 2025 edition of Memberline, accessible at americafirst.com.

The meeting concluded at approximately 3:15 p.m. MDT.

America First Credit Union Annual Meeting – 2025

In accordance with America First bylaws, the Board of Directors Nominations Committee has identified three members who will stand for election by acclamation at the credit union’s Annual Meeting on April 15, 2025.

After thorough interviews and qualification screenings, the Board candidates are:

Barney B. Chapman
Ted Maxfield
Kenlon Reeve

These volunteers selflessly give of their time, talent, expertise, and experience to enhance our financial well-being, and we congratulate them on their nominations.

We invite all of our members to watch the 2025 Annual Meeting live video stream by clicking the button that will be available on the day of the meeting below.

In addition, we will have a limited number of seats available to attend in person at our Operations Center in Riverdale, Utah. Reservations will be available starting April 10th 2025.

Streaming will begin at 3:00 PM (MDT) April 15, 2025 at the button below.