Month: February 2022

America First Credit Union and Nevada Wolf Pack Present $10K Benefiting Local Chapter of Make-A-Wish® Following Inaugural “Swish for a Wish” Fundraiser

Credit Union Extends Affinity Debit Cards by Launching First Wolf Pack Co-Branded Debit Card

 RENO, Nev. (Feb. 24, 2022) – As part of its ongoing commitment to Northern Nevada, America First Credit Union (AFCU) and the Nevada Wolf Pack presented a $10,000 check to Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada to grant even more life-changing wishes to children in Northern Nevada who are battling a critical illness.

AFCU sponsored a donation drive, dubbed Swish for a Wish, as part of its multiyear partnership with Nevada Athletics Wolf Pack Sports Properties. Donations to the local Make-A-Wish chapter were made for every Nevada men’s basketball free throw made during home games throughout the regular season and championships.

The credit union, which has plans to open a new branch in Northern Nevada in the coming months, also unveiled a Nevada Wolf Pack co-branded debit card for the first time in team’s history. When members display their AFCU Wolf Pack card, they will be granted access to an exclusive arena entrance for home men’s and women’s basketball games.

“Part of our commitment to Northern Nevada is to immerse ourselves in meaningful projects that help others,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer, who was born in Elko and grew up in Sparks, Lovelock, Fernley, Lovelock, Wells and Carlin. “America First is pleased to do our part to help children with life-threatening medical illnesses get their wishes granted.”

“My wife Tanya and I are proud to join America First Credit Union along with the many Wolf Pack family and friends who have made pledges and donations in support of Make-A-Wish to grant more wishes in our community,” said Nevada basketball coach Steve Alford.

“We depend on community partnerships to be able to grant wishes to local wish children,” said MAW chapter president and CEO Jennifer Stolo, “and are extremely grateful for America First Credit Union and the Nevada Wolf Pack in bringing awareness and critical funds to our mission.”

Editor’s Note: For photos, CLICK HERE.

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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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 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

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

America First Credit Union To Award $10,000 in College Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIVERDALE, Utah – Feb. 24, 2022 – America First Credit Union is calling for submissions for its America First Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program. The credit union will be awarding ten $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students at two- and four-year technical colleges or universities who share a desire to serve others.

This will be the fourth year of America First’s scholarship program. Of last year’s 10 honorees, 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 the 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.

“The scholarship has helped me because I don’t have to work while I have been in school,” said 2021 scholarship recipient Kate Pierson, who attends Brigham Young University Idaho. “It’s kept me solely focused on my dream. It’s made it to where I can reach my end goal a lot faster. I know I’m supposed to be a nurse for kids. I am a perfect advocate for children because of my experience surviving cancer.”

Pierson is currently studying to be a pediatric nurse and was inspired to seek the career after battling cancer from ages 12-15. She’s worked tirelessly to raise awareness, assisted in the fundraising of research, and provided support to individuals fighting the disease.

The America First Charitable Foundation welcomes candidates, like Pierson, who embody a people-helping-people philosophy to apply for a scholarship. Those who play an active role in giving back to their community, whether through volunteering or other meaningful contributions of time, effort and care, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to submit community service hours, grade point average, and current transcript. They must also submit a short essay on how their community service exemplifies the credit union’s philosophy of people helping people.

The scholarship application can be found and submitted on America First’s website. Submissions are due by April 30 and winning members will be notified by May 29.

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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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 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

Nevada Small Business Owners Invited to Participate in the Raiders and America First Credit Union “Small Business Showcase”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Winner will receive a single-season sponsorship valued at $100K

LAS VEGAS – February 17, 2022 – America First Credit Union

The winner will receive signage inside Allegiant Stadium, radio advertisements, digital promotions on the Raiders’ website and mobile app, tickets to a home game, and more as part of the Small Business Showcase.

The contest is open to Nevada-based for-profit small businesses with an annual revenue of less than $10 million. To enter, participants must visit www.americafirst.com/raiders, and provide their contact information and a short profile about how this sponsorship would help their business.

All entries must be submitted by April 1, and finalists will be notified by the selection committee in late spring. Finalists will be invited to a private gathering at Allegiant Stadium to pitch their businesses for final selection. Following the judging period, winners will be announced on www.americafirst.com/raiders.

Businesses will be evaluated on how well they represent Nevada, how much they currently give back to the community, and how this opportunity will help them execute their business objectives successfully. All participants will be required to submit to the official rules. Click here for official rules.

More than 160 small businesses submitted entries for the 2021 competition. The grand-prize winner of the 2021 inaugural Small Business Showcase was Any Occasions Baskets (AOB), a Las Vegas-based gift baskets company. AOB gives back to the local community by donating gift baskets, holiday gifts to families in need, as well as donating electronics to local community centers.

Editor’s Note: Click here to access b-roll and photographs from the July 14, 2021 announcement of the winner.

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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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Raiders began play in the American Football League in 1960 and are in their 63rd year of professional football competition, including the last 53 years as a member club of the National Football League. Over seven memorable decades, the Raiders won one AFL Championship, three NFL Championships, and four American Football Conference Championships; participated in five Super Bowls; played in 14 Championship games; won or tied for 17 Division titles; reached the playoffs in 23 seasons; played in 45 postseason games; and finished 38 seasons at .500 or better. With their appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII, the Raiders became the first NFL team to play in Super Bowls in four different decades. In addition, the Raiders are proud to contribute to community engagement, youth initiatives, environmental and multicultural awareness, and global outreach. The Raiders played in Oakland from their inception through 1982, relocated to Los Angeles in 1983, moved back to Oakland in 1995, and made Las Vegas its home in 2020. The Raiders base training and business operations in Henderson at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center and play home games at Allegiant Stadium, a fully enclosed, state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 65,000 located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. The Raiders maintain a global presence and communicate with the worldwide Raider Nation through the team’s official website and social media channels. For more information, please visit www.raiders.com or follow @raiders on Twitter and Instagram.

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

Mike Taylor
Las Vegas Raiders
725-780-3235
mtaylor@raiders.com

America First Credit Union Donates $15,000 to Clark County School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Market Manager Matthew Dice presents $15,000 check to support public education to Clark County School District Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara in Las Vegas, Nevada, Feb. 8, 2022.

 

LAS VEGAS – February 16, 2022 – As part of its commitment to empowering youth within their communities, America First Credit Union is investing $15,000 in the Clark County School District (CCSD) to support.

The donation was made as part of an effort to help youth 17 and younger begin their financial journey by opening a savings account. In December 2021, when a student from Clark County School District opened a new savings account at one of the credit union branches in Southern Nevada, the financial institution matched the student’s deposit up to $15,000 as a contribution to CCSD. In addition to its school donation, the credit union matched the youth’s savings dollar for dollar up to $50.

According to America First Credit Union financial experts, opening a youth savings account can help educate youth about setting goals, teaching financial literacy basics, responsibility, and the value of investing.

“From an early age, children start to develop emotional reactions to spending and saving money, which could translate into real-life spending behavior later in life,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer. “We want to support and aid the next generation by getting them on the right financial track early. One way we can do that is by helping them jump-start their savings from a young age and helping to provide them with a great education.”

The credit union has a number of programs and financial literacy initiatives for youth including the credit union’s signature program, FUNDamentals, and the America First Charitable Foundation scholarship program.

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Editor’s Note: For photos and b-roll, CLICK HERE.

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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the seventh 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, Las Vegas Raiders and Raiders Foundation Present SafeNest with $18,900 Donation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAS VEGAS – February 10, 2022 – America First Credit Union, in collaboration with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Raiders Foundation, donated $18,900 to support SafeNest, Nevada’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending the epidemic of domestic violence. The nonprofit will use the funds to provide critical crisis services and shelter to persons experiencing abuse.

The check presentation took place Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Raiders Headquarters, Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center, in Henderson.

As part of the second annual First Downs for the Hometown, America First Credit Union donated $100 for each Raiders’ first down at Allegiant Stadium to the Raiders Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting active military and veterans, youth development, and growing the game of football. During the 2021 season, the Raiders secured 189 first downs in their home games, resulting in $18,900 donated to the nonprofit.

“America First Credit Union is dedicated to people helping people,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer. “We are honored to support SafeNest’s efforts to help individuals and families in our community whose lives are impacted by domestic violence. Thank you to our partners, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Raiders Foundation, for working with us to support this worthy cause.”

Editor’s Note: For photos and b-roll, CLICK HERE.

 

SafeNest CEO Liz Ortenburger (third from left) is surrounded by, from left, Raiders Foundation Executive Director Alan Diskin, America First Credit Union Vice President, Nevada/Southern Utah Division Denise C. Mora and Raiders President Dan Ventrelle; as she receives an $18,900 check as the beneficiary of the First Downs for the Hometown at Raiders Headquarters and Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada, Feb. 9, 2022.

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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 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the seventh largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Raiders began play in the American Football League in 1960 and are in their 63rd year of professional football competition, including the last 53 years as a member club of the National Football League. Over seven memorable decades, the Raiders won one AFL Championship, three NFL Championships, and four American Football Conference Championships; participated in five Super Bowls; played in 14 Championship games; won or tied for 17 Division titles; reached the playoffs in 23 seasons; played in 45 postseason games; and finished 38 seasons at .500 or better. With their appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII, the Raiders became the first NFL team to play in Super Bowls in four different decades. In addition, the Raiders are proud to contribute to community engagement, youth initiatives, environmental and multicultural awareness, and global outreach. The Raiders played in Oakland, Calif., from their inception through 1982, relocated to Los Angeles in 1983, and moved back to Oakland in 1995, and made Las Vegas its home in 2020. The Raiders base training and business operations in Henderson, Nev. and play home games at Allegiant Stadium, a fully enclosed, state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 65,000 located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. The Raiders maintain a global presence and communicate with the worldwide Raider Nation through the team’s official website and social media channels. For more information, please visit www.raiders.com or follow @raiders on Twitter and Instagram.

 

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

Mike Taylor
Las Vegas Raiders
725-780-3235
mtaylor@raiders.com

America First Credit Union Unveils Official Utah Jazz Branded Debit Card

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Utah Jazz fans can support their favorite NBA team with AFCU debit card

Salt Lake City – Feb. 8, 2022 – Utah Jazz Fans have a new way to support their favorite NBA team with the help of America First Credit Union, the official credit union of the Utah Jazz. Featuring the Utah Jazz logo on a sleek, black matte plastic, America First is launching the exclusive Utah Jazz Visa debit card.

At Vivint Arena, the America First Utah Jazz Visa card gives members 10% off of Utah Jazz app purchases at select concessions; 15% off purchases inside the Utah Jazz Team Store; and 32% off Utah Jazz Team Store purchases the day after a Utah Jazz player hits a triple double. All season long, card holders will enjoy 10% off up to four single-game tickets and group ticket purchases with a minimum of 20 people; 5% off select Utah Jazz skybox and suite rentals; and invitations to select Vivint Arena concerts and event ticket pre-sales.

“America First is thrilled to be the official credit union of the Utah Jazz,” said America First president and CEO Thayne Shaffer. “The unique relationship between our two organizations creates incredible opportunities for our members and provides even more value, including access to exclusive products, offers, deals, discounts, experiences, and events.”

Packed with features, benefits, discounts, access and “all that Jazz,” the Utah Jazz Visa debit card is available with both America First’s Classic Checking and Premium Checking accounts. Its features and benefits include ABC Deals®, Card Guard, worldwide access and more.

“This partnership with America First Credit Union is an example of how we can team up to create innovative and useful opportunities,” said Chris Barney, chief revenue officer for the Utah Jazz. “Fans can show their pride in the team with this new debit card and receive member benefits on a variety of purchases for games and events at Vivint Arena.”

To learn more or get the exclusive Jazz card, visit www.americafirst.com/jazz/jazzcard.

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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 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

ABOUT THE UTAH JAZZ

Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across six states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, visit www.utahjazz.com.

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 program jumpstarts youth savings, benefits Utah school districts

Credit Union donates $30,000 to Weber School District and Davis County School District

Farmington, UT – February 1, 2022 – As part of its commitment to empowering youth within their communities, America First Credit Union is investing $30,000 in total to two Utah school districts. Weber School Foundation and Davis Education Foundation are beneficiaries of a $15,000 donation from the not-for-profit credit union.

“Weber School Foundation is so lucky to have such an amazing partnership with America First Credit Union,” said Emily Vause Oyler, Executive Director Weber School Foundation. “This very generous donation will help fund classroom grants, school grants, field trips, student sponsorships and support programs like The Leader in Me and Hope Squads. We would not be able to accomplish all we do without the generous contributions of community members like America First Credit Union. Thank you for consistently stepping up for the 33,000 students in Weber School District.”

The donation was made as part of an effort to help youth 17 and younger begin their financial journey by opening a savings account. in December 2021, when a student from Weber School District or Davis County School District opened a new savings account the Utah-based credit union matched their deposit up to $15,000 as a contribution to their school district. In addition to their school donation, the credit union matched the youth’s savings dollar for dollar up to $50.

According to America First Credit Union financial experts, opening a youth savings account can help teach youth about setting goals, teaching financial literacy basics, responsibility, and the value of investing.

“From an early age children start to develop emotional reactions to spending and saving money which could translate into real-life spending behavior later in life,” said Thayne Shaffer, President and CEO of America First. “We want to support and aid the next generation by getting them on the right financial track early. One way we can do that is by helping them jumpstart their savings from a young age and helping to provide them with a great education.”

America First Credit Union has a number of programs additional education financial literacy for youth and supporting education for our youth including the credit union’s FUNDamentals program and the America First Charitable Foundation scholarship program.

America First Credit Union has a number of programs additional education financial literacy for youth and supporting education for our youth including the credit union’s FUNDamentals program and the America First Charitable Foundation scholarship program.

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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 119 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 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