Author: Dave Stuart

America First Credit Union Kicks Off 2015 Growth With Opening of Lehi Branch Location

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union will welcome residents of Lehi City with the opening of its newest location at 1238 East Timpanogos Highway in Lehi, Utah on Monday, April 6. The new branch is the 110th location for the credit union servicing Utah and Southern Nevada.

The first branch opening of 2015, the Lehi branch signifies a strong start to the year for the credit union.

Michael Crossley will serve as branch manager of the Lehi location. Crossley began his career with America First Credit Union more than 30 years ago in 1982 when he started at the Ogden Main location as a loan officer trainee. He moved to a management intern position before becoming assistant branch manager at the Layton location. Crossley was then promoted to manager of the Cottonwood branch and also served as manager at the West Valley branch. He has served as manager/market manager of the Orem location since 1993.

With much experience in the credit union industry, Crossley boasts extensive education in many facets related to working in a credit union, including accounting, economics, management and credit union collections. An Ogden, Utah native, Crossley is married to Lu Ann Jordan Crossley and together they have seven children and 14 grandchildren.

A grand opening ribbon cutting will take place on the morning ofMonday, April 27 with celebratory events held April 27 – May 2. The branch is located at 1238 East Timpanogos Highway, Lehi, Utah 84043. 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.

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Security Update: Digital Spring Cleaning

To keep your electronic life safe & secure, you can take advantage of the following tips to remove clutter, upgrade technologies, and perform a digital spring cleaning.

1. Get rid of excess files. Go through all of your folders, including the recycle bin, and discard items no longer in use.

2. Organize all forms of media in labeled folders.

3. Streamline your desktop so it isn’t inundated with icons that slow boot-up times.

4. Uninstall programs you never or rarely initiate, reducing the potential for malware.

5. Update your passwords by making them unique, never the same, and having different characters/numbers.

6. Back up important data on a flash drive or with online storage.

7. Consider reinstalling your operating system after everything is backed up.

8. Update your Internet security software with antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing and firewall applications.

9. Defragment your hard drive.

10. Don’t forget your mobile device. Double-check your smartphone and remove unneeded apps.

And be sure to visit us here for information regarding how your credit union can help you guard your resources.

America First CU Helps Special Needs Students Purchase Snow Boots in Financial Literacy Activity

Riverdale, Utah – A true proponent of the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ America First Credit Union donated funds for snow boots to the students of Transition Academy at Jordan Valley School on 2/3/15. In a learning activity created to teach the students about financial literacy, each student received a VISA gift card for the purchase of snow boots to be used for upcoming school field trips.

Most students in the Transition Academy at Jordan Valley School, which is Canyons District’s school for students with severe disabilities, had never before used a credit or debit card to purchase goods at a store. With a little help from teachers and aides, each student was able to approach a cashier, present the item they sought to purchase and complete the shopping transaction with pre-paid Visa cards provided by America First Credit Union, one of Canyons District’s valued community partners. 

“The learning activity was a complete success,” said Robin Collett, Canyons District’s director of special education. “The thrill of accomplishment was evident in the bright smiles of all the students who were able to participate.”  

Canyons Transition Academy provides students with disabilities the opportunity to make choices in a safe environment with person-centered planning, hands-on training, community access and inclusion in community activities that lead to greater independence for living and employment.

“Thanks to America First Credit Union, which generously sponsored the shopping trip, the students didn’t just get the gift of a new pair of boots that they can wear while learning to ride public transportation, go to the library or visit museums,” said Collett. “Through this experience, they were given a chance to learn some important financial literacy and independent-living skills that are necessary to become productive participants in the community. We can’t thank America First Credit Union enough for helping us to help our students in this way.”

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Security Update: Don’t Fall Victim to Cybercrime

The proliferation of online & electronic scams isn’t slowing down, but there are ways you can avoid becoming a victim.

It’s always a good idea to take the following steps to prevent theft and enhance your safety:

  • Create different passwords for all of your applications and change them frequently.
  • Don’t leave your home computer on all the time — it’s like leaving a door unlocked.
  • Think before you click. Never blindly open attachments or links.
  • Use free antivirus or protective software.
  • Add a firewall to your system to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access.
  • Report any fraud attempt to us by calling 1-800-999-3961, and be sure to file a complaint with the FTC.
  • Regularly check your accounts with free Online & Mobile Banking.
  • Visit us here to see how we’re working to safeguard your resources.

Low Rates, Fixed Term, Great Value

Make the most of your hard-earned equity with the No Closing Costs 15-Year Fixed Mortgage from America First.

Apply and take advantage of:

  • Rates as low* as 3.99% APR
  • No closing costs
  • Potential tax advantages
  • Peace of mind with a fixed term
  • Free 24/7 account management
  • Many additional benefits.

Refinance your loan with America First and maximize the value you’ve been building.

*On approved credit, subject to change & conditions. Stated term = 180 monthly payments.

It’s Time to Reward yourself with an RV!

No more thinking, Maybe next year.

You deserve the motorhome, boat, motorcycle or ATV you’ve always dreamed of having.

With an RV Loan from America First, you can afford it. We offer:

  • Rates as low* as 3.50% variable APR
  • Flexible terms
  • Free anytime, anywhere account access
  • And more

Click here to apply, stop by a branch near you, or ask your favorite dealership for America First financing.

*Annual percentage rate, on approved credit, subject to change & conditions.

America First Credit Union Rings in 2015 with Several Promotions

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union is charging into 2015 with the announcement of several internal promotions. 

Internal promotions include Randy Halley and Rich Syme to executive vice president. Tammy Gallegos, Paula Kenny, Thayne Shaffer and Kent Streuling have been named as senior vice presidents. Bob Bodily, Kris Distefano, Scott Ellis, Randy Hunter, Missy Key and Dave Stacey have been named as vice presidents.

“We have many outstanding employees that are prepared to take on additional responsibilities, and we’re excited about the opportunities created for our employees in these new roles,” said John Lund, President and CEO of America First. “These advancements will allow us to continue to service members with the upmost quality as we anticipate our growth in the coming year.”

In addition to the above promotions, the following organizational changes have been made:

New divisions within the credit union have been created, to include the Compliance and Credit divisions. The Compliance division will encompass the following departments: Compliance, Legal and Loan Portfolio Management. Sharee Dickey will serve as vice president. The Credit division will include Collections, Special Collections, Recovery, Counseling and Troubled Debt Restructuring. Susan Chadwick will serve as vice president.

The following organizational changes will take place in conjunction with Chad Tanner being named as vice president of the call centers: Annette Cave has been promoted to manager of the Lending Service Call Center. The newly-named Member Service Contact Center will be managed by Farrell Poll.