Month: December 2016

Early Christmas library makeover

Early Christmas Library Makeover

SALT LAKE CITY — Kids at Meadowlark Elementary got a Christmas surprise a few hours before the start of holiday break.

The doors crashed open to reveal their library makeover.

“Woohoo, let’s go in!” shouted excited students.

They marveled at the new books, paint and furniture. It was such a contrast to their old library.

“It was a pretty barren place,” said principal Heidi Greene. “Our walls were maybe three pastel colors. The books were tattered and worn.”

KSL’s Read Today and High Five teams partnered with the Deseret News to provide a much needed update.

Employees from America First Credit Union helped paint bright colors on the walls.

Element Capital helped donate new tables and comfortable furniture. Read Today donated money for books.

The makeover made their library much more inviting.

Read More…

Picture of a ballot

Absentee Ballot Information

The America First Credit Union annual meeting will be held on April 18, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the David S. Eccles Conference Center, Ogden, Utah.

If you cannot attend, you may request an absentee ballot for the Board of Directors election:

·By mail- America First Credit Union, P.O. Box 9199, Ogden, Utah 84409, Attention: Election Committee

·In person- America First Operations Center, 1344 West 4675 South, Riverdale, Utah 84405

Each requires the member’s name, account number & address. All requests must be received by 5 p.m. on February 1, 2017 at either of the above addresses.

Absentee ballots will be mailed in March. Candidates’ names and residences will be featured in an America First publication issued prior to the meeting. Copies of candidates’ qualifications will be available at our branches in April.

Completed ballots must be delivered to America First by 5 p.m. on April 10, 2017. Members receiving them cannot vote at the meeting. To follow is the request form: afcu_digital-ballot

John lund

The Value of Positive Relationships

John LundBy John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer

During my youth, the holidays and Christmas were modest, yet memorable times. It is a meaningful life lesson for me in reflecting back that I remember very few specific gifts. However, the inspiring sights, the wonderful scents, the delicious foods, and the fun I had with friends and family are precious, vivid recollections that stay with me to this day.

When she was preparing for the season, my mother made fantastic meals that would be enjoyed not just at one sitting, but for days thereafter. My favorites included macaroni & shrimp salad, three-bean salad, ham, rolls, cheeses, and her fabulous potato salad. Her date nut loaf was a much-anticipated dessert.

My dad enjoyed decorating our home, both inside and out. Creating this festive atmosphere in the outdoors was a big project that took considerable time. And I’m sure his having to keep after me to help slowed down our progress. When complete, the site was absolutely beautiful, especially after a fresh storm, with the lights showing through the snow and reflecting off the icicles.

To enhance the holidays even further, he built an outdoor speaker system so that passersby could listen to Christmas music. He played vinyl records on our hi-fi stereo from greats such as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, the Andrews Sisters, Johnny Mathis & Andy Williams. I treasure these wonderful classics to this day.

All of my parents’ efforts to make these occasions special were put forth in the spirit of love and selflessness. In the process, long-term relationships and precious memories were developed and strengthened.

It’s truly the positive connection with others that enriches our lives in a relevant and enduring manner. While the relationships we at America First have with you as members can’t be quite this intimate, we do strive to make our services personal, meaningful, and lasting.

On behalf of our entire team of volunteers and staff, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Please remember to pick up your free 2017 calendar at any of our branches. We thank you for your membership and look forward to a lifelong relationship in serving you and your family.

Caution sign on a keyboard

Security Update: Use Caution When You’re Browsing Online

Many find online holiday shopping more convenient than slogging through traffic, looking for parking & dealing with crowds.

At the same time, you need to be on your guard when you make purchases electronically. Follow the tips below to keep the season a safe one:

  • Ensure antivirus software is on all of your devices
  • Check that the vendor uses a secure site
  • Read sales, return, and privacy policies
  • Keep your receipts

For additional updates regarding how we’re working to protect your resources, click here.

Board election

Board Election Highlights Annual Meeting

In accordance with credit union bylaws, three America First members will be elected to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting on April 18, 2017 at the David S. Eccles Conference Center in Ogden, Utah. These non-paying positions are voluntary.

Incumbent directors serving three-year terms are:

  • Linda Carver
  • Edwin G. Cline
  • James G. Wendler

Those interested in applying must meet the following minimum standards:

  • Membership in good standing
  • Legal age (18 years or older)
  • Bondable
  • Free from any conflicts of interest
  • Available for all Board of Directors, Committee, and other designated meetings unless excused

Please submit a letter of application to the America First Nominations Committee, P.O. Box 9199, Ogden, Utah 84409. This should include your statement of qualification (limited to 150 words).

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on January 11, 2017 at the above address. You will be interviewed between January 12 and January 27 of next year if you meet the criteria.

Nominations for Board seats by petition are also accepted. Those applying this way must submit a qualification statement (the word limit is 150) and a petition signed by 500 fellow credit union members. Such applications must be accompanied by a signed certificate from the nominee stating he or she is agreeable to the process and will serve if elected. Applications for nomination by petition must be received by 5 p.m., January 11, 2017 at the address listed previously.

Each applying member receives a copy of the election instructions. Elections will be conducted by ballot at the meeting and nominations are not accepted from the floor.

Please direct any questions regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors or election procedures to Sheryl Cox by calling 1-800-999-3961.