Press Releases

New branch location

America First Credit Union Continues Second Quarter Growth with Opening of Jeremy Ranch Branch

Riverdale, UTAH – Utah’s largest credit union, America First Credit Union, continues its growth in second quarter 2016 with the opening of its newest branch location at 3151 W. Kilby Road. Serving members in Park City area and beyond, Jeremy Ranch welcomes members as it officially opens its doors today, Tuesday, May 31. Jeremy Ranch is the fourth America First branch to open thus far in 2016 for a total of 117 branch locations servicing Utah and Nevada.

The Jeremy Ranch branch will be led by Branch Manager, Nate Hathaway. A part of the credit union his entire life, Hathaway holds fond memories of sleeping in the manager’s office while his mother worked late shifts in the check processing department. Hired at age 16 as a student trainee, Hathaway was promoted throughout the ranks to lead teller, then loan officer. In July 2014, Hathaway was hired as a service center lead teller at the Centerville Pages Lane Branch, then in March 2015 was promoted to assistant branch manager of the Kaysville Bowman’s Branch.

There will be a grand opening celebration the week of June 6 – 11. The Jeremy Ranch  branch is located at 3151 W. Kilby Road, Jeremy Ranch, UT 84098. Branch hours are Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Innovation center

America First Credit Union Launches Innovation Center in Downtown Salt Lake City

Financial institution gives members a voice to shape the “branch of the future,” and the future of banking 

RIVERDALE, Utah – America First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, will launch its newest venture, the America First Credit Union Innovation Center, located in the center of City Creek Center in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah next month. The America First Innovation Center will not serve as a traditional branch, but a collaborative hub to showcase the latest innovative solutions and give members and consumers a greater voice in shaping how they want to be served in the future.  America First will test multiple channel experiences to gain real-time feedback and use this insight to implement experience enhancements across its member base and within its 116 branch locations.

Opening the Innovation Center in the City Creek Center is a strategic effort as City Creek welcomes visitors from all over the state and surrounding areas.  This will allow America First to gain a wide range of collaboration and further enhance ongoing experiences.

“This is a very exciting time for America First with the launch of our first ever Innovation Center,” said America First Credit Union President and CEO, John B. Lund. “We have maintained our position to bring relevant innovation to our members and provide the best experience possible.  This continues to propel us forward as a leader in this space.”

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America First Marks Continued Growth in Southern Nevada with Opening of Downtown Summerlin Branch

Las Vegas  America First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, will welcome members of the Summerlin area as it open the doors to its newest branch location at 10965 Lavender Hills Drive at Downtown Summerlin on Monday, February 29. The Southern Nevada market has been one of growth for the credit union, with Downtown Summerlin marking 14 locations servicing Southern Nevada.

Patti Sheire will serve as branch manager of the new Downtown Summerlin location. Sheire began her career in the financial industry in 1997 and has served as branch manager of the Sahara location since June 2014, where she played a large role in the merger with Stage Employees Federal Credit Union. Sheire enjoys volunteering in the community, as well as taking in the outdoor activities Las Vegas has to offer.

There will be a grand opening celebration the week of March 7 – 12. The Downtown Summerlin branch is located at 10965 Lavendar Hills Drive, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89135. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

America First Credit Union Marks Continued Growth in 2016 with Opening of Santa Clara Harmons Branch

America First Credit Union will add to its presence in St. George with the addition of its newest branch location at 3520 Pioneer Parkway Santa Clara, Utah 84765. Opening to the public on Wednesday, February 24, the Santa Clara Harmons branch is the first to open thus far in 2016, the fifth in Washington County and the 114th location for the credit union servicing Utah and Southern Nevada.

The Santa Clara Harmons branch will be led by Branch Manager, Brad Buhanan. A Southern Utah native, Buhanan attended both Dixie State College and Southern Utah University and his career with America First began just after graduation. Prior to his appointment, he served as assistant branch manager at the Red Cliffs branch. An advocate of the outdoors, Buhanan enjoys the scenery and national parks the Southern Utah area has to offer.

Grand opening festivities will take place the week of Feb. 29 – March 5. Branch hours are Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Phone being used to pay at a store.

America First Credit Union Expands Mobile Payment Offerings with Android and Samsung Pay

Riverdale, Utah – Beginning today, America First Credit Union members can enjoy the benefits of a simple, secure and private way to pay with an America First Credit Union Visa card supporting Android and Samsung Pay.

“We continue to reiterate the importance of security and privacy as our utmost priority when it comes to our technological offerings for members,” said Rich Syme, executive vice president at America First Credit Union. “With the expansion of Android and Samsung Pay at America First, we’re opening up the opportunity for contactless payments for our member base, allowing them to pay for items with their mobile devices in a fast, easy and secure way.”

Samsung Pay is a unique and innovative mobile payment solution that allows members to pay at almost any terminal that they can swipe or tap their America First credit or debit cards.  In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), which transmits a short-range wireless signal from the device to a merchant’s contactless payment terminal, Samsung Pay also utilizes Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST).  MST sends a magnetic signal from the device to the payment terminal’s card reader, emulating a physical card swipe.  Samsung’s ability to send both NFC and MST transmissions expands the number of terminals where members can use this exciting new service.

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America first branch.

America First Credit Union Rounds Out Growth in 2015 with Opening of Kaysville Branch Location

Riverdale, Utah America First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, welcomes the public with the opening of its newest location at 1302 West 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037. The Kaysville branch rounds out the growth for the credit union in 2015 as the 113th branch location servicing members in Utah and Southern Nevada.

Penny Butler is market manager of the Kaysville market and will serve as branch manager of the Kaysville location. Butler has more than 33 years of service with America First, with 17 years as a branch manager. She graduated from CUNA Management School in Madison Wisconsin School of Business and is a Certified Credit Union Executive.

Butler is a member of the Ogden-Weber and Davis County Chambers of Commerce, Women in Business and Business Alliance. She has worked as a volunteer for the Children’s Justice Center, Catholic Community Services’ Bridging the Gap as well as reading tutor for Pioneer and Odyssey Elementary Schools. She has initiated community events, including Books for Blakely, a donation drive to benefit the local homeless shelter, VA Donation Drive to benefit the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home and most recently supported Sweet Packs benefitting Utah children in foster care.  Butler lives in Roy, Utah with her husband. When not working, she enjoys music, singing, gardening, decorating and learning.

There will be a grand opening ribbon cutting held Monday, Dec. 14 with celebration events held Dec. 14 – 19.  The branch is located at 1302 West 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

With a strong commitment to servicing its members, Kaysville rounds out a successful year of growth with the credit union as the fourth branch opening thus far in 2015.

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

Man in front of a computer.

America First Credit Union Allows Members To Access FICO Score Via Online Banking

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union now offers members the ability to access a FICO® Score within its Online Banking portal. Dedicated to its mission of helping members develop and maintain financial well-being, the new tool allows a snapshot of a member’s financial position, providing an enhanced understanding of the score and its benefits.

In efforts to continuously offer the latest technologies and advancements for members, the tool builds on the way members interact with the credit union. A FICO® Score allows lenders to gauge credit risk quickly, consistently and objectively assess how likely a member is to m
eet financial obligations, considering what they have borrowed and paid back.

“Knowing your FICO® Score is an important part of achieving a favorable financial position,” said Rich Syme, America First Credit Union Executive Vice President. “This is yet another tool we offer that will help our members choose credit wisely, establish repayment goals and establish overall financial well-being.”

Earlier this month, America First unveiled a newly-launched website, which boasts a modern look and feel, along with updated features, enhanced functionality, security and a responsive design. The Online Banking portal is easily navigable, helping to make financial goals accessible for members and potential members no matter how they choose to access the website – via a personal computer, smartphone or tablet. Read More….

Military jet.

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 388th 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.

Group of Business People

America First Credit Union Deemed a 2015 “Best Credit Union to Work For” by Credit Union Journal

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution servicing Utah and Nevada, has been named one of the 2015 Best Credit Unions to Work For. Credit Union Journal partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best credit unions. The list is made up of 45 credit unions. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list was featured in the September issue of Credit Union Journal and is available online at CUJournal.com.

“It’s an honor for America First to receive this accolade from the Credit Union Journal,” said America First Credit Union Senior Vice President of Human Resources, G. Kent Streuling. “We embody the industry ethos of people helping people and our employees are very much a part of that, as I’ve experienced first-hand with the many programs, outings and experiences offered. We also place great value on continuing education, working to help our employees grow within the credit union.”

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Screenshot of America First homepage.

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.”

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