Month: August 2020

America First Credit Union Integrates Physical Distancing Measures in Latest Branch Opening

Vineyard, Utah – August 31, 2020 – To meet the high demand of members in the fastest growing city in the U.S., America First Credit Union is opening the doors on August 31 to its newest branch in Vineyard, Utah. To encourage psychical distancing and stay a safe essential resource for the community, the new branch will be equipped with plexiglass at all teller stations and other precautions to keep members and branch staff safe. The branch will also utilize two remote tellers at our drive-up, in addition to five in-person tellers. The remote tellers allow for person-to-person interaction that many members enjoy while allowing for physical distancing. The member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution is showing off its newest branch via a virtual tour and grand opening later this week.

The 3,350 square-feet branch, located at 758 East Mill Road, Vineyard, UT, will be managed by Michelle Bohn, who has been part of the America First team for more than 27 years and has worked at 12 branch locations. She started as a student trainee while in high school at the Ogden Main Branch, has been a lead teller at in-store locations, assistant manager/manager at two locations and a market manager at four locations.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work for America First in twelve branches from Cache Valley to Utah County and our number one priority is always our members,” said Bohn, America First’s Vineyard branch manager. “We want to provide the best member experience to the Vineyard community and so we have integrated all different options into this branch to fit the various needs of each of our members. So whether you want to work with a teller or loan officer in person, utilize a virtual/remote teller so you’re still talking to a person but in an environment you’re comfortable with, or have the ease and convenience of our online and mobile options, there’s a solution for every member.”

Also available to members and the many young families, college students and recent graduates in the Vineyard community, a financial counselor will be available by appointment at the branch to be a resource for members who are looking to improve their financial literacy, manage student loans, and improve their financial security. America First team members will also be on hand to assist members with new checking/savings accounts as well as personal and business loans.

The branch is equipped with five in-person tellers and two remote tellers, five loan stations, and a drive-up ATM. The lobby will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with the drive-up opening at 9 a.m. on those days and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

In celebration of the grand opening, America First members who open a new savings account or a new checking account and deposit $25 the first two weeks of opening (Aug 31 – Sept 12) will receive $25. There will also be a chance for members to win a $500 America First Visa Card for members who visit the branch during that time.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 81 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, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $13.6 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,137,648 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

Get a sweet treat from Fiiz & America First Credit Union

Good cents

America First Credit Union is excited to continue their beloved Sweet Treat Fridays. They bring you delicious discounts on tasty treats on the last Friday of every month. This is only for AFCU members. You can follow their social media platforms or visit their website to learn more each month. This month America First Credit Union is teaming up with FiiZ Drinks for Sweet Treat Fridays.

On August 28th, the first 25 members per location can get one free drink by showing your America First Visa® debit/credit card at your local FiiZ. If you don’t make it in time for a free drink, members can still take get a free bump up in drink size all day when you use your AFCU Visa debit/credit card. Whether it’s your go-to FiiZ drink or you want to try something new, FiiZ has you covered with everything from sodas and desserts to fruit smoothies and salty snacks.

America First will continue to have its members covered with exclusive deals & discounts all year long. It’s their way of saying thanks for your membership. Check out their “Deals and Discounts” page online for more information.

America First Credit Union is also opening up a new branch in Vineyard. The 3,350 square-feet branch, located at 758 East Mill Road, Vineyard, UT, will be managed by Michelle Bohn, who has been part of the America First team for more than 27 years and has worked at 12 branch locations and is extremely excited to now be serving the Vineyard community.

To find out more about Sweet Treat Fridays or get more information about the new Vineyard location visit America First Credit Union now.

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Guest Commentary: Weathering Financial Storms to Preserve Our Collective Health

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

In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin said, “Some people are weatherwise, but most are otherwise.” Such disciplined attention to everyday events helped Mr. Franklin navigate life during stormy weather, and his sentiment illustrates that planning for the future is a key principle of long-term success. I think Ben would agree the best time to make sure you have a good umbrella is while the sun is still shining.

As we and our members have faced COVID-19’s economic fallout, America First has benefitted from preparations we’ve been making since the Great Recession, working to increase the size and strength of our reserve umbrella to temper future storms.

While the pandemic continues raging, we utilize these reserves to help those caught in the middle of the disturbance. America First has waived fees, offered short-term loans, provided payment-skipping programs and more, giving members additional time to adjust their financial situations.

Many wisely adapted to our digital channels for transactions, deposits and complete account-management needs. This has been effective in preserving staff safety by limiting branch activity and allowing visitors to keep appropriate distance. Taking advantage of government stimulus to build savings, pay loans in advance, and restructure financing has also been a wise fiscal strategy employed by our members, who are reevaluating their spending and budgets to maintain stronger positions.

At this midyear point, after enduring a full quarter of COVID-19, we are doing everything possible to build trust, just as we endeavored to do in the recession a decade ago. Earnings will naturally fall in the months ahead, as we add capital to ensure ongoing security. We are forging ahead, with yearly growth goals being met or exceeded. Prudent planning has dictated that we slow project expenditures, adjust revenue outlooks, and take cost-cutting measures. Indicators show we are seeing positive results and we’re committed to continuing these efforts.

Because of our preparation and diligence, we will weather this storm in good fashion. I believe Citizen Franklin would consider our guiding motto of people helping people to be “weatherwise” rather than “otherwise.”