June 2019 - America First Newsroom

America First Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Rainbow Branch

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Cypers, America First Credit Union
801.827.8655 / ncypers@americafirst.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Rainbow Branch

America First Credit Union held the official ribbon cutting for its newest branch in Las Vegas on June 21.

LAS VEGAS – June 26, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning for its newest branch in Las Vegas.

The branch is located 1400 South Rainbow Boulevard, near Charleston Boulevard. The opening of the branch marks AFCU’s 15th branch in Southern Nevada (other offices are in Mesquite, Henderson, Overton, Moapa and Caliente) – and its 128th branch is the U.S.

The leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch is managed by Geri Albores, who has over 24 years of experience in the financial sector.

“Our team is eager to help people address current and future financial needs,” said Albores. “America First Credit Union’s goal is to help support our members’ financial wellness and be a partner for life.”

The branch and property underwent renovations and improvements, which were completed in May of this year. The full-service, 5,197-square-foot branch includes four teller stations; a four-lane drive-up, one lane being an ATM; a coin counter; three loan offices; and two remote expert offices. This branch will help serve more than 107,000 members of the credit union in Clark County.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.1 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,021,000 members.

High 5: Pop & Chip With A Neighborhood Icon

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — Every Wednesday for the past 16 years, kids have flocked to Buck Conder’s house in South Jordan for a tradition known as Pop & Chip.

“We picked a day, Wednesday, and then I was going to quit and they got mean and ugly about it.”

It’s a simple offering, bringing together a neighborhood. While some come for the snacks, other come for the stories.

“He was in the Vietnam War, and he tells me about that and his childhood,” neighbor Cade Swensen says.

“He told us once that he didn’t have his first soda pop until he was like in high school and he wanted other people to have that opportunity,” says neighbor Zach Kirkham.

An Army vet, Buck has seen many hard things in his life.

“I got shot up pretty bad,” he says. ” Yeah, I’ve got three Purple Hearts over there.”

The flags in his yard are a reminder of friends lost in Vietnam.

“My second month over there in December of 1966, we ran into an ambush and there were 35, and 27 were killed.”

And before that: “I was in Germany in 1961 when the Berlin Wall went up and my unit was there.”

While Buck is known for his stories, he’s also known for being a good neighbor.

“Buck makes this neighborhood feel like there is unconditional love no matter what, no matter where you come from you’re loved,” says Apryll Carter.

Which is why when word got out that he was getting the KSL High 5, everyone wanted to be a part of it.

“You are the perfect example of the High 5 and what it’s about,” KSL’s Shara Park says. “Its about celebrating those in our community making a difference, and we can’t thank you enough for doing that and making such a difference to them as well.”

We also had a little surprise for Buck from our friends at America First Credit Union.

“You’ve obviously had a great influence on those who are here present today, and as a thank you we would like to present you with a $500 gift card from America First, thank you for all you do and the positive influence you are.”

So why does Buck do this? Why buy the pop and chips each week, and wait for the little ones to come?

The answer is simple: It’s friendship.

“Every time I leave he always says thanks for being my friend, and it’s really happy for me,” Julia Thompson says.

“He teaches them how to be a friend, he teaches them what to listen for, he teaches them how to care about other people, how to have a friendship, how to be a true person who cares about other people,” says Lynette Williams.

If there’s a lesson in life you want them to know, what is that?

Buck answers, “Just be nice.”

Source

Geocaching—Treasure Hunting with the Family

Did you know there are hidden treasure boxes all around you right now? If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive summer activity you can do with the whole family, try geocaching—all you need is a GPS-enabled device and a sense of adventure.

Geocaching is the process of using GPS coordinates to find containers (or “caches”) concealed above the ground in forests, fields, caves, bodies of water and city streets. You’d probably be surprised to discover how many are nearby. According to geocaching.com, there are more than three million caches in over 190 countries. Some are as small as film canisters while others are large buckets. They have been placed there by the community of geocachers to give the others something to find.

Once you pick a cache and locate it using the listed coordinates, you’ll normally find some sort of logbook and some trinkets or small toys. The rule of geocaching is that if you take something, you’re supposed to leave something of equal or greater value. These real-world treasure hunts vary in difficulty, so all ages can enjoy it.

It’s easy to participate:

Step 1: Register for a free account at geocaching.com or download the free app. This will allow you to see coordinates for various caches, get clues from other geocachers and log your finds.
Step 2: Choose your cache by searching near your location or destination. If you’re just starting out, select a regular-sized or large cache with a low difficulty rating.
Step 3: Use your GPS-enabled device. Once you’ve successfully located a geocache, sign the logbook and then return it to its original location so the next treasure-seeker can find it.

Have fun outdoors and get some exercise by geocaching!

America First Credit Union Continues Expansion into Southern Nevada Market

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Cypers, America First Credit Union
801.827.8655 / ncypers@americafirst.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Continues Expansion into Southern Nevada Market

Las Vegas – June 12, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) opened its 15th branch in Southern Nevada – and its 128th branch is the U.S. – at 1400 South Rainbow Boulevard, centered in the southwest part of the valley.

The full-service, 5,197-square-foot branch includes four teller stations; a four-lane drive-up, one lane being an ATM; a coin counter; three loan offices; and two remote expert offices. This branch will help serve more than 107,000 members of the credit union in Clark County. In addition to the South Rainbow location, AFCU has 14 other branches in Southern Nevada, including one in Mesquite. The credit union, with its headquarters’ location in Ogden, Utah, also plans to an additional location by the end of the year on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch will be managed by Geri Albores, who has over 24 years of experience in the financial sector. Albores, who was promoted to market manager in 2013, will have a staff of eight.

Since the branch officially opened on June 3, a steady stream of new and current members has visited to take part in the monthlong celebration, complete with raffle prize giveaways. One lucky Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) fan who visits the branch June 3 to June 29 will win a signed VGK jersey. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Friday, June 21 at 8 a.m.

“We are delighted with the reception from community,” said Albores. “The Golden Knights grand prize drawing has definitely brought the fans. We are eager for the opportunity to serve new clients and offer a place where members can not only solve any financial problems, but also get advice and learn valuable financial information. At America First Credit Union, we believe that informed members make for stronger communities.”

The new open-space offices provide for a more robust digital experience and open engagement.

The full-service branch will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The branch is closed on Sundays.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Our Real Heroes

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer

Over many years, I’ve been privileged to meet and chat with famous athletes and sporting icons, often referred to as cultural heroes. Such individuals include professional basketball players, members of the PGA Tour golf elite, soccer stars, gymnasts, even a few music & entertainment luminaries. The talent with which these folks are blessed and what they accomplish in their endeavors is certainly impressive and appreciated by hundreds of thousands; they inspire and provide us with thrilling memories.

However, as I think further about the concept of heroes and how it applies to the real people surrounding us, the exemplary America First staff comes to mind. Our team strives diligently to help members fulfill their dreams, develop & maintain financial well-being, alleviate stressful circumstances, and simplify their lives. I will share three quick examples.

A gentleman recently visited a local branch with his autistic grandson, whom he hoped to assist in finding a job at Deseret Industries. The immediate problem was that the grandson did not have any government-issued identification, which is necessary for both employment and receiving pay to be deposited at a financial institution. The grandfather was indeed worried and frustrated but, long story short, our branch manager worked directly with this member and found a solution for getting his grandson ID and an account. I was blessed to get a wonderful letter that expressed sincere appreciation for our manager and her willingness to go above and beyond in helping this young man secure his first identification card, savings account and, I’m happy to report, job—he was all smiles when his first check arrived!

I also learned of another terrific branch leader who spent countless hours assisting a single mother research and meet the requirements to qualify for her very first mortgage. The happiness and joy exhibited by this mother in having a home of her own to raise this child was evident in her thankful note.

Lastly, I was in a restaurant in the Salt Lake airport, having a bite to eat because my flight was delayed. My server immediately noticed the America First logo on my shirt and exclaimed, “You saved my life!” I had never met her, let alone saved her life. Yet this kind woman explained that she was referred to our credit union by a friend and we found a way to consolidate her bills so that she was able to save hundreds each month, putting some money away for her son’s college education.

These are simple, powerful, potentially life-changing experiences our credit union was able to facilitate—all by helping each America First member, every single day. The people who work here are the real heroes in my eyes and in the sight of those they serve. We are truly grateful for your membership, loyalty and stories. We look forward to a lifetime relationship.