Month: August 2019

America First Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Brigham City Branch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Brigham City Branch

Brigham City, Utah – August 16, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday morning for its newest branch in Brigham City.

The branch is located at 450 West 1124 South in Brigham City. The opening of the branch marks AFCU’s 114 branch in Utah and the 128 branch in the U.S.

The leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch is managed by Michelle Duncan who has been part of the AFCU team for more than 20 years starting as a teller and joining AFCU leadership in 2002. Duncan is also an AFCU Service Star recipient, president of the Brigham City Kiwanis Club, and member of the Women in Business with the Brigham City Chamber. She’s also an active member in AFCU’s Greater Good Program where she dedicates her time to serving children in the community.

“Brigham City is a wonderful community and I’m so grateful to be working with the great members in this area,” said Duncan. “Our goal is to help support our members’ financial wellness and be a partner for life.”

The newly constructed full-service, 3,254-square-foot branch includes 6 teller stations; a 6-lane drive-up, one lane being an ATM; a coin counter; 2 Loan Desks; and 1 remote expert office.

In celebration of the branch opening, weekly giveaways will also be held throughout August in which kids can enter to win a $25 gift cards and gift basket, and adults can enter to win a packaged gift of an Echo Dot and $1000 visa gift card.

America First Branch

America First Credit Union held the official ribbon cutting for its newest branch in Brigham City on Aug 5.

###

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 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Raiders and America First Credit Union Announce Exclusive Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raiders and America First Credit Union Announce Exclusive Partnership

Las Vegas – August 14, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) has joined with the Raiders in an expansive partnership, which will include AFCU being named as the Raider’s exclusive credit union and official debit card partner as well as introducing a charitable donation component and a community outreach program to support local small businesses.

“The Raiders and AFCU are both committed to excellence,” said AFCU president and CEO John Lund. “We both are dedicated to engaging, growing, and supporting the community. This collaboration is the start of a long partnership that will strengthen our entire community.”

“The Raiders are excited to partner with America First Credit Union in these activations, particularly those that positively impact our community,” said Raiders President, Marc Badain.

The Raiders partnership includes a program to support small business owners in Las Vegas. More details about the program will be released as the inaugural season in Las Vegas approaches in 2020. The relationship also includes a charitable effort termed First Down for the Community where each Raiders first down during the preseason and regular season results in a donation from the America First Foundation to the Raiders Foundation.

AFCU entered into the exclusive multi-year partnership with the Raiders this month. The partnership will take effect when the Raiders begin playing its home games at Allegiant Stadium for the 2020 National Football League season.

With this partnership, AFCU extends its brand footprint in the area, having already enjoyed a partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators at the new Las Vegas Ballpark and the Las Vegas Lights FC.

###

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 $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

5 Tips of Financial Wisdom for National Financial Awareness Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 Tips of Financial Wisdom for National Financial Awareness Day  

Ogden, UT – August 13, 2019 – To promote consumer financial preparedness, America First Credit Union (AFCU) is sharing five fundamentals for financial fitness.

When it comes to finances, education is one of the most powerful tools,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “Our goal is to equip people for financially sound practices and empower them to develop, achieve and maintain financial well-being. At America First, we believe that informed members make for stronger communities.”

For National Financial Awareness Day on Aug. 14, take a look at these financial principles:

  1. Create and stick to a budget A well-thought-out budget will help prevent financial stress and increase spending abilities. Budgeting is about confidence, not guilt. Stop comparing yourself to others and be real about your income.
  2. Improve your credit score Know your three-digit number that comes from one of the major consumer reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Members can access a FICO® score within the AFCU online banking portal. Repair and build your credit by correcting errors and paying debt down.
  3. Reduce and manage debt Start reducing your debt at a steady and deliberate pace. Don’t just move it around. Keep your credit card balances low and pay off your monthly charges. Also, be sure to stay current with all your bills.
  4. Save money Complete a seven-day spending freeze. Just before you begin your freeze, gas up your car and go grocery shopping. Plan a menu for the week and only buy what you’ll need. Your goal is to use what you have for the next seven days.
  5. Learn about your finances Members can take advantage of free financial counseling, free financial education and safe savings programs.

To learn more, watch AFCU’s video series, FUNDamentals, at americafirst.com/learn. Topics include good versus bad spending, loan basics and demystifying mortgages.

Editor’s Note: AFCU representatives are available for interviews to discuss financial preparedness tips. Email Jennifer.Lopez@rrpartners.com to coordinate.

### 

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

Guest Commentary: Measured Growth & Shared Strength Drive America First

Rex Rollo
Rex Rollo – Executive VP / Chief Financial Officer
By Rex Rollo, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

Through July, America First achieved double-digit growth in both assets and deposits, generating earnings that elevated the credit union’s net worth to exceed 150% of well-capitalized regulatory requirements.

In total, assets of more than $11 billion make us Utah’s largest credit union and the ninth most substantial in the nation, with 128 branches in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho. We at America First are privileged to have increased liquidity and an improved efficiency ratio.

Such figures for the first six months of 2019 are indeed notable for any financial institution. What sets us apart, however, is that we achieved these benchmarks while expanding our market presence and broadening our brand recognition, delivering the ability to handle millions of transactions through digital channels. These positive and ongoing results clearly indicate the strength and long-term success of America First Credit Union.

Behind the statistics, ratios & amounts, however, our greatest measurement of success is the growing number of people who join America First every day membership now stands at over one million. The philosophy of people helping people drives us to perform at the highest level, supporting the America First mission statement: “our chief concern is the financial well-being of our members.” In like fashion, as members develop financial health by using more products and services, the organization’s collective well-being is enhanced. This is as true today as it was 80 years ago, when 59 individuals founded the credit union we now enjoy.

In almost all respects, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Our lives are better because of their efforts and, through their hard-fought gains, we enjoy the view from higher ground. In much the same way, America First always strives to be in the best possible position to help members. Past, present and future, those who have united and will unite to benefit each other fulfills the promise on which we stand. It is with gratitude that we thank you for propelling America First forward, creating strong shoulders for others.