Month: August 2022

America First Helps Kids Get Back To School

America First volunteers spent many hours organizing supplies, filling backpacks, and handing them out to several underprivileged children who are headed back to school this month during our annual Backpack Bonanza.

Many of the funds, items, and backpacks were donated by America First Credit Union employees during the previous month. Donation boxes were placed in common areas throughout departments and branches to gather supplies. Employees were also able to donate through the transfer of funds to an AFCU Charitable Account.  Employees donated over $4,500 in cash.

It was a busy morning at Catholic Community Services.  Volunteers formed an assembly line and stuffed the backpacks with pencils, pens, erasers, glue sticks, note pads, crayons, markers, and other necessary items to help the kids start the upcoming school year on the right foot.

They also spent hours shopping for items and selecting backpacks. Several school items were sent to specific schools and children in the Clark County School District (Nevada), Phoenix Elementary District (Arizona), Davis School District (Utah), and Canyons School District (Utah).

America First Charitable Foundation Administrator, Jordan Gibson, was emotionally moved by the Backpack Bonanza experience, “It’s always important to help families in need and being a part of Backpack Bonanza was truly special,” he said. “Watching a child’s eyes light up with a new backpack and then to hear their excitement when they go through it finding all the different items it contained was beautiful. One little boy picked out a backpack, stared at it and hugged it. I can’t really describe the feeling it gave me.”

America First Helps Paint Ogden

America First Charitable Foundation volunteers spent the morning of August 16th painting the streetlights in the city of Ogden.  Volunteers arrived before 9 a.m. at the Junction prepared to clean the streetlights, tape the borders, and give a fresh coat of paint to liven up the area.

Ogden City Volunteer Manager Stacey Olsen understands the value and impact of volunteers for a project like this one, “We can’t thank America First Credit Union enough for supporting Ogden City! The positive energy and excitement of those helping us complete these projects makes a big difference.  Volunteers like the people at America First genuinely change our community and we’re so grateful.”

The painting took around two hours to complete and is one of the many projects in Weber County that the America First volunteers have been a part of.  Back in the spring they planted flowers at the Ogden Municipal Building and in the summer, they spent time painting numbers on the bleachers and cleaning up after the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo.

Anyone looking to volunteer with Ogden City for future projects can visit https://www.ogdencity.com/448/Volunteer-Opportunities

America First Credit Union Awards $500,000 Grant to Utah Valley University’s Gary R Herbert Institute for Public Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funding will Support the America First Credit Union Undergraduate Fellowship Program

SALT LAKE CITY – August 22, 2022 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) announced a $500,000 endowment to Utah Valley University (UVU) for the university’s Gary R Herbert Institute for Public Policy. The gift will support the school’s program for Government and High-Impact Internships based in Washington, DC.

UVU says the number one barrier for students applying for internships in DC is the personal cost. Most families cannot afford the significant expenses associated with this type of program, particularly for those living in underserved populations. In addition to their tuition, UVU students participating in the program have additional expenses such as housing and a higher cost of living. The Utah federal delegation pays interns $2,000 a month for more-than-full-time work, while some other internships are unpaid. The need for financial support for the program is evident.

The funding will support the America First Credit Union Undergraduate Fellowship Program. AFCU’s $500,000 gift will allow UVU to send its best and brightest students to Washington, DC, to participate in the life-changing experience.

“Not long ago, Governor Herbert met with our team about the importance of educating tomorrow’s leaders,” said Nicole Cypers, vice president of Governmental Affairs at AFCU. “We talked about the importance of internships in government and how gaining experience in Washington DC can be a life-changing experience for students.  We know this is an expensive opportunity that not everyone can afford. With this in mind, America First Credit Union is thrilled to announce a $500,000 endowment to support UVU’s Herbert Institute interns serving in federal offices on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.”

“With the generous funding from America First Credit Union, interns from the Herbert Institute will gain valuable experience in history and politics as they live and work in our nation’s capital,” said UVU President Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez. “At UVU, we believe that engaged learning is the best way to prepare students for success in work and life. Getting an internship in Washington D.C. without incurring financial burdens is an incredible opportunity for our students. I believe they will be inspired to consider a life and career in public service.”

On average, UVU works to place approximately 70 students per year in government and high-impact internships. 40 student interns work with public policy leaders in Utah, while the remaining 30 spend a semester in Washington, DC. AFCU’s grant will allow the university to send an additional 15 interns each year to high-impact and government internships in DC. High-impact internships have a lasting influence on the lives of UVU students. Merging academic education with the practical experience of an internship currently results in a 10-percent increase in a student’s likelihood of remaining in school and continuing to graduation.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 83 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 121 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

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

America First Credit Union and Las Vegas Raiders Announce Winner of the Second Annual Small Businesses Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nevada-based RGD Construction receives a $100K sponsorship with Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS, NV – August 18, 2022 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and its partner, the Las Vegas Raiders, announced today that RGD Construction, a Nevada-based residential and commercial construction company, is the grand-prize winner of its second annual Small Business Showcase Contest following the recent live finals event in the Shift4 Club at Allegiant Stadium. RGD Construction, based in southern Nevada, received a $100,000 single-season sponsorship package to promote the company’s mission to provide the very best commercial tenant improvements and home renovations. The sponsorship also includes signage inside Allegiant Stadium, radio advertisements, digital promotion on the Raiders’ website and mobile app, tickets to a home game and more.

This is the second year that AFCU and the Raiders have partnered to showcase local small businesses that are making a difference in the community. The showcase provides an incredible opportunity for a local, Nevada-based small business to win a season long corporate partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2022 season.  This year four finalists presented to a panel of Raiders and America First Credit Union representatives for the chance to be recognized as the second winner of the Small Business Showcase and have their business featured throughout the season during Raiders games.

“Our community wouldn’t be the same without small businesses,” said Tammy Gallegos, chief marketing & strategic engagement officer for AFCU. “America First Credit Union is honored to provide the tools necessary to help small businesses succeed. We are grateful to be part of their story. Thank you to our partner, the Las Vegas Raiders, for sharing their platform with small businesses and congratulations to the winner and finalists.”

“We are excited to partner with America First Credit Union to support another small business this year,” said Christian Howard, vice president corporate partnerships for the Las Vegas Raiders. “The Small Business Showcase strengthens and shed light on how essential small businesses are to our local community. Congratulations to the winner and all other finalists.”

RGD Construction is a local, woman-owned and operated business, serving southern Nevada for more than 20 years. Coming from a long line of contractors, the company specializes in commercial tenant property improvements, as well as residential renovations. “We cannot thank America First and the Raiders enough. We are incredibly grateful to be named this year’s America First Credit Union and Las Vegas Raiders Small Business Showcase winner” said Dawn Barnes, owner of RGD Construction. “RGD Construction is excited to continue growing to give back to the community that made it possible to win this sponsorship today.”

The winner and finalists were invited to a special event to showcase their business. Finalists of the 2022 Small Business Showcase competition include: (listed in alphabetical order)

  • A Taste of Coffee (Southern Nevada)
  • CakedUpLV (Southern Nevada)
  • RGD Construction (Southern Nevada)
  • The Steamie Weenie (Southern Nevada)

Finalists were 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. The four finalists were picked by a panel of judges comprised of AFCU and Raiders representatives, as well as community and business leaders. The 2022 contest garnered more than 50 entries from small businesses across Nevada.

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

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 ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 83 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 121 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

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

MDL Image

America First Credit Union Now Accepting Utah and Arizona Mobile Drivers Licenses at All Branch Locations

Enabling Easier, Safer and More Secure Banking Transactions

SALT LAKE CITY – (Aug. 10, 2022) – America First Credit Union (AFCU),  GET Group North America and Utah Driver License Division (DLD) announced that AFCU will now accept Utah and Arizona mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) as a valid form of identification at all 121 America First Credit Union branch locations effectively immediately for all banking transactions.  As the fifth largest credit union in membership in the U.S., more than 930,000 AFCU members in Utah and Arizona will now be able to utilize mDLs to access their financial information. AFCU will be able to accept other states with mDLs as they become available. AFCU will utilize GET Mobile Verify to securely identify their members, conduct transactions, sign up new members, and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity.

Utah has been one of the first states in the U.S. to pilot an mDL that is fully compliant with ISO 18013–5, the international standard that ensures global acceptance as a legal form of identification. Mobile driver’s licenses allow for information such as name or age to be confirmed contactlessly and unequivocally with a simple scan or tap — without the mobile phone ever changing hands. A person never has to show or hand over their phone.  ISO 18013-5 mDL eliminates the subjectivity of visually authenticating an ID document. By adhering to stringent standards, GET Group North America — the technology vendor for the Utah mDL program — and Utah DLD empower citizens with greater control over their personal data, enabling them to share only the information that is relevant to a specific transaction.

“We’re excited to see the mDL ecosystem – both in Utah and nationally – continuing to grow and we’re very pleased to have America First Credit Union as part of that growing environment,” said Alex Kambanis, Managing Director of GET Group North America. “We look forward to working with AFCU to support them with technology to securely and contactlessly confirm IDs for all banking transactions.”

“America First Credit Union is in the business of protecting our members and their financial futures. We are always looking to be at the forefront of technology and are excited about our partnership with GET Group North America. With members in mind, we continue to find new and effective ways to secure our member’s data to reduce any type of fraudulent activity,” said Jeremy Deamer, Manager of Branch Technology and Innovation. “The support and adoption of Mobile Drivers Licenses is one of many steps we continue to provide to our members for an additional layer of security and ease of mind for their futures.”

“Providing opportunities for more Utahns to use their mobile ID throughout the state has been a main focus for our team,” said Chris Caras, Director at the Utah Driver License Division. “Adding additional verifiers, like AFCU, allows mobile ID holders to complete transactions without compromising their personal information. We look forward to working with GET Group North America, AFCU, and additional businesses to offer contactless mobile ID transaction in communities statewide.”

Citizens are invited to enroll for their own mDL on Friday, August 19th from 11am-3pm at the Salt Lake City AFCU Metro Branch (455 East 500 South in Salt Lake City) or on Thursday, September 8th from 11am-3pm at the Ogden Main Branch (3650 Wall Avenue in Ogden). A valid Utah driver’s license is required for mDL registration.

For more information, visit http://ut.mobiledl.us.

About GET Group North America

GET Group North America and its partners develop, manufacture, and implement end-to-end solutions for secure physical and mobile credentials that enable government agencies, motor vehicle departments, municipalities law enforcement organizations, and other entities to leverage the latest in secure identity management technologies. From photo ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports, to mDLs and mIDs, GET Group NA delivers advanced issuance, verification and personalization capabilities that prevent fraud, accommodate diversified customer needs, and support the future of ID.

 

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About America First Credit Union

Proudly celebrating 83 years of serving 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 121 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
dcnellis@americafirst.com
801-827-8606

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com
801-913-9454

Jordan Bouclin
SVM Public Relations
Jordan.Bouclin@svmpr.com
(401)490-9700

America First Credit Union Opens New Branch in Silverado Ranch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAS VEGAS – August 8, 2022 – America First Credit Union has opened its newest branch in Nevada located in Silverado Ranch. This is the credit union’s 18th branch in Nevada and 121st branch across Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho. On Friday, the credit union held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the branch’s grand opening. The branch is located at 9690 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

America First’s new Silverado branch opens with six team members under the leadership of Ricky Ornelas as branch manager. Ornelas began his career with AFCU as a teller in 2010 and quickly became lead teller in 2013. Shortly after, he became an Assistant Branch Manager in 2015 and eventually promoted to Manager in 2017. He has worked at 4 other branch locations throughout the Las Vegas area and has extensive experience in all aspects of a financial institution.

“We’re excited to be expanding our footprint in Nevada to better serve the Las Vegas community,” said Ornelas. “This branch is perfectly located in Silverado Ranch to serve both the Silverado and Henderson communities. We’re excited to be able to serve our members here and make an impact within the community.”

In celebration of the opening, AFCU is offering a $100.00 match to every member who opens a new savings and checking account. This promotion will run until Aug. 13.  In addition, members who sign up will be entered into a grand prize drawing which includes four Raiders preseason tickets and a signed jersey.

The credit union plans to hire several new employees. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit America First’s career page.

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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 121 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:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

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

America First donates $15K during DSD Child Spree Event

America First Charitable Foundation volunteers spent the morning of August 5th selecting clothes for approximately 400 at-risk youth during the annual Child Spree Event while donating $15,000 towards new pairs of shoes. Kohl’s joined forces with the Davis Education Foundation hosting the shopping spree at the Clinton, Layton, and Centerville locations.

Several volunteers arrived as early as 6 a.m. to get started, while numerous Kohl’s employees were there well before their regularly scheduled shifts to assist, making it a heart-warming success for everyone. While the children were not in attendance for the shopping, they did submit videos to inform the shopper what they like and to express their appreciation.

Mady Dawson, the Events Planning Manager at America First Credit Union, was emotionally touched by the experience. “I couldn’t help but to fall in love with the little girl that I was shopping for! She was adorable and it made the experience so special to be a part of. Every child should feel enthusiastic about the thought of going back to school and starting a new year. I’m so happy that she’ll be heading to school with cute clothes, and I was able to find her favorite shirt that she asked for!”

“Child Spree morning is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jodi Lunt, Executive Director of Davis Education Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure that every child has the resources they need to succeed in school. When basic needs are met, these students can feel more comfortable and confident at school and gear their focus towards participating in the classroom. We are so grateful for community partners and volunteers who continue to make this initiative possible.”

Over $55,000 worth of school clothes were purchased to aid children who will need it for the upcoming school year. Anyone wanting to donate to the cause should visit dsdgive.net.

America First is Volunteering “For the Kids”

America First volunteers spent the morning of August 2nd packaging food for children that are in danger of being food insecure. For the Kids is a program that specializes in fighting against childhood hunger for students who are on the Federal Free Lunch program. Volunteers pack food together to keep kids’ stomachs and pantries full during the weekend. Kenzie Richardson, the

From left to right: Mckaylie Richins, Melissa Veltri, Mady Dawson, and Tony Parks

Operations Assistant at For the Kids, is thankful for the boost, “For The Kids is honored to make a difference in the local community with America First Credit Union through their America First Charitable Foundation. With their focus on helping to aid those in need, we have been able to make a real impact on local children struggling with food insecurities. We currently provide weekend meal kits to 400 kids, which would not be possible without socially conscious cooperatives like AFCU in our corner. We are grateful that AFCU believes in what we do, and we are inspired by all that they do in our communities.”

Program Director Paul Welsh understands how critical this program is for the emotional state of children. “Hunger can be a silent struggle and when volunteers want to step in and contribute to those fighting hunger, it gives so many people an emotional lift. We’re so appreciative of America First Credit Union for their monetary contributions obviously, but also for coming out to help us package items that will help so many children in need.”

For the Kids started back in 2012, when founder Minda Zoloth wanted to act on returning the favor after receiving valuable help from others at an early age while she was experiencing hardships. “I started out by simply wanting to feed as many kids as I could, and what has happened is that I found so many more people, just like me, that wanted to help. And together we not only feed hundreds of kids, but we are also giving these kids hope.” Minda said.

America First Charitable Foundation plans helping For the Kids with packing food and delivering it to various families. Mady Dawson is an Event Planning Specialist with America First and she understands that passion and empathy plays a vital role when positively impacting the community. “Putting the bags of food together was truly special and the enthusiasm of the organization’s staff made the experience even better,” she said.” “A simple donation does so much to help these kids in need, but being there in person, putting your name on the wall, seeing the smiles, and feeling the love at the facility gives you something that can’t be described.”

Anyone interested in donating to For the Kids can visit forthekids.org. The cost is just $7 to feed one kid for an entire weekend.

America First Charitable Foundation & Young Automotive Group Team Up to Fight Hunger

America First Charitable Foundation joined forces with Young Automotive Group to put together 4,000 pantry packs for children currently fighting hunger. It was all part of the Young Caring for our Young 10,000 Pantry Pack Challenge.

Tami Olsen, the director for Young Caring for our Young, knows the importance of both organizations having a congruent mindset when it comes to giving back. “We are so grateful for our partnership with America First Credit Union. Their support allows us to make a huge difference in our community. Whether it’s helping us provide pantry packs to over 10,000 kids, supporting our Healthcare Heroes Campaign, or our KIND Fund, America First really steps up. Not only through financial support, but through their volunteer efforts, their Foundation, and the leadership. And their employees are top notch.”

Volunteers strategically laid out all items at 6 a.m., then carefully packaged food for teachers, who will distribute them to students to take home over the weekend. Due to one in six kids being food insecure, weekends and school breaks are challenging for those who don’t receive regular meals.

America First EVP Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Tammy Gallegos has always carried a service-first mindset that has become core principle of the credit union. “We’re so proud to join Young Automotive in the fight against childhood hunger. We have an important responsibility in our communities to be a part of the solution and help children in need. I can’t thank Tami and her team at Young Automotive enough for the passion and love they’ve put into this.”

Fighting childhood hunger and helping children in need continues to be a major focus of America First Credit Union. The annual food drive takes place in September and October, our Backpack Bonanza provides school supplies to underprivileged children, and the Warm the Soles Program surprises kids with a new pair of shoes during the holidays.