Month: September 2019

America First Credit Union Offers Exclusive Youth Soccer Clinic Contest with Las Vegas Lights FC

For Immediate Release

America First Credit Union Offers Exclusive Youth Soccer Clinic Contest with Las Vegas Lights FC

September 16, 2019 – LAS VEGAS – Children in Las Vegas will get a chance to practice, learn and play soccer directly from Las Vegas Lights FC coaches and players thanks to America First Credit Union (AFCU). Now through Thursday, Sept. 19, people can enter by visiting the company’s social media channels to nominate a child for the Amazingly Fabulous Completely Unbelievable youth soccer clinic.

During the clinic, players and coaches will run a practice for participants similar to their own professional practices. The 1.5-hour clinic will include warmups, drills, Q&A session with the players and coaches, and time for participants to get autographs from their favorite players.

People can enter the contest by commenting with the child’s name and age on Instagram (@AmericaFirst), Facebook (AmericaFirstCU)) and Twitter (@AFCU) contest posts.  Winners will be randomly selected by AFCU representatives and notified via the social media platforms in which they applied.

Nominations are accepted now through the September 19th at 11:59 pm PT. 40 winners will be contacted directly via social media on September 20th.

Children ages 8 through 12 will have the opportunity to be a part of the AFCU youth soccer clinic.

The clinic will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Cashman Field.

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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

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

America First Credit Union to Honor 1 October Survivors at UNLV Football Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union to Honor 1 October Survivors at UNLV Football Game

LAS VEGAS – September 19, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) will donate hundreds of tickets to 1 October survivors to attend the Sat., Oct. 5 UNLV football game against Boise State. The game, which is the Rebels’ 49th and final season playing at Sam Boyd Stadium, starts at 7:30 p.m.

The credit union will donate 300 tickets to the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, the leading organization providing long-term support to people impacted by the 1 October tragedy. AFCU is offering complimentary tickets to survivors and up to four of their family members. The Resiliency Center is coordinating ticket distribution to survivors. Individuals looking to acquire tickets can email vegasstrongresiliencycenter@clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-2433 during business hours. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday−Friday except holidays.

“America First Credit Union is committed to strengthening the community,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “We hope this experience brings joy to survivors during the healing process.”

“After the tragic events of 1 October, UNLV was proud to be a small part of the healing process when the community came together for a Rebel football game that weekend,” said UNLV director of athletics, Desiree Reed-Francois. “It is something none of us will ever forget and we applaud the efforts being made to honor survivors.”

“We are grateful to America First Credit Union for recognizing those impacted by this tragedy,” said director of the VSRC, Tennille Pereira. “For any survivor looking for additional resources, the Resiliency Center is available by email, phone, or walk-in.”

Additionally, AFCU members can use their America First Visa® to get four complimentary tickets to attend the game. They just need to show their card at the AFCU booth located outside the stadium on the day of the game. Ticket supplies are limited and will be provided while supplies last.

The UNLV Athletics Department will honor heroes including servicemembers, veterans, military doctors and first responders. They welcome members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families to the game as part of the “Seats for Service” program, which provides complimentary tickets to servicemembers for Rebel sports events. First responders will take part in a halftime game before marching bands from Boise State and UNLV perform a patriotic show.

AFCU extends its brand footprint to the sports industry, having already enjoyed a partnership with the Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators and the Las Vegas Lights FC.

On Oct. 1, 2017, 58 were killed and hundreds were injured by a lone gunman at the Route 91 music festival. This event is one of numerous #VegasStronger activities highlighting the area’s unity and strength in the aftermath. A calendar of activities can be found at www.lasvegasnewswire.com/events.

 

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

Vegas Strong Resiliency Center
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, a multi-agency resource hub managed by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, supports those affected by the 1 October tragedy. It is funded by the Nevada State Division of Child and Family Services grant 2019-V7-GX-0001 from FY2018 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime.

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

autumn

Autumn Preparation for Winter Protection

The weather may seem nice right now, but winter is coming. Properly preparing your house in autumn can help prevent costly damage from rain, ice and snow. Here are some tips on how to save some money as you ready your residence for the cold weather.

  • Clear Your Gutters – Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof and cracked downspouts can lead to damaged foundations and flooding basements. Before the wet weather arrives, remove leaves and other debris from your gutters. Test the flow of water with a hose. Look for cracks or breaks and repair where needed.
  • Protect Your Pipes – Turn off your sprinklers, open the valves, and drain the pipes—this will help prevent them bursting due to expanding ice. Unhook your hoses and store them in a garage or shed to extend their lives and shut off all outdoor plumbing.
  • Check Your Roof – It’s much easier to inspect your roof when it’s not slick with rain. Fix for any raised or damaged shingles. Plus, while you’re up there, you could even hang your Christmas lights, so you don’t have to do it in the snow—just don’t turn them on until after Thanksgiving.
  • Inspect Your Heater – Furnace filters are easy to change, but you should also have a specialist inspect your HVAC system and make sure the ducts are clear. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked. If you have a fireplace, you should clear ashes and debris out, then have a professional clean the chimney.
  • Do a Safety Check – Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries if necessary. Additionally, check your fire extinguishers and make an emergency escape plan with your family.
  • Test for Drafts – Your heaters won’t be very effective if all the warm air is seeping out of your home. Check for drafts by putting your hand near the edges of windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to stop cold air from entering your house.
  • Strengthen Your Lawn – Mow your grass one last time in autumn, and don’t forget to empty the gas tank of the mower before storing it. Fertilize your lawn before the first frost for a healthier yard when the spring thaw comes. This will strengthen the roots to resist the lower temperatures and help your yard green up faster in the spring.
  • Prep Your Garden – Clear weeds out. Plant bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils and irises in the autumn for a beautiful start to spring. Inspect trees on your property for weak or damaged branches that could break if weighed down by snow. Bring your more delicate plants inside.
  • Stock Up on Supplies – Put an ice scraper in your car. Buy some ice melt. Check your snow shovels and your snow blower. It may seem too early for all this, but you’ll be thankful when that first snow starts to fall.

AFCU Collaborates with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to Help Deserving Utah Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Collaborates with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to Help Deserving Utah Families

Ogden, Utah – Sept. 4, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) joined forces with HGTV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to build two custom homes in Weber County. In addition to making a cash donation to both projects, the Riverdale-based credit union is providing free financial counseling to both families to help them budget for maintenance expenses and plan for other costs that may arise.

“Both the Barobi and Mayo families are extremely deserving of a brand-new home where they can live comfortably without worry,” said John Lund, AFCU president and CEO. “Our goal is to help them be financially successful in the next part of their journey as homeowners.”

The Barobis—a refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo—were the first family to get a knock on the door by the “Extreme Makeover” host Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Prior to their new home, the four Barobi siblings, their aunt and cousin all shared a small three-bedroom Ogden apartment with no air conditioning. After Congo rebels killed the Barobi kids’ parents and younger sister, the four siblings escaped to a refugee camp in Uganda where they met up with their aunt and cousin. The family was granted asylum in the United States four years ago where they settled in Utah.

The second family to be surprised by the reality TV series was mother Kelly Mayo, daughter Michelle Smith and granddaughter Haylee Smith. Mayo and her daughter bought the house 17 years ago, however, in 2016, a tornado uprooted two large trees in the backyard with one falling onto the house. Due to water and sewer lines breaking, the house has suffered flooding issues every time laundry is done, or a shower is used.

The Barobi home was revealed on August 18 and the Mayo home was reveled two days later on August 20. The Ogden-area projects will air on HGTV in 2020.

 

 

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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 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

Guest Commentary: The New Online and Mobile Banking Experience

Rich Syme
Rich Syme – Chief Growth & Digital Transformation Officer

By Rich Syme, Executive Vice President & Contact Center Delivery, Product Management

It’s a bit cliché, but to say technology evolves quickly might be the understatement of the century. In my role overseeing our digital services, I can see this transformation up close. It’s incredible and, honestly, a little overwhelming just how rapidly change comes to the ways in which we engage with the world and each other. Of special importance to me is the effect such advancement has on day-to-day money management.

A central goal is empowering America First members, providing them with the ability to handle their finances in the manner they find most beneficial, meaningful, and convenient. That’s why we’re excited about launching new online & mobile banking upgrades. These enhancements, and those on the way,are meant to make your experience better, easier, and more personal.

Online banking features a streamlined design and increased browser responsiveness, including when you’re using a mobile device it’s complete functionality, even on the go. You can add two-step authentication to strengthen security, while your histories will show balances after pending transactions clear. Plus, a new widget brings up a complete picture of where your money is going and how your budget stands. The platform also allows us to seamlessly integrate future benefits & advantages, so we’ll be sure to let you know as we roll them out.

With our new mobile banking app, it’s simple to maintain your financial well-being, 24/7. We designed it with an improved user-friendly interface, as well as additional customizable options. There are biometric logins for devices with that function, you’ll be able to deposit checks without going to a branch, and you can include accounts from other financial institutions in budget and spending overviews.

Of course, mobile banking delivers the protection of Card Guard, truly an amazing app for iOS and Android. As someone who’s spent considerable time singing its praises, my pitch boils down to this: Card Guard® allows members to control when, where, and how Visa® debit and credit cards are used.

It’s an incredibly powerful tool, letting you turn cards on and off in real time. If you lose a card, or just want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your Visa can’t be used until you’re ready for it, switch it off with a single tap. You can also set transaction limits based on amount, geographic location, and merchant or transaction type. It even lets you disable cards automatically when they’re not close to your mobile device. When Card Guard is installed, you’ll receive alerts about when, where, and for how much your card was used. It also informs you of declined transactions due to suspicious activity. In essence, Card Guard is security you control.

Online & mobile banking from America First can help you make the most of every moment and every dollar. These upgrades are the result of untold hours of thought and dedication, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of them. I’m privileged to witness firsthand the passion and commitment our digital services team has for finding, creating, and developing innovative ways for you to pursue your unique financial dreams, in the way that best fits your life and lifestyle.