Month: April 2025

Phoenix Rising FC Partners with America First Credit Union in Community-focused Multi-year Deal

PHOENIX, Arizona – April 29, 2025 – Phoenix Rising FC and America First Credit Union today announced a dynamic multi-year partnership, naming America First Credit Union the Official Credit Union of Phoenix Rising. The collaboration is rooted in a shared mission to connect with local communities and create meaningful moments for Arizona families both on and off the field.

“We are extremely excited to welcome America First as Phoenix Rising’s Official Credit Union,” said Joey Castor, Phoenix Rising Vice President of Business Operations. “Since our first conversation, it was clear that we had a shared commitment to impacting our community and fan experience. Together, we look forward to amplifying those values and creating even more memorable experiences for our fans and the community we serve.”

As part of the partnership, America First Credit Union will feature on the club’s training tops, launch an exclusive Phoenix Rising Visa® Debit Card and be the presenting partner for the club’s “Out of School” match against Monterey Bay FC on May 17.

“Our partnership with Phoenix Rising underscores the importance we place on supporting organizations that bring people together and that exemplify the unique spirit of the city,” said Tammy Gallegos, EVP Chief Strategic Engagement Officer at America First Credit Union. “We look forward to being a part of an exciting season which we know will bring so much joy to fans and to the community alike.”

Unique to the partnership is “Goals for Good,” an original initiative whereby America First Credit Union will make a monetary donation to one of Rising’s partner charities for every goal scored by a Rising player in the 2025 season. The program brings the spirit of the game beyond the field, turning every goal into meaningful impact for families, neighborhoods and causes across the Valley.

Additionally, America First Credit Union will be the official partner of Phoenix Rising Member Cards. Brand new in 2025, the cards can be used in-stadium for exclusive member discounts at concessions as well as in the team store.

Together, America First Credit Union and Phoenix Rising FC are setting the stage for a partnership driven by purpose, connection, and community pride.

 

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ABOUT PHOENIX RISING FC

Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona history. Established in 2016, the club won the 2023 USL Championship as well as the 2023, 2020 and 2018 Western Conference Titles. Rising won USL Championship’s 2019 Regular Season Title and holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history (20 matches). It is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club chairman/CEO Pablo Prichard and an impressive collection of local business leaders and international celebrities. Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship. For season tickets or more information call (623) 594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), X (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play

America First Credit Union Holds 86th Annual Meeting

RIVERDALE, Utah – April 15, 2025 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) held its 86th annual meeting at 3 p.m. MDT. The meeting was conducted by Linda Carver, chair of the board of directors, and included both in-person and virtual attendance options for members.

The meeting agenda included approval of minutes from the 85th annual meeting and the election of board members. Gil Miller, chair of the nominations committee, oversaw the election process, sharing an overview of the qualifications, duties and responsibilities expected of board members. In accordance with AFCU’s bylaws, three qualified candidates were elected by acclamation: Barney Chapman, Ted Maxfield and Kenlon Reeve. All three will continue serving on the board of directors.

Guests in attendance included Scott Simpson, CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and the Utah Credit Union Association; Rusty Cannon, president of the Utah Credit Union Association; and Bruce Richards, who served as parliamentarian and has long supported the credit union’s mission.

Carver recognized fellow board members for their service, as well as Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of AFCU; the executive team; and senior management. She also extended appreciation to AFCU’s 3,398 employees across the organization for their commitment to serving members and supporting operations across all locations.

Written remarks from the board chair, supervisory committee and president are available in the spring 2025 edition of Memberline, accessible at americafirst.com.

The meeting concluded at approximately 3:15 p.m. MDT.

 

America First Credit Union Annual Meeting – 2025

In accordance with America First bylaws, the Board of Directors Nominations Committee has identified three members who will stand for election by acclamation at the credit union’s Annual Meeting on April 15, 2025.

After thorough interviews and qualification screenings, the Board candidates are:

  • Barney B. Chapman
  • Ted Maxfield
  • Kenlon Reeve

These volunteers selflessly give of their time, talent, expertise, and experience to enhance our financial well-being, and we congratulate them on their nominations.

We invite all of our members to watch the 2025 Annual Meeting live video stream by clicking the button that will be available on the day of the meeting below.

In addition, we will have a limited number of seats available to attend in person at our Operations Center in Riverdale, Utah. Reservations will be available starting April 10th 2025. 

Streaming will begin at 3:00 PM (MDT) April 15, 2025 at the button below.

 

 

America First Credit Union Delivers Big Wins During the 2025 Souper Bowl of Caring

America First Credit Union and community partners worked to combat hunger in Utah, Nevada and Idaho

SALT LAKE CITY – April 7, 2025- America First Credit Union wrapped up its annual campaign to fight childhood hunger in Utah, Nevada and Idaho with the Souper Bowl of Caring.

During the campaign, which ran from February through early March, more than $1.4 million in monetary and food donations was raised via the KUTV and KJZZ telethon program, which America First Credit Union helped champion. These donations went to support community-based organizations that provide food to kids and families who need it most.

Specifically, America First accepted donations online, in branch locations, and through live telethons in multiple states — with more than $100,000 staying local within these areas and sourced directly from the credit union and its members, and others throughout the community. Contributions this year went to organizations focused on food and nutritional support in Nevada, Idaho and Utah, including the Utah Association for Public-School Foundation, Serving Our Kids Foundation, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and the Idaho Food Bank.

The Souper Bowl of Caring is designed to reach children who rely on school meals and may go without during weekends or school breaks. Donations provide take-home kits, expand and stock school pantry programs, and support local distribution centers that serve thousands of students year-round.

“These contributions represent full backpacks, stocked school pantries and meals for kids who would be left without, otherwise” said Amber Greenwell, charitable foundation and community outreach director at America First Credit Union. “We’ll continue our focus on child hunger throughout the year — but always hope to start with a strong Souper Bowl.”

This year’s campaign engaged volunteers, educators, local mascots, and media to help raise awareness at various points during the campaign. America First Credit Union also facilitated donations for the drive.

The Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 as a grassroots effort and has grown into a national campaign. Since joining in 2014, America First Credit Union has helped raise millions of dollars in support of local hunger relief efforts through this campaign, in addition to supporting the effort by processing donations and providing other material support for the effort.

 

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 85th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.4 million members, and the seventh largest in assets with more than $20 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

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

Utah Youth Soccer and America First Credit Union Team Up to Bring Soccer to More Utah Kids

New relationship with the Credit Union will offset participation costs for more than 23,000 youth soccer players across the state

 

SALT LAKE CITY – April 4, 2025 Utah Youth Soccer (UYSA) today announced that it is teaming up with America First Credit Union to expand opportunities within the sport to more youth throughout Utah.

America First Credit Union will be the front jersey sponsor of Utah Youth Soccer’s recreation soccer clubs across the state, representing more than 23,000 young Utahns. In addition to the jersey, America First will contribute funding to participating teams and recreation centers to offset the financial cost to families and soccer clubs, as well as exclusive credit union offers to UYSA players.

“Nothing brings community together quite like youth sports,” said Tammy Gallegos, EVP Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, America First Credit Union. “Our hope is that this will allow youth and families that might be on the sidelines to participate fully and build skills and memories together.”

Both organizations are dedicated to fostering the success and growth of young people while providing them with tools they need for the future.

“This collaboration is crucial for our young players across the state, providing them with incredible opportunities to grow, compete, and thrive both on and off the field,” said Bryan Attridge, CEO of the Utah Soccer Federation.

America First Credit Union is a trusted leader in Utah, with deep roots in the local soccer community, including Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals.

As a part of this partnership, America First Credit Union will offer Utah Youth Soccer players $50 when they open a new youth savings account and add a Fundz Visa Debit Card. This aim is reflective of the Credit Union’s broader commitment to helping young people build healthy financial habits and savings. A promotional flier is needed for redemption of the offer and will be available to print and use in conjunction with registration for the upcoming 2025/2026 UYSA season.

For more information, visit utahyouthsoccer.net.

 

 

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ABOUT THE UTAH YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Utah Youth Soccer is the leader in promoting, developing and governing youth soccer in Utah; providing quality educational and developmental opportunities for all members. With educated and licensed U.S. Soccer coaches, USSF certified referees, insured players, organized leagues, and sanctioned member organizations, UYSA is the largest and most dynamic youth sports organization in Utah. Reaching over 50,000 players across the state, UYSA is the only soccer organization in Utah that offers a diverse range of services and innovative programs to meet the needs of a membership with varied abilities, backgrounds, and financial means. Visit us at utahyouthsoccer.net.

 

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

 Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.4 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Jake Babcock
UYSA
jbabcock@uysa.org

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
dcnellis@americafirst.com