FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Releases 2020 Calendar Featuring Member-Commissioned Photos

Photo: Tsai Yueh-Ting’s photo was one of 13 out of 2,400 photos chosen to be featured in AFCU’s 2020 wildlife-themed calendar. More photos can be viewed here.

Riverdale, UT – November 19, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) released its 2020 calendar unveiling this year’s theme of wildlife. The photography for the calendar was commissioned through a social media contest where more than 2,400 people submitted photos. Of those, 13 were selected to be featured as the cover and monthly photos for the upcoming year. The photos are also available as an option for members to use as a background on their America First Visa® credit or debit card.

“It’s truly an honor to be selected for the America First Calendar,” said Kelsey Cain, one of the featured photographers. “It’s exciting to be a part of a patriotic celebration of our country. I’m proud to add my eagle image to the calendar as the embodiment of American pride, strength and patriotism for all to enjoy.”

People were able to vote for their favorite of the submitted photos through AFCU’s. Three finalists were selected through voting community voting, with the first-place winner receiving a $500 giftcard.

The free calendars are available at all America First Credit Union branches.

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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 130 locations, and is the 9th 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Escorts Two Local Veteran on Honor Flight to DC

Photo: Matt Dice, America First Credit Union (AFCU) Durango branch manager and Deborah Murphy, AFCU market manager of the Craig branch pose with Ralph Reggans and Richard Wellington. Dice and Murphy escorted the veterans on their honor flight to Washington, D.C. They were part of a larger group of veterans and guardians who escorted WWII Veterans, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans to the memorials in Washington, D.C. More photos/videos can be viewed here.

LAS VEGAS – November 12, 2019 – An 84-year-old combat engineer and 84-year-old electrician were two of 22 veterans to receive a hero’s welcome upon their return from a trip to Washington, D.C., with Honor Flight of Southern Nevada. They were escorted by Matt Dice, America First Credit Union (AFCU) Durango branch manager and Deborah Murphy, AFCU market manager of the Craig branch.

“It’s a true honor and privilege to escort Mr. Reggans, who has done so much for our country, on this Honor Flight experience,” said Dice. “Witnessing the group’s emotions at the veterans’ memorials is moving. I am grateful America First Credit Union supported and invested in this memorable journey. America First Credit Union will continue to support programs that honor our veterans and the service that they provided to our country.”

Upon arrival, Honor Flight of Southern Nevada hosted a reception at the McCarran airport for family members, friends and the community to greet the veterans.

AFCU and HFSN have had a relationship in the past, sending four total guardians and, on this mission, AFCU is the only organization to send two guardians.

HFSN flies veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War on all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to experience — among other landmarks and tourist destinations — the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

HFSN would not be successful without the dedicated help provided by volunteers and donors. Assistance is needed in many areas, including office/clerical, fundraising, trip planning and guardians. Visit honorflightsouthernnevada.org to learn more. The next flight is April 17-19, 2020.

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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 129 locations, and is the 9th 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Donates 22,225 Pounds of Food to Utah and Nevada Agencies

Photo: AFCU employees donated more than 10,500 items of the 22,225 pound donation to local agencies. More photos can be viewed here.

Rierdale, UT – November 6, 2019 – On Wednesday, America First Credit Union (AFCU) delivered more than 17,500 pounds of donated food to the Utah Food Bank. An additional 4,725 pounds of food was donated to other agencies including Southern Nevada’s Three Square and Northen Utah’s Catholic Community Services.

The donated nonperishable food items were collected during the credit union’s 15^th annual food drive and AFCU also donated $5,000 worth of turkeys. Adding this year’s donations to the total, employees and members have donated more than 209,000 pounds of food to Utah and Southern Nevada families over the 15 years.

“For our 15^th annual food drive, we hoped to collect more than 15,000 pounds of food,” said Nicole Cypers, AFCU VP of Public Relations. “Thanks to our wonderful employees and members, we were able to surpass that number and collect more than 22,000 pounds of food for families in our communities.”

The food donated to the Utah Food Bank and other agencies will be sorted by volunteers and distributed to families in need across Utah and Southern Nevada.

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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 130 locations, and is the 9th 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Provides Tips on How to Avoid Being Haunted By Credit Card Debt

Riverdale, UT – Oct 17, 2019 – Ghosts and ghouls may not be the only thing haunting this Halloween. Poor financial decisions, including credit card debt, may also be rising from the grave. Utahns/Nevadans have an average credit card balance of $5,961/$6,401 and during the upcoming holiday season will rack up an average of $1,054 in additional debt.

“It’s easy to become buried by credit card debt and the thought of clawing your way out can be paralyzing for many,” said America First Credit Union vice president of credit, Susan Chadwick. “One of the best things you can do to take the first step in getting rid of debt is to have a mindset change. Focus on the positive reasons you want to get out of debt whether it’s to be less stressed, improve your credit score so you’re able to buy a new home or car, or achieving financial freedom.”

While there is no one best practice for banishing credit card debt, these pay-down tips and strategies can help cast away debt:

1. Pay off the balance with the highest APR first – Look at each balance and interest rates for each card, and whichever has the highest annual percentage rate (APR) is the one that should be focused on first while still making minimum payments on other cards. Once that card is entirely paid off, move on to the one that has the next highest APR.
2. Pay off the card with the lowest balance first – Another strategy that people can take is increasing payments on the credit card with the lowest balance while continuing to make the minimum payment on other cards. It’s quicker and easier to pay a $500 balance down to zero than a $2,500 balance. And it feels good to pay a credit card bill in full, no matter what the balance was to begin with.
3. Consolidate your debt to a single card or loan – By consolidating credit card debt to a single card or a debt consolidation loan, there will only be a single payment each month rather than four or five. While all the debt has been transferred to one place, it doesn’t mean it went away. Be sure to still focus on paying this debt off, so it’s a good idea to pay more than the minimum due each month.
4. Consult with a financial advisor – A financial advisor can help examine incoming and outgoing expenses. They can help determine a personalized plan that can help determine which strategy will be most effective as well as establish a workable, realistic budget and savings plan.

To learn more financial tips, watch AFCU’s video series, FUNDamentals, at americafirst.com/learn. Topics include good versus bad spending, loan basics and demystifying mortgages.

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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 128 locations, and is the 9th 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jump$tart and AFCU Awarding Students for Financial Literacy Proficiency

Riverdale, UT – Oct 15, 2019 – The Utah Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy (UJ$C) and America First Credit Union (AFCU) are now accepting applications for Fall 2019 Scholarships. The first round of the Utah Jump$tart Scholarship Competition will be open thru November 30. Utah high school seniors who have completed a financial literacy course can enter to win one of three $1,250 college scholarships provided by AFCU.

“When it comes to finances, education is one of the most powerful tools which is why we encourage all students to take a financial literacy course,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “We want to set our high school seniors up for success as they prepare for post-secondary education and teach them important financial principles that will help keep their college debt to a minimum and set them up for financial success in the future.”

Student debt and financial independence are a concern for many millennials and young adults with 54% of millennials expressing worry that they would not be able to pay back student loans, and only 16% of Americans between ages 18 to 26 being very optimistic about their financial future.

The scholarship program is designed to recognize students who have taken a financial literacy course and can demonstrate a solid understanding of financial literacy concepts and are pursuing a post-secondary education either at a university, college, trade school or similar institution of higher learning. To be eligible for the scholarship, students can submit a 90-second YouTube video addressing the question: “How can students prepare to pay for college?”

To learn more about the scholarship, or to apply, students can visit utahjumpstart.org/scholarship.

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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 128 locations, and is the 9th 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.

ABOUT UTAH JUMP$TART COALITION

The Utah Jump$tart Coalition is a statewide, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the financial literacy of Utah’s youth by promoting the teaching of personal finance from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Visit them at www.utahjumpstart.org.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Named as One of Credit Union Journal’s 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For

Riverdale, Utah – OCT.8, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) has been named one of the 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For. Credit Union Journal has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

“It’s an honor to be named alongside many incredible credit unions for the fourth consecutive year,” said AFCU President and CEO John Lund. “We believe in taking care of our employees both professionally and personally because they are the number one reason we’ve been able to continue growing and being successful.”

This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best credit unions. The 2019 list is made up of 50 credit unions—as of September 2019, there were more than 6,000 Credit Unions in the United States. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list is featured at CUJournal.com.

“Credit unions, deservedly, are recognized for their commitment to the communities they serve,” said Aaron Passman, Editor in Chief of Credit Union Journal. “Our annual ranking recognizes those that go above and beyond in terms of their employees’ job satisfaction, career development and personal growth.”

Determining the Best Credit Unions to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

To be considered for participation, credit unions had to have at least 25 employees working in the U.S. and been in business a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and to determine the final ranking.

For more information on the Best Credit Unions to Work For program, visit www.BestCreditUnionstoWorkFor.com.

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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 128 locations, and is the 9th 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.

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2019

Contact: Jennifer López, R&R Partners
702-318-4203, Jennifer.Lopez@rrpartners.com

Contact: Nicole Cypers, America First Credit Union
801-726-9480, ncypers@americafirst.com

America First Credit Union Offers Exclusive Youth Soccer Clinic Contest with Las Vegas Lights FC

September 16, 2019 – LAS VEGAS – Children in Las Vegas will get a chance to practice, learn and play soccer directly from Las Vegas Lights FC coaches and players thanks to America First Credit Union (AFCU). Now through Thursday, Sept. 19, people can enter by visiting the company’s social media channels to nominate a child for the Amazingly Fabulous Completely Unbelievable youth soccer clinic.

During the clinic, players and coaches will run a practice for participants similar to their own professional practices. The 1.5-hour clinic will include warmups, drills, Q&A session with the players and coaches, and time for participants to get autographs from their favorite players.

People can enter the contest by commenting with the child’s name and age on Instagram (@AmericaFirst), Facebook (AmericaFirstCU)) and Twitter (@AFCU) contest posts.  Winners will be randomly selected by AFCU representatives and notified via the social media platforms in which they applied.

Nominations are accepted now through the September 19^th at 11:59 pm PT. 40 winners will be contacted directly via social media on September 20^th.

Children ages 8 through 12 will have the opportunity to be a part of the AFCU youth soccer clinic.

The clinic will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Cashman Field.

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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 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jennifer López, R&R Partners
702-318-4203 / jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

Nicole Cypers, America First Credit Union
801-726-9480 / ncypers@americafirst.com

America First Credit Union to Honor 1 October Survivors at UNLV Football Game

LAS VEGAS – September 19, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) will donate hundreds of tickets to 1 October survivors to attend the Sat., Oct. 5 UNLV football game against Boise State. The game, which is the Rebels’ 49th and final season playing at Sam Boyd Stadium, starts at 7:30 p.m.

The credit union will donate 300 tickets to the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, the leading organization providing long-term support to people impacted by the 1 October tragedy. AFCU is offering complimentary tickets to survivors and up to four of their family members. The Resiliency Center is coordinating ticket distribution to survivors. Individuals looking to acquire tickets can email vegasstrongresiliencycenter@clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-2433 during business hours. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday−Friday except holidays.

“America First Credit Union is committed to strengthening the community,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “We hope this experience brings joy to survivors during the healing process.”

“After the tragic events of 1 October, UNLV was proud to be a small part of the healing process when the community came together for a Rebel football game that weekend,” said UNLV director of athletics, Desiree Reed-Francois. “It is something none of us will ever forget and we applaud the efforts being made to honor survivors.”

“We are grateful to America First Credit Union for recognizing those impacted by this tragedy,” said director of the VSRC, Tennille Pereira. “For any survivor looking for additional resources, the Resiliency Center is available by email, phone, or walk-in.”

Additionally, AFCU members can use their America First Visa^® to get four complimentary tickets to attend the game. They just need to show their card at the AFCU booth located outside the stadium on the day of the game. Ticket supplies are limited and will be provided while supplies last.

The UNLV Athletics Department will honor heroes including servicemembers, veterans, military doctors and first responders. They welcome members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families to the game as part of the “Seats for Service” program, which provides complimentary tickets to servicemembers for Rebel sports events. First responders will take part in a halftime game before marching bands from Boise State and UNLV perform a patriotic show.

AFCU extends its brand footprint to the sports industry, having already enjoyed a partnership with the Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators and the Las Vegas Lights FC.

On Oct. 1, 2017, 58 were killed and hundreds were injured by a lone gunman at the Route 91 music festival. This event is one of numerous #VegasStronger activities highlighting the area’s unity and strength in the aftermath. A calendar of activities can be found at www.lasvegasnewswire.com/events.

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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 128 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.

Vegas Strong Resiliency Center
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, a multi-agency resource hub managed by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, supports those affected by the 1 October tragedy. It is funded by the Nevada State Division of Child and Family Services grant 2019-V7-GX-0001 from FY2018 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Collaborates with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to Help Deserving Utah Families

Ogden, Utah – Sept. 4, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) joined forces with HGTV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to build two custom homes in Weber County. In addition to making a cash donation to both projects, the Riverdale-based credit union is providing free financial counseling to both families to help them budget for maintenance expenses and plan for other costs that may arise.

“Both the Barobi and Mayo families are extremely deserving of a brand-new home where they can live comfortably without worry,” said John Lund, AFCU president and CEO. “Our goal is to help them be financially successful in the next part of their journey as homeowners.”

The Barobis—a refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo—were the first family to get a knock on the door by the “Extreme Makeover” host Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Prior to their new home, the four Barobi siblings, their aunt and cousin all shared a small three-bedroom Ogden apartment with no air conditioning. After Congo rebels killed the Barobi kids’ parents and younger sister, the four siblings escaped to a refugee camp in Uganda where they met up with their aunt and cousin. The family was granted asylum in the United States four years ago where they settled in Utah.

The second family to be surprised by the reality TV series was mother Kelly Mayo, daughter Michelle Smith and granddaughter Haylee Smith. Mayo and her daughter bought the house 17 years ago, however, in 2016, a tornado uprooted two large trees in the backyard with one falling onto the house. Due to water and sewer lines breaking, the house has suffered flooding issues every time laundry is done, or a shower is used.

The Barobi home was revealed on August 18 and the Mayo home was reveled two days later on August 20. The Ogden-area projects will air on HGTV in 2020.

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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 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.2 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,041,000 members.