Author: Dave Stuart

Ogden-Weber Chamber Inducts AFCU’s Sheryl Cox into Wall of Fame

Two America First Credit Union VPs Recognized by Ogden-Weber Chamber

Ogden, Utah – March 3, 2020 – Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce is recognizing two America First Credit Union (AFCU) Vice Presidents for their outstanding impact in the community. Each year the Chamber is proud to honor outstanding achievements from local business and community members at their Annual Gala. This year, AFCU’s Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Sheryl Cox, was inducted into the Chamber’s Wall of Fame while Kimberli Green, AFCU’s Vice President of Business Development, was honored as the chamber’s ATHENA® Leadership Award recipient.

The Wall of Fame honors those who have made major contributions to the Ogden-Weber community over their career. “Sheryl was selected by the executive board for her involvement with the Ogden-Weber Chamber and commitment to our community,” said Chuck Leonhardt, Ogden- Weber Chamber President & CEO. “Her numerous accomplishments including work at Hill Air Force Base as a liaison between local businesses and service members and serving as chair elect of the McKay-Dee and Layton Hospital Board of Trustees, have made a tremendous impact on our community and it was an honor to be able to recognize her for the work she’s been doing.”

Cox’s additional accomplishments include being awarded the prestigious Hill Air Force Base 2015 Wingman Award, serving as chair of the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee, past Honorary Commander for the 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, served on the executive board for the Ogden Weber Technical College, board member for the Weber School Foundation and past member of the Ogden Pioneer Days Foundation.

“It’s an honor to be inducted to the Ogden-Weber Wall of Fame aside the likes of so many great honorees who have made an enormous impact in Weber County,” said Cox. “I love working for a credit union who values community service and people helping people and allows me to make an impact on someone’s life every day.”

The Chamber also honored Green who received the 2020 ATHENA® Leadership Award which recognizes women in the community who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assist women in realizing their full potential.

“Kimberli dedicates her time to giving back to the place where she both lives and works, and is always the first to jump in, roll up her sleeves and get to work,” said AFCU President and CEO, John B. Lund. “Volunteering in more than a dozen volunteer positions, Kimberli’s involvement includes being vice chair of the Executive Board for the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, as well as being a chair for the Boys & Girls Club Weber-Davis Utah among many other activities. It’s truly an honor to be able to work with her.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 132 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,089,000 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 announces Vice President of Trust Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dirk SampsonRiverdale, UT – February 10, 2020 –

America First Credit Union (AFCU) welcomes Dirk Samson to its leadership team as Vice President of Trust Services. In this role, he will assist credit union members located in Salt Lake and Utah counties with their financial and estate planning needs including promotion of the credit union’s trust services to estate planning attorneys and other professionals.

With more than 20 years of proven experience in trust administration, estate settlement, and investment management services, Samson is passionate about the opportunity to educate credit union members and estate planning attorneys on AFCU’s notable professional executor and successor trustee services.

With a passion for providing exceptional member service and deep knowledge of world economics, Samson provides members with custom-tailored and executable strategies, providing them with a sense of security. A graduate of Grand Valley State University, he holds various investment and insurance licenses, is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, and is a member of the SLC Estate Planning Council.

Samson is an active member of the Utah community including chairing the Planned Giving Advisory Committee for Salt Lake Community College, which provides educational scholarship to deserving and qualified students. He also is a regular volunteer at animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, and is an avid year-round outdoor enthusiast, snowboarding on average 50 times a year.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 132 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,089,000 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

 

Marathon

New Title Sponsor and Community Partner for the Ogden Marathon

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sara Mejeur
Marketing Manager, GOAL Foundation
PH: 801-399-1773
Email: sara@goalfoundation.com

Ogden, UT – February 6, 2020 – The GOAL Foundation, producers of the Ogden Marathon, is proud to announce a new title sponsor. America First Credit Union (AFCU) has signed a multiyear contract to be the presenting sponsor of the Ogden Marathon.

“2020 is going to be such a special anniversary year for the Ogden Marathon and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with America First Credit Union,” said Eric Bauman, Executive Director of the GOAL Foundation. “AFCU is doing wonderful things in our community. We want to invite everyone to come out and celebrate 20 years of athletes, volunteers and memories with us, you won’t want to miss it.”

The Ogden Marathon was first established in 2001 and quickly became a bucket-list race due to the panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountain range and the incredibly scenic run through Ogden Canyon. This race accommodates the professional athlete, vacation racers as well as the family that runs together. Race weekend includes a Full and Half Marathon, The Utah Eye Centers 5K, and the Granite Construction Kids K. Racers from all over the world are anticipated to participate in the 20th anniversary celebration and race on Saturday, May 16.

“Ogden is a beautiful place to live and work which is why we love having our Operations Center here in Weber County,” said AFCU President and CEO John B. Lund. “While we operate throughout Utah, Southern Nevada, Arizona and Idaho, we always want to make sure we’re supporting our community right here at home. We’re proud to be supporting the Ogden Marathon to help our members cross the finish line both with their financial goals and their fitness goals.”

“The Ogden Marathon’s impact and reach is far broader than just a race,” said Bauman. “It truly makes a difference and has a positive impact in the lives of our athletes, our volunteers, our spectators, and our community. It’s not only a motivator and opportunity to train and get fit, but it is an opportunity to build a community, build families and spend time with friends. Partnering with America First Credit Union is going to enable us to continue to expand our giveback to the community and to help more families ‘Get Out and LIVE!’”

The 20th celebration will kick off with the NordicTrack Fun & Fitness Expo that hosts more than 70 vendors complete with big prize giveaways, including two treadmills, KT Taping and the latest and greatest in running gear for race day. On race day, runners can look forward to upgraded race shirts, medals, a free beer/beverage of their choice at the finish line as well as many more surprises to be announced. The GOAL Foundation has also integrated youth and family activities into race-day participation. During Marathon Weekend, families can choose from the Kids K, 5K, Half or Full Marathon or join a Relay Team. All participants, no matter the distance, get to cross the same world-class finish line and are fully supported by the Greatest Volunteers on Earth.

With all of the excitement building around the 20th anniversary celebration, the events are expected to fill quickly. Don’t wait, head to www.ogdenmarathon.com to claim your spot.

ABOUT THE GOAL FOUNDATION

The GOAL Foundation, producer of the Ogden Marathon, was established after the 2002 Olympics with a mission to inspire the Greater Ogden Community and its visitors to “Get Out And Live!”™ by participating, volunteering, and spectating at recreational events, programs, and activities. GOAL is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 132 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 members.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – 2020

FRIDAY-MAY 15
9:00 am     Shake Out Run at the Weber County Fieldhouse, 4400 Harrison Blvd, Ogden
10:00 am – 8:00 pm   NordicTrack Fun & Fitness Expo, 4400 Harrison Blvd., Ogden

SATURDAY-MAY 16
6:00 am – Ogden Canyon Closes
7:00 am – Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay & 5K Start
7:30 am – Autoliv Finish Line Festival opens to the public with food, music & fun!
9:30 am – Amphitheater Archway – Kids Zone Open
8:45 am – Main Park Stage, 5K overall awards presented
10:00 am – 2:00 pm Miller Lite/Talisman Brewery Beer Garden
11:00 am – Kids K registration opens at the GOAL booth
11:45 am – Main Park Stage, Full & Half Marathon overall awards presented
12:30 pm – Kids K Race begins at 25th St. & Kiesel Ave.
1:15 pm – Ogden Canyon reopens
2:00 pm – End of Race

America First Credit Union Opens Business Center in Salt Lake City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY – February 4, 2020 – On the heels of the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit which celebrated Utah’s entrepreneurs, America First Credit Union (AFCU) is opening a Business Center in Salt Lake City to support and champion Utah businesses. The downtown-based center is a hub and resource for business-owning members to find tools, products, services and people that will help them meet their businesses’ dynamic needs.

“The collective drive to excel is one of the things I love most about being able to work with the Utah companies, and one of the things that makes doing business here so exciting,” said Blake Weathers, AFCU Senior Vice President Business Services. “Whether your organization is small or large, or you’re are startup or one of the old guards, we’ve created the Business Center to help you take your business further.”

At the Business Center, AFCU and community members will have access to local industry experts, including those from AFCU’s Business Development team. They will be able to meet with business account specialists who can help with any product or service needs they might have, including the AFCU’s extensive suite of Merchant Services, business planning through LivePlan, ACH and payroll, and setting up or making changes to business members’ accounts.

Lending services will also be offered at the Business Center, where a lending team is on hand to help members apply for or set up Lines of Credit or Visa credit cards and they’ll be able to help with needs for Small Business, SBA, Commercial Real Estate, and other Business Loans.

The America First Business Center is located in the credit union’s Salt Lake Metro Branch at 455 South 500 East. The Business Center shares the same hours of operation as the branch, making it easy for members to take care of personal finance needs as well.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 132 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 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 Opens 110th Utah Branch in Murray

Murray, UT – February 3, 2020– America First Credit Union (AFCU) is set to open a new branch on Feb. 3 inside Macey’s grocery store to serve as a convenient option for members and better serve the Murray community.

The new branch is located inside Macey’s at 5632 South 900 East, Murray, UT 84121. It will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The leading, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch will be managed by Shannon Marshall, who has been part of the AFCU team for five years as a teller, receptionist, loan officer, assistant manager and market assistant manager.

The full-service, 555-square-foot branch includes one teller station, one loan office stations, a branch self-service kiosk, and an ATM inside the Macey’s that can be used anytime the grocery store is open.

“We are excited to make our services even more readily available to our members who visit the store,” said Marshall.
“We welcome the opportunity to serve shoppers that walk-in front of our in-store branch every week achieve their financial goals.”

AFCU members will be able to perform everyday financial transactions at this branch, including withdrawals and deposits, in addition to opening checking, savings, and loan products.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 132 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 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 Cut Ribbon on Second Idaho Branch in Rexburg

Rexburg, ID – [January 28, 2020] – America First Credit Union (AFCU) celebrated the opening of a new branch in Rexburg with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 24. The member-owned credit union is doubling its footprint in the state with its other branch located in Boise. The new branch, which opened on Dec. 16, is located at 510 N 2nd E in Rexburg.

The leading, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch is managed by Andrew Hadlock who has been part of the AFCU team for three years as a teller, loan officer, lead teller and assistant manager.

“I love helping people work toward and meet their financial goals and better their financial well-being,” said Hadlock. “I’m excited to be able to work with the community of Rexburg.”

The full-service, 1,353-square-foot branch includes two teller stations, two loan office stations, a branch self-service kiosk and an external ATM on the front of the branch. The branch will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Photo: The 1,353-square-foot branch is AFCU’s second location in Idaho.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 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

Volunteers Dedicated to Serving Members

In accordance with America First bylaws, the Board of Directors Nominations Committee has identified four members who will stand for election by acclamation at the credit union’s Annual Meeting on April 21, 2020.

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

Linda K. Carver
David M. McKonkie
Gil A. Miller
James G. Wendler

Please join us in congratulating these volunteers, who selflessly give of their time, talent, expertise and experience to enhance the financial well-being of America First members.

America First Credit Union Announces Extended Partnership with Real Salt Lake

AFCU Becomes Official Credit Union of Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Rio Tinto Stadium

OGDEN, Utah – (Tuesday, January 14, 2020) – America First Credit Union (AFCU) is proud to announce a long-term extension to its partnership with Real Salt Lake.  With the extension, America First Credit Union will become the Official Credit Union of Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Rio Tinto Stadium, and will also have a significant partnership with the 2019 USL Championship title-winning Real Monarchs and the RSL Youth Development Academy.

The partnership extension will provide more exclusive America First Credit Union member-only benefits and connectivity with fans, and generate deeper, stronger and better market-wide promotions – including AFCU/Real Salt Lake and AFCU/Utah Royals FC co-branded credit and debit cards.  Building on a long-standing partnership between the club and AFCU that has seen numerous activations at Rio Tinto Stadium, including in the America First Credit Union Pavilion, the two Utah community leaders will now extend their relationship to include promotions with the America First Charitable Foundation and the RSL Youth Development Academy.

“America First Credit Union is always looking for ways to provide value to our members and enhance our communities and we’re thankful to be able to provide that through our partnership with Real Salt Lake,” said John B. Lund, AFCU President and CEO. “We’ll continue to invest in community members and organizations that support and inspire those in our community to secure their goals, both literally and financially.”

“America First Credit Union has long been a valued partner with Real Salt Lake and this extension and commitment not only broadens the spectrum of the relationship to include a wider array of activation possibilities, but also provides a much deeper connection between the RSL organization and AFCU,” Real Salt Lake Chief Business Officer Andrew Carroll said.  “America First Credit Union and its members have made a tremendous commitment in support of Utah’s soccer community for all men, women, boys and girls, which further demonstrates their special and comprehensive commitment to Utah’s community overall.”

Real Salt Lake finished the 2019 season third in the Western Conference at 16-13-5 (53 points) and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the second consecutive season.  RSL will open the 2020 season on the road against Orlando City SC on February 29 before returning to Rio Tinto Stadium for the home opener against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, March 7, at 12 p.m. MT.

About America First Credit Union
Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 members.

About Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake has been a staple in Utah communities since the club’s inaugural season in 2005.  Winners of the 2009 MLS Cup, RSL continues to impress on and off the field under Owner Dell Loy Hansen, regularly filling Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy and expanding into the inclusion of Utah Royals FC in the NWSL and Real Monarchs in the USL Championship.

 

America First Credit Union Opens Second Idaho Branch in Rexburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Opens Second Idaho Branch in Rexburg

Rexburg, ID – December 16, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) is celebrating the opening of a new branch in Idaho on Monday with a new location in Rexburg. The member-owned credit union is doubling its footprint in the state with its other branch located in Boise. The new branch, opening on Dec. 16, is located at 510 N 2nd E in Rexburg.

The leading, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch will be managed by Andrew Hadlock who has been part of the AFCU team for three years as a teller, loan officer, lead teller and assistant manager.

“I love helping people work toward and meet their financial goals and better their financial well-being,” said Hadlock. “I’m excited to be able to work with the community of Rexburg.”

The full-service, 1,353-square-foot branch includes two teller stations, two loan office stations, a branch self-service kiosk and an external ATM on the front of the branch. The branch will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 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

Nonprofits Receive $110,000 in Donations from America First Credit Union to Make Impact on Local Communities

For Immediate Release
December 12, 2019 

Nonprofits Receive $110,000 in Donations from America First Credit Union to Make Impact on Local Communities

 

Riverdale, Utah – To uplift the communities in which America First Credit Union (AFCU) is invested, the group donated $110,000 to 11 nonprofits serving Utah and Southern Nevada. As part of the credit union’s Community Assistance Program (CAP), the credit union recognized each of the nonprofits at an annual event celebrating nonprofits.

During the event, each organization was presented with a $10,000 check, which they will use to further their respective missions. The local nonprofits recognized include: Cathedral of Madeleine Good Samaritan Program, Catholic Community Services Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, Christmas Box International, Food & Care Coalition, For the Kids, Safe Nest Shelter, Lantern House, The Road Home, Three Square Food Bank, Your Community Connection of Northern Utah, and The Logan Family Center.

“We are grateful for our dedicated members whose contributions make these funds possible,” said Nicole Cypers, AFCU VP of public relations. “Our foundation will continue to uphold the philosophy of people helping people because it’s in our DNA.”

For the past 30 years, AFCU has donated to nonprofits. The purpose of the CAP program is to provide strategic financial support to some of the greatest community needs – job assistance, training, housing, food and medical services.

Nonprofits Receive $110,000 in Donations
Representatives from the eleven nonprofits serving Utah and Southern Nevada, accepted checks for $10,000.

AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First 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 130 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

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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