America First Credit Union and the Utah Jazz Announce Winner of Annual Small Businesses Spotlight

Utah-based Elite Turf Supply receives a $200K sponsorship with the Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY – Aug 18, 2023 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and the Utah Jazz are excited to announce today Elite Turf Supply as the grand prize winner of its annual “Small Business Spotlight” contest. The Utah-based artificial turf supplier was announced as the contest winner during a live finals event at Delta Center. As the winner, America First Credit Union will provide Elite Turf Supply with a single-season sponsorship agreement with the Utah Jazz valued at approximately $200,000. The winner will also receive arena signage, logo design assistance, media coverage, and the opportunity to participate in business and marketing strategy meetings with Utah Jazz and AFCU executives.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever been more excited,” said Taylor Brown, co-owner of Elite Turf Supply. “With this sponsorship, we can do more of what we do — helping people learn the benefits of artificial turf, conserve water, and even start their own small businesses. It’s all about the community, and we’re grateful to the Utah Jazz and America First.”

Elite Turf Supply started as a modest family endeavor in 2019, laying turf in their backyard play area, and has quickly become a rapid success story. In the past two years, the customer-turned-owner small business has grown into a national turf supplier offering various applications, from putting greens and versatile athletic turf to residential and commercial landscaping solutions, including pet-friendly options. Now as Utah’s premier artificial turf supplier, Elite Turf Supply continues its mission to create and educate about the benefits of artificial turf, help homeowners DIY their outdoor spaces and has launched more than 20 turf installation companies along the way.

“We congratulate Elite Turf Supply on their impressive business journey and receiving the recognition as the Small Business Spotlight contest winner,” said Thayne Shaffer, America First Credit Union President and CEO. “At America First Credit Union, we’re dedicated to fostering small businesses like Elite Turf Supply, who exemplify innovation and commitment to their community. We appreciate our partners at the Utah Jazz who help us empower and support local businesses as they contribute to our communities and economic growth.”

“On a day-to-day basis, the Utah Jazz try to partner with companies who want to lean into community initiatives with us,” said Chris Barney, Chief Commercial Officer, Utah Jazz. “We’re excited to partner with Elite Turf Supply, for our team to engage with theirs, and to build on the success they have obviously already had. Small business runs America, and I admire all the finalists and businesses who participated.”

The winner and finalists were invited to a special event to showcase their businesses. Finalists of the 2023 Small Business Spotlight competition include: (listed in alphabetical order)

• Caffé Molise
• Elite Turf Supply
• Intergalactic
• Modelic
• Premier Day Spa
• Utah Sunrooms LLC

Finalists were evaluated on how well they represent Utah, how much they currently give back to the community, and how this opportunity will help them execute their business objectives successfully. The six finalists were picked by a panel of judges comprised of AFCU and Utah Jazz representatives and community and business leaders. The 2023 contest garnered around 150 entries from small businesses across Utah.

For more information about the contest, visit AFCU’s website.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 84 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 120 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 1.3 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