Month: July 2021

America First Credit Union and The Leonardo team up to provide free experience to members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salt Lake City – July 21, 2021 – America First Credit Union and The Leonardo are teaming up to provide credit union members with a creative and innovative experience at the science, technology and art museum. The first Wednesday of every month will now be America First Credit Union Member Day, where credit union members can get free admission for themselves and up to 10 accompanying people.

“We’re excited to be able to provide our members with a great opportunity to experience creation and innovation through science, technology and art at the museum,” said Thayne Shaffer, America First Credit Union president and CEO. “We value every one of our members and want to show that appreciation through deals and discounts provided by great partners such as The Leonardo.”

Members who take advantage of this opportunity are able to explore current Leonardo exhibits such as Sorting Out Race, FLIGHT and more. The museum also has programs for kids of all ages and families, which include Leonardo Summer Camps and Girls Who Code.

“The Leonardo is thrilled to launch this new partnership with America First Credit Union and extend free admissions to AFCU card holders on the first Wednesday of each month. Our mission is to inspire creativity and innovation in visitors of all ages and we’re so excited that America First shares our vision for building and activating learning experiences in our community!”

America First Credit Union members can find more deals and discounts on the credit union’s website.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.9 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

America First Credit Union Opens New Branch in Cache Valley

LOGAN, Utah – July 16, 2021 – Utah’s largest credit union, America First Credit Union, opened a new branch location on July 12, replacing the North Logan Walmart Branch which closed on July 10. Located off 1400 North in Logan, it’s the first branch in the city located in a stand-alone building.

The 3,200-square-foot building includes multiple teller stations, coin machine, cash advance equipment, instant issue card machine, cash recyclers, and 24-hour drive-up ATM. A complete suite of financial services, such as membership enrollment, mortgages, notarization, deposits, withdrawals, and loans, are available to members. It’s located at 127 East 1400 North in Logan and operates Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A financial counselor will be on site at the branch to be a resource for students and other members who are looking to improve their financial literacy, manage student loans, and improve their financial security. This one-stop shop offers students a route to financial success and support. America First team members will also be on hand to assist members with new checking/savings accounts as well as personal and business loans.

Wayne Jorgensen, who has worked for America First for 24 years, serves as the location’s branch manager. An avid lover of all things Aggies, Jorgensen has been involved in Cache Valley as a leader and speaker for various youth groups and personal finance classes at Utah State University. As manager of the not-for-profit cooperative institution, he embodies the credit union’s value of people helping people.

“Our new location provides community members and students with one-stop access to our friendly financial experts and superior services,” said Jorgensen. “Like many in our community, I have deep family ties to Cache Valley and have a great fondness for the people here. I love helping my neighbors, friends and members in the community succeed in their financial journey.”

Prize giveaway for an ultimate tailgate package—includes Camp Chef Smoker, pellets, Hey Grill Hey rubs and BBQ sauces, meat claws, Saranoni blanket, Utah State fan items, grill kit, and $100 to a local butcher shop for a meat package—is planned as part of the credit union’s grand opening celebration on July 16. Grand opening festivities will take place July 12–16.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.9 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

America First Credit Union and Raiders Announce Winner of the Small-Business Showcase

Las Vegas-based gift baskets company receives Las Vegas Raiders sponsorship assets valued at $100K

Las Vegas – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and its partner, Las Vegas Raiders, announced today that Any Occasions Baskets (AOB), a Las Vegas-based gift baskets company, is the grand-prize winner of their inaugural Small Business Showcase following the recent live finals event in the Shift4 Club at Allegiant Stadium. AOB received single-season sponsorship assets valued at $100,000 to promote the company’s mission to deliver unique and thoughtful gifting experiences. The sponsorship includes signage inside Allegiant Stadium, Raiders home game tickets, radio spots, and digital promotions from the Raiders’ website and mobile app.

“Small businesses, the lifeblood of the community, had an astonishingly tough year,” said Thayne Shaffer, president/CEO of AFCU. “America First is honored to continue promoting and fostering entrepreneurship and proud to be part of the small-business journey. America First has the financial experience and tools to help small businesses succeed in whatever plans they have for reaching their goals. Thank you to our partner, the Raiders, for helping shine a light on small businesses, and congratulations to the winner and finalists.”

“The Raiders are proud to support entrepreneurship along with America First Credit Union and bring focus to the importance of small business owners,” said Raiders president Marc Badain. “The Small Business Showcase provides local companies like this year’s deserving winner an important opportunity to succeed in achieving their goals.”

AOB was established because founder Felicia Parker’s believes that a great gift can have a profound impact on an individual, community and city. Parker plans to use the opportunity to shine a light on its “inspire” give-back program. For every customer’s basket purchase, a percentage of profits goes to local charities.

“We are thrilled and grateful to be named the America First Credit Union and Raiders Small-Business Showcase Winner,” said Parker. “We remain committed to giving back to local charities in our community.”

The winner and finalists were invited to a special event to showcase their business. Finalists of the 2021 Small Business Showcase competition include: (listed in alphabetical order)

Finalists were evaluated on how this opportunity would assist in successfully executing their business plans and how each small business represents and serves the community.

The 2021 contest garnered over 160 entries from candidates across Nevada and Utah.

In addition to the Small Business Showcase, ACFU and the Raiders share an expansive multiyear partnership, including the credit union named as the Raiders’ exclusive credit union and official debit card partner, as well as shared charitable donation efforts. In March 2021, America First Foundation and the Raiders Foundation donated $20,000 to support SafeNest, Nevada’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending the epidemic of domestic violence.

Editor’s Note: Interview opportunities with AFCU representatives are available.

B-roll/Photographs: Click here to access.

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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 Charitable Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Students For Their Efforts To Improve the Community

Ten high school seniors and college students awarded for academic excellence and community service

RIVERDALE, Utah – July 1, 2021 – The America First Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 10 graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students at two- and four-year technical colleges or universities who share a passion for helping others. The Foundation selected students who embody a people-helping-people philosophy — those who play an active role in giving back to their community, whether through volunteering or other meaningful contributions of time, effort, and care.

Of the 10 honorees, two have already completed their first year of college and eight will be freshman this fall; five of the students had a 4.0 GPA. The students participated in many on and off campus activities, both including school programs such as La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Student Body Officers and National Honor Society, and volunteered in their communities with organizations like Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program and the Tyler Robinson Foundation.

“We are excited to award each of these deserving students with scholarships,” said Thayne Shaffer, president/CEO of America First Credit Union. “We want students to focus on academic success and giving back to the community instead of worrying about paying tuition or buying books. One way we way help students thrive in higher education is through the annual scholarships. Congratulations to each one of these students in all they have accomplished, and thank you for all you’ve done to embody the credit union’s philosophy of people helping people.”

“It is critical that all capable citizens do their part in people helping people,” said scholarship recipient Niki Bell from South Weber, Utah, entering her first year at Western Wyoming Community College. “We thrive most as a community when we help one another and work together to solve our problems. I believe that any effort to try to help someone or make a difference can go a long way. Every small action leads to a change in our community.”

The 10 scholarship recipients selected by America First Charitable Foundation are as follows:

  • Alicia Zhang, Holladay, Utah – Yale University
  • Andrea DeLisa, Las Vegas, Nevada – George Washington University
  • Elizabeth Little, Mesa, Arizona – University of Arizona
  • Grace Tibbets, North Salt Lake, Utah – Brigham Young University
  • Jordan King, Las Vegas, Nevada – University of Southern California
  • Kate Pierson, West Jordan, Utah – Brigham Young University Idaho
  • Lydee McBride, West Haven, Utah – Utah State University
  • Niki Bell, South Weber, Utah – Western Wyoming Community College
  • Shealee Heywood, Farmington, Utah – Utah State University
  • Tiana Huston, Syracuse, Utah – Southern Utah University

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.9 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Thayne Shaffer
Thayne Schaffer – President/CEO
By Thayne Shaffer, President and CEO

Recently, I have been reflecting on my first days at America First Credit Union. From the beginning, I knew it was a special organization, and I quickly recognized that a strong, common thread wove through each meeting, strategy discussion, and decision. That thread was the shared desire and consistent effort to always do what was best for our members. It is one of the aspects I love most about our credit union, and a large part of what has kept me here for 33 years.

Much has changed throughout that time. As we have worked together to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date financial solutions to our members, I have seen everything from the addition of core services like checking accounts and mortgage lending, to the introduction and continuing enhancement of our many cutting-edge digital services.

When I began here in 1987, we had fewer than 150,000 members. Now, we have almost 1.2 million. Our branch network has grown with our membership, and our 128 and counting locations help us serve communities across four states. America First has been able to adapt in countless ways to best meet the individual needs of our members.

Incredibly, the pandemic of the last year and a half necessitated an even faster increase in our evolution. Like it did to most financial institutions, 2020 challenged us to find new, more flexible, more convenient, and more efficient ways to provide access to the financial resources on which you, your families, and your businesses rely.

Thanks to the forward thinking of our technology group, when the world unexpectedly began to shift, we were ready to serve you remotely through world-class online and mobile services. In addition, over the course of just a few short weeks, we had over 1,500 employees working from home—quadruple the previous number—further safeguarding the health and safety of our staff and members and protecting our ability to serve you.

Now as summer begins, it is a relief to see signs that our neighborhoods, businesses, and communities are becoming free to open back up. After a difficult year, we enthusiastically look forward to working even more closely with you to help you reach your current and future financial goals. The world of personal finance has grown increasingly complex and digital, and we are continually expanding our ability to let you interact with the credit union in the way that best works for you.

Despite the many changes America First has made over the years, one thing remains as it has always been: our sole focus is serving our members and helping to meet your unique financial needs. Our mission statement reminds us every day that our purpose is to provide financial services of a superior quality to you, our members and owners. Your financial well-being is at the heart of everything we do, and our commitment to you will remain constant, whatever the future may bring.