Dave Stuart, Author at America First Newsroom

Take Part in the Tradition of Giving

For 21 years, America First has provided new shoes for economically disadvantaged young students during the holidays.

Warm The Soles of Kids has become one of America First’s most enduring traditions, and we’re hoping you’ll help ensure it continues.

We’re collecting donations at all of our locations and via Online Banking for this effort, benefitting the less fortunate in our communities from northern Utah to southern Nevada.

Visit us here for additional information.

Please consider taking part in this annual program by making a cash contribution to Warm The Soles today — they’re accepted through December 31.

Warm The Soles is operated by the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation, a Utah-based non-profit. Federal TIN: 87-0511475. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

America First Credit Union’s Sheryl Cox Awarded Prestigious Wingman Award

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Sheryl Cox, was awarded the 2015 Wingman Award at the Air Force Ball in the Ogden Conference Center on Saturday, September 19. Cox received the distinguished award from Colonel Ronald E. Jolly of Hill Air Force Base.

Cox solidified herself as a liaison between local businesses and Hill Air Force Base in roles as Honorary Commander for the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and as a 388^th Fighter Wing Honorary Commander. She currently serves as chair of the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee (TOUMAC) where she has increased fundraising to the highest in years, resulting in several base improvements.

A strong military advocate for more than 20 years, Cox has been personally involved in the issues facing Hill Air Force Base and has built a strong reputation of helping Airmen in need. During her tenure, she has secured several thousands of dollars to bolster quality of life for Hill Air Force Base service members.

For additional information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

America First Credit Union Unveils Newly-Designed Website

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution servicing Utah and Nevada, unveiled its newly-designed website, which features enhanced functionality, security and a responsive design.

The site boasts a modern look and feel, along with updated features, improved branch locator pages, rate pages and ratings and reviews of products and services. In addition to highlighting America First’s products and services, members can easily locate information on educational tools and resources, seminars and community events and member benefits.

Helping to make financial goals accessible for members and potential members no matter how they choose to access the website, new features allow for a more enhanced experience on a personal computer, smartphone and tablet.

“We view ourselves as technology leaders in the credit union industry, continuously working to improve and expand upon our digital spaces, providing members and potential members information readily at their fingertips,” said Rich Syme, executive vice president at America First Credit Union. “The site has been redeveloped using a responsive design for optimal viewing on any device and features easily navigable features, providing an efficient and user-friendly online experience.”

The Power of Respect

America First Credit Union Continues the Giving With 11th Annual Community Food Drive

Riverdale, Utah – Dedicated to helping the underprivileged in the communities it services, America First Credit Union today launches its 11^th Annual Community Food Drive, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 24 at all 112 Utah and Southern Nevada locations. All branches will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items to distribute throughout local food pantries and food banks.

In addition to the food drive, the community-focused credit union will donate $5,000 in turkeys to Utah Food Bank in preparation for the holiday season. All collected items will be donated to the Utah Food Bank, Three Square Las Vegas, Cappallappa Family Reserve Center and Dixie Care and Share.

According to the Utah Food Bank, one in six Utahns and one in five Utah children live in poverty and are unsure of when they’ll have their next meal, and about 472,000 Utahns risk missing a meal each day. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report states that about 16-percent of Nevada households are food insecure and about 14-percent in Utah.

Free Services Add Value to and help Simplify your Busy Life

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer

Have you left your credit or debit card at a restaurant by accident and been panicked as you call or rush back, hoping itâ€™s still there and has not been fraudulently used? Or youâ€™ve waded through the inconvenience of having your card reissued because your information has been compromised at a local or national merchant?

Most of us can relate these situations and the experience can be very frustrating. To help put your mind at ease about using your America First VisaÂ® Debit and Credit Cards, we are proud to offer unique — and free — tools.

Card Guardâ„¢ is a Mobile Banking innovation that puts you in complete control of how, when, and where your cards are used. Download the application on your smartphone and youâ€™ll be able to turn your cards on or off in real time. Additionally, you can allow card use only in certain geographic locations, at merchants and service providers you determine, and you can set threshold dollar amounts for transactions.

Beyond controlling how your cards are used, you can also receive immediate alerts regarding transactions and attempted transactions. Card Guardâ€™s monitoring feature allows you to verify that all of your account activity is legitimate.

Read More….

America First Credit Union Encourages Photo Submissions for Back-to-School Facebook Contest

-One lucky winner will be awarded a $500 VISA gift card-

Riverdale, Utah – In the spirit of the Back-to-School season and to lessen the financial burden of costs associated with school clothing and supplies, America First Credit Union has launched a photo contest on its Facebook page, encouraging submissions from parents of children partaking in the first day of school. One lucky winner will be awarded a $500 VISA gift card to help lessen what can be an expensive time for families.

Members and social media followers are invited to participate by submitting a photo on the America First Facebook page through Wednesday, Aug. 26. For more information, read the contest rules and regulations.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

America First Credit Union Opens 112th Branch Location, Continuing 2015 Growth

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union will welcome residents of Herriman with the opening of its newest location at 5438 West 13400 South Herriman in Herriman, Utah on Monday, Aug. 17. The third branch opening of 2015, the Herriman opening signifies a strong first half of the year for America First, marking 112 branch locations throughout Utah and Southern Nevada.

Kamille Lopez will serve as branch manager of the Herriman location. Lopez is a Utah native, having graduated from Jordan High School. Her career began with America First Credit Union in December 2006 when she served as a teller and Lopez has progressed through the credit union in such roles as lead teller, assistant manager and branch manager.

A grand opening ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, Aug. 28 with celebratory events held Aug. 28 – September 5. The branch is located at 5438 West 13400 South Herriman, UT 84096. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

Guest Commentary: The Secret to Financial Performance

By Rex Rollo,Â Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

A typical companyâ€™s mid-year financial performance report would include numerous fiscal measurements, such as net income, asset growth, cash flows, and net worth. In addition, comparisons between actual performance, budgeted goals, and projections would likely be drawn.

Rest assured, America First Credit Union has either met or exceeded our targets in all of these indicators during the first half of 2015. Assets will exceed $7 billion before the year ends, our income is on budget, and our net worth ratio is at its highest level in seven years. These favorable numbers demonstrate yet another 12 months of strong financial performance and have resulted in America First being ranked among the strongest of its peers.

Key to these excellent results and the real secret to our success is the relationship we build with each of our members. Because of our dedication to this core ideal, not only has the credit union seen consistent membership growth year after year, there has also been an expansion in the number of products and services being utilized.

This compounded membership growth only occurs when the credit union is able to offer a complete range of quality products and services. It is then enhanced by delivering them through a wide selection of convenient, world-class channels. Our goal is not only to provide our members with the finest financial services, but to make them available whenever, wherever, and however members choose to transact their business.

Read More….

America First Credit Union Offers Hot Rates,Cool Prizes – “Summer Better Than Others” Loan Campaign

Click-to-Tweet: @afcu offers hot rates and cool prizes during summer loan campaign. Members can enter to win prizes through Aug. 28! americafirst.com/summer

Riverdale, Utah – Diving head first into summer, America First Credit Union is offering low rates on auto, RV and home equity loans and will host a “Summer Better Than Others” campaign of giveaways, running through August 28. Members can take advantage of loan opportunities, while also being entered to win a selection of prizes awarded each day of the promotion, to include concert tickets, electronics, Disneyland vacations, and more.

Members can take advantage of low rates to make their summer purchases, including RVs, automotive and home equity loans. Individuals are automatically entered to have their loan payments made for a month, as well as to win a host of summer giveaways when they are approved for a loan, use an America First credit card or open a new credit card account, become a member or follow America First on its social media platforms.

Prizes will be drawn daily and include GoPro cameras, BBQ grills, Apple watches, iPad minis, beach cruiser bicycles, televisions, Intex above ground pools, Xbox One consoles and more with the grand prize of a $10,000 loan payment.

Members can enter to win a selection of prizes via the America First Facebook page, as well as at americafirst.com/summer.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union onFacebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.