Doug Bailey, Author at America First Newsroom

America First Credit Union partners with Loquat Inc for small business account onboarding

Top 10 credit union will adopt a new small business banking platform to create a streamlined digital process for business members for digital account opening, virtual cards, payments and reporting

Ogden, Utah – July 9, 2024 – America First Credit Union has selected Loquat Inc. to help enhance the onboarding experience for small business members. The partnership will equip small business owners with time-saving mobile solutions to make it easier, faster and more secure to run their business and have full control over their finances.

“We’ve seen significant small business account growth across our membership — and these members want to get up-and-running quickly,” said Karey Thomas SVP of branch delivery at America First Credit Union. “The partnership with Loquat will provide our business members a modern experience tailored to meet the demands of the commercial marketplace.”

In addition to new business account opening, Loquat provides virtual debit and credit cards and enables payment and lending products to be established within minutes using a proprietary process that reduces the time that is historically required to onboard new business members.

“We are looking forward to helping America First Credit Union enhance its commitment to small businesses,” said Zarina Tsomaeva, founder and CEO of Loquat. “More and more entrepreneurs are striking out on their own, and finding a financial institution that supports their business needs can be complex and time consuming. America First Credit Union will bridge that gap for them.”

Business owners can learn more about America First Credit Union at www.americafirst.com/business.

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Media Contact:

Dave Nellis

America First Credit Union

801.827.8606

dcnellis@americafirst.com

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,

(Rendering courtesy Sparano + Mooney Architecture and Utah Tech University)

Utah Tech University unveils America First Performing Arts Center

ST. GEORGE, Utah — In appreciation of America First Credit Union’s continued community support, Utah Tech University revealed Friday in a special ceremony that it’s performing arts venue will be named the America First Performing Arts Center after renovations and expansion are completed near the end of 2025.

“Utah Tech University and the entire Southern Utah community are immensely grateful to America First Credit Union for their support,” said Brad Last, the university’s vice president of advancement. “Not only will the completed project draw world-class talent to Washington County, but it will also dramatically enhance the experience for residents and visitors who enjoy entertainment opportunities in the facility.”

America First Credit Union is donating $5 million to the project, which is also funded by a $28 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature, a $1.3 million contribution from Washington County and many community donors. Highlighting the community partnership making this project possible, the renovated venue will serve as the official home of Southwest Symphony, Southern Utah Heritage Choir and Utah Tech University’s student and professional art programming.

“This newly remodeled facility will provide a forever home for the musical renaissance the Southwest Symphony, Heritage Choir, and University have sparked in the St. George area,” said Tammy Gallegos, EVP and chief strategic engagement officer at America First Credit Union. “Music and the arts bring people together — and America First Credit Union believes strongly in supporting and building community around the things we love, share, and build together.”

Renovations to the arts center include expanding the lobby, rehearsal spaces, box office, concessions and restrooms to accommodate larger audiences and a wider variety of performers. To enhance the audience experience, the plan includes adding a balcony with more seating, center aisles for easier access to seats and event space as well as upgrading lighting, sound and projection equipment throughout the building. Back-of-house renovations include expanding green rooms, make-up rooms and dressing rooms.

Efforts to expand the venue began when the Southern Utah Performing Arts Foundation sought a facility to meet the needs of the Southwest Symphony and Southern Utah Heritage Choir and proposed a partnership with the university.

Completed in 1986, the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center, as the venue is currently named, was made possible by a generous donation from Dr. Mervyn K. and Sue Cox and has served the community as a center for performing arts for nearly four decades.

For more information about the renovation project, visit http://supafoundation.com.

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Now in its 85^th 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.

America First Credit Union Annual Meeting – 2024

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 16, 2024 @ 3:00 PM (MDT).

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

David McConkie
Cathy Person
John Spease

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 2024 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 11th 2024. Visit this page and click the reservation link below to attend in person.

In-person reservation

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 Selected as Exclusive Corporate Partner of the Utah Jazz

America First to Offer an Exclusive Co-Branded Debit Card, Focus on Small Business Showcase, Junior Jazz Youth Program, and a Combined Community Initiative Program in its Sponsorship

SALT LAKE CITY (October 11, 2021) – The Utah Jazz and America First Credit Union announced today an exclusive, multi-year partnership, naming America First as the Official Credit Union of the Utah Jazz. The largest credit union in Utah, America First has been selected by the Jazz as the only corporate partner in its consumer category.

“The Jazz are thrilled to be aligned exclusively with America First Credit Union due to its long-standing presence in our state, its sense of service to the community through countless charitable endeavors, and its desire to help people achieve their dreams,” said Jazz President Jim Olson. “These admirable qualities are what we jointly strive for in our organizations in hopes of making a difference in people’s lives.”

“We’re elated to expand our involvement with the Jazz and provide value to our members and enhance our communities through this partnership,” said Thayne Shaffer, America First President and CEO. “We’ll continue to invest in our community and organizations that support and assist those in our community to power forward on their financial journey.”

America First Union Credit, which has been affiliated with the Jazz since 1985, will have an expanded relationship with the franchise, including digital and traditional branding at Vivint Arena, activations during Jazz games, affiliations with the NBA G League Salt Lake City Stars and other sporting events. The two organizations will also work together on various community outreach initiatives throughout the state of Utah.

America First will continue to welcome guests into the home of the Utah Jazz with signage in the grand entryway, atrium, box office, and porch area overlooking the court. A co-branded debit card will provide member benefits, including discounted tickets, concessions, merchandise, and special access to events. Whether buying tickets for a Jazz game, gear at the Utah Jazz Team Store, or favorite game time food and beverage, this card will be a fast and secure way to make a payment.

America First will continue as a presenting sponsor of Junior Jazz, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 participants as well as supporting the Jazz Youth Camps & Clinics program. America First will also team up with the Jazz to expand its Small Business Showcase with financial and marketing support.

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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.

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 credits 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 eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union membership in America with more than 1.2 million members. Learn more at www.americafirst.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Frank Zang
Utah Jazz
801.325.2570
frank.zang@utahjazz.com

#AFCUJazz #TakeNote

America First Credit Union Announces Winners of $5,000 Teacher Grant Contest

RIVERDALE, Utah – May 14, 2021 – America First Credit Union announced winners of the $5,000 grant awarded to ten K–12 teachers elevating youth financial literacy in Utah and Nevada. The grants will help fund projects for teachers.

To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3–7, America First Credit Union dropped by West Point Jr. High to surprise Kristy Larsen with a congratulatory announcement.

The following teachers, who are using the free FUNDamentals financial literacy program in their classrooms, have received $500 grants:

Utah

Jacquelynn Merritt Lowder, Belmont Elementary, Alpine School District
Mindi Barnes, Boulton, Davis School District
Megan Barton, Bountiful Jr. High School, Davis School District
Jesse Jones, Syracuse High School, Davis School District
Ashley Sawyer, Bluffridge Elementary, Davis School District
Kristy Larsen, West Point Jr. High, Davis School District
Monika Anderson, Quest Academy Charter School, Weber School District
Danielle Kingdon, North Davis Preparatory Academy

Nevada

Savanna Brister, Amplus Academy
Adry Kewish, Amplus Academy

“America First Credit Union’s commitment to education is unwavering,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First. “We are delighted to celebrate teachers via our teacher grant contest and we will continue to make financial literacy easily accessible to educators and students.”

An emotional Larsen shared, “I love teaching and I love kids. For America First to give me this opportunity to spend money on my students and things they need is awesome. The FUNDamentals program has prepared lesson plans from America First. All I do is log in and download the hour and half lesson plans. It’s a great tool, especially for a teacher who is short on time.”

Teachers can request access to FUNDamentals by visiting www.education.americafirst.com.

Today’s grant awards are the latest in a series of actions that the credit union has taken to elevate youth financial literacy. In February, the credit union announced FUNDamentals, a customizable financial literacy program created for K–12 students and teachers. (CLICK HERE to read the announcement.) This free program empowers teachers and offers a customizable program, unlike many one-size-fits-all programming dictated by other providers.

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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 126 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.6 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,184,290 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

The America First Charitable Foundation Scholarship

This year, we are giving away 10 scholarships worth $1000 each. In order to be eligible, members must be graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year or technical college or university, and have a passion for serving and helping others.

The America First Charitable Foundation is looking for candidates who embody the 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. If this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

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

Applications are due April 30^th. Here is the link to scholarship applications

https://apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/auth/signup

Join Us for the Souper Bowl of Caring

America First is proud to be a partner of KUTV’s Souper Bowl of Caring. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national organization that partners with local hunger relief charities to fight against childhood hunger.

The local chapter of this organization works with as many community food pantries as possible throughout the state of Utah. 100% of the monetary and food donations are passed along directly to these community charities.

As part of our partnership, we help collect monetary donations both online, over the phone and at our branches until Saturday, February 27. There are multiple ways to make your contribution:

Credit card – Click here and fill out our secure online form
In person – Make a deposit at a branch to account number 5504816 (last name: Donate)
Mobile – Send a text to 855-719-2328 to receive further instructions
Venmo – Transfer funds to @SouperBowlofCaringUT

To learn more about this wonderful organization and their efforts, visit souperbowl.org.

Don’t Get Fooled by Romance Scams

Falling in love can make you feel as though you’re walking on air, but if a budding relationship is exclusively online, it’s important to keep your feet on the ground. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a romance scam victim.

You may be charming and attractive, but scammers will try grooming you by flattering your ego. Be suspicious if things progress too quickly without meeting each other in person.
Watch out if your new friend starts making financial requests. He or she may play with your heartstrings and say there are medical expenses to pay or ask you for travel expenses for a date. Don’t do it.
Never send cash, cashier’s checks, gift cards or wired funds to unverified individuals. It’s almost impossible to get that money back.
Resist the temptation to send expensive gifts to your virtual boyfriend or girlfriend. Save that for when and if you meet in person. Even then, don’t spend more than you can afford.
Private information, such as your account number or PIN isn’t to be shared with anyone but joint account owners.
Don’t provide your address, credit card numbers or Social Security number to someone you’re talking to on a dating site or in a chat room.
Resist any effort to connect to your account to an online friend’s, even if they claim they’ll only make deposits.

In short, a healthy amount of skepticism can keep you safe whenever you start seeing—or chatting with—a new love interest.

Annual Meeting Update

The Nominations Committee has selected the following three candidates to fill the open positions at the upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting.

David McConkie
Cathy Person
John Spease

Nominations by petition must be received by 5pm, March 8, 2021 at the America First Credit Union Corporate Office, 1344 West 4675 South, Riverdale, UT, 84405. Petitions for Nomination must be signed by at least 500 members to be valid, along with a 150 word qualification statement by the nominee (Contact the Credit Union for information on how to submit a qualification statement). No nominations may be made at the Annual Meeting. If there are no nominations by petition the election of the Board will be made by acclamation and not election ballots.