FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nevada-based RGD Construction receives a $100K sponsorship with Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS, NV – August 18, 2022 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and its partner, the Las Vegas Raiders, announced today that RGD Construction, a Nevada-based residential and commercial construction company, is the grand-prize winner of its second annual Small Business Showcase Contest following the recent live finals event in the Shift4 Club at Allegiant Stadium. RGD Construction, based in southern Nevada, received a $100,000 single-season sponsorship package to promote the company’s mission to provide the very best commercial tenant improvements and home renovations. The sponsorship also includes signage inside Allegiant Stadium, radio advertisements, digital promotion on the Raiders’ website and mobile app, tickets to a home game and more.

This is the second year that AFCU and the Raiders have partnered to showcase local small businesses that are making a difference in the community. The showcase provides an incredible opportunity for a local, Nevada-based small business to win a season long corporate partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2022 season.  This year four finalists presented to a panel of Raiders and America First Credit Union representatives for the chance to be recognized as the second winner of the Small Business Showcase and have their business featured throughout the season during Raiders games.

“Our community wouldn’t be the same without small businesses,” said Tammy Gallegos, chief marketing & strategic engagement officer for AFCU. “America First Credit Union is honored to provide the tools necessary to help small businesses succeed. We are grateful to be part of their story. Thank you to our partner, the Las Vegas Raiders, for sharing their platform with small businesses and congratulations to the winner and finalists.”

“We are excited to partner with America First Credit Union to support another small business this year,” said Christian Howard, vice president corporate partnerships for the Las Vegas Raiders. “The Small Business Showcase strengthens and shed light on how essential small businesses are to our local community. Congratulations to the winner and all other finalists.”

RGD Construction is a local, woman-owned and operated business, serving southern Nevada for more than 20 years. Coming from a long line of contractors, the company specializes in commercial tenant property improvements, as well as residential renovations. “We cannot thank America First and the Raiders enough. We are incredibly grateful to be named this year’s America First Credit Union and Las Vegas Raiders Small Business Showcase winner” said Dawn Barnes, owner of RGD Construction. “RGD Construction is excited to continue growing to give back to the community that made it possible to win this sponsorship today.”

The winner and finalists were invited to a special event to showcase their business. Finalists of the 2022 Small Business Showcase competition include: (listed in alphabetical order)

• A Taste of Coffee (Southern Nevada)
• CakedUpLV (Southern Nevada)
• RGD Construction (Southern Nevada)
• The Steamie Weenie (Southern Nevada)

Finalists were evaluated on how well they represent Nevada, how much they currently give back to the community, and how this opportunity will help them execute their business objectives successfully. The four finalists were picked by a panel of judges comprised of AFCU and Raiders representatives, as well as community and business leaders. The 2022 contest garnered more than 50 entries from small businesses across Nevada.

Editor’s Note: Interview opportunities with AFCU representatives are available.

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 ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 83 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 121 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAS VEGAS – August 8, 2022 – America First Credit Union has opened its newest branch in Nevada located in Silverado Ranch. This is the credit union’s 18th branch in Nevada and 121st branch across Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho. On Friday, the credit union held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the branch’s grand opening. The branch is located at 9690 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

America First’s new Silverado branch opens with six team members under the leadership of Ricky Ornelas as branch manager. Ornelas began his career with AFCU as a teller in 2010 and quickly became lead teller in 2013. Shortly after, he became an Assistant Branch Manager in 2015 and eventually promoted to Manager in 2017. He has worked at 4 other branch locations throughout the Las Vegas area and has extensive experience in all aspects of a financial institution.

“We’re excited to be expanding our footprint in Nevada to better serve the Las Vegas community,” said Ornelas. “This branch is perfectly located in Silverado Ranch to serve both the Silverado and Henderson communities. We’re excited to be able to serve our members here and make an impact within the community.”

In celebration of the opening, AFCU is offering a $100.00 match to every member who opens a new savings and checking account. This promotion will run until Aug. 13.  In addition, members who sign up will be entered into a grand prize drawing which includes four Raiders preseason tickets and a signed jersey.

The credit union plans to hire several new employees. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit America First’s career page.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 121 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPARKS, Nevada – June 14, 2022 – To satisfy an underserved area in Nevada’s fifth largest city, Sparks, America First Credit Union has opened its newest branch. This is the credit union’s 17th branch in Nevada and 120th branch across Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Idaho. On Monday, the credit union held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the branch’s grand opening.

America First’s new Sparks branch opens with four team members under the leadership of Debbie Martin as branch manager. Martin is a seasoned leader with 25 years of experience in accounting, coaching and training, financial consulting and branch operations. She was a Branch Manager at PNC Bank in Clovis, California prior to joining America First Credit Union. Martin has extensive experience in all aspects of a financial institution, including service excellence, education on products and services, lending and relationship management.

“Since 2008, America First Credit Union is proud to call Nevada home and to strengthen our ties in the wonderful Reno-Sparks metropolitan community,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Sparks is rapidly growing, and our new site sets us up well for our next chapter of expansion.”

In celebration of the grand opening, new members who open a savings or checking account and deposit $25 may receive a match of up to $100.

The credit union is excited to hire several new employees. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit America First’s career page.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 83 years of serving members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 120 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

Camille Thomas will serve as branch manager of the new Albuquerque America First Credit Union (left). Thomas cuts the ribbon for the Albuquerque branch opening. More photos can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – March 14, 2022 – To satisfy an underserved area in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city and its economic capital, America First Credit Union has opened its newest branch. This is the credit union’s first branch in New Mexico and 119th branch across Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho. On Friday, the credit union held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the branch’s grand opening.

America First’s new Albuquerque branch opens with five team members under the leadership of Camille Thomas as branch manager. Thomas is a creative financial expert with 20 years of financial services leadership experience. She was a VP, branch manager at Kirtland Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque prior to joining America First Credit Union. Thomas has extensive experience in all aspects of a financial institution, including member service, lending and operations.

“America First Credit Union is proud to call New Mexico home and to strengthen our ties to the Southwest and this wonderful community,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Albuquerque is rapidly growing, and our new site sets us up well for our next chapter of expansion.”

In celebration of the grand opening, America First members who open a new savings or new checking account and deposit $25 during the first two weeks of opening will receive $100. There will also be a chance for members to win a $500 America First Visa card for members who visit the branch during that time.

The credit union plans to hire several new employees. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit America First’s career page.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

Riverdale, Utah – March 10, 2022 – America First Credit Union has launched its second annual FUNDamentals teacher grant competition where it will be giving away $5,000 in grant awards to K–12 educators who are commitment to elevating youth financial literacy.

To apply for one of the 10 $500 grants, K–12 teachers using the financial literacy program FUNDamentals can share a picture of themselves and/or their students using the program and complete a short nomination form.

FUNDamentals is a customizable financial literacy program created for K–12 students and teachers. This free program empowers educators to teach important monetary concepts and offers a customizable program, unlike many one-size-fits-all programming by other providers. The program includes entertaining videos, clever handouts, engaging presentations, and easy-to-read articles.

One of 2021’s grant recipients, West Point Jr. High teacher Kristy Larsen, shared upon receiving the grant, “I love teaching and I love kids. For America First to give me this opportunity to spend money on my students and things they need is awesome. The FUNDamentals program has prepared lesson plans from America First. All I do is log in and download the hour and half lesson plans. It’s a great tool, especially for a teacher who is short on time.”

Teachers can request access to FUNDamentals by visiting www.education.americafirst.com. Additional information on the teacher grant programs can be found at www.americafirst.com/learn/financial-literacy-program.

Nominations for the competition are open through March 31 and winning teachers will be randomly selected no later than April 15. Winners will be honored as part of the credit union’s celebration of Financial Literacy Month in April.

“Our goal is to make financial literacy easily accessible to educators and students,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “All too often, teachers lack access to free and customizable programs. Our FUNDamentals program takes that challenge away, and this competition rewards teachers for rising to the occasion.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

Small Business Spotlight winner will receive a customized single-season sponsorship valued at $200K

Riverdale, UT – March 8, 2022 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and the Utah Jazz are excited to announce the inaugural “Small Business Spotlight” contest. Together, these partners are giving small businesses in Utah the opportunity to compete for a customized single-season sponsorship agreement valued at approximately $200,000 with the Utah Jazz. The winning business will also participate in business and marketing strategy meetings with executives from the Utah Jazz and America First Credit Union.

The contest is open to Utah-based for-profit small businesses with an annual revenue of less than $10 million. Participants can enter on America First’s website and provide their contact information and a short profile about why a sponsorship would help their business.

All entries must be submitted by May 1, 2022, and finalists will pitch their businesses to judges for final selection. Representatives from America First and the Utah Jazz, as well as community and business leaders, make up the selection committee. The finalists will be invited to attend a private reception at Vivint Arena where the winner of the contest will be announced.

Businesses will be evaluated on how well they represent Utah, how much they currently give back to the community, and how this opportunity will help them execute their business objectives successfully. All participants will be subject to the Official Rules. Click here for official rules.

“Small businesses have really been impacted over the past couple of years,” said America First president and CEO, Thayne Shaffer. “With the support of the Utah Jazz, we’re excited to be able to offer this sponsorship to a deserving small business in our community. As an organization, we want to encourage innovating entrepreneurship throughout our state and this is just one way we’re doing that.”

“The Utah Jazz have tremendous respect for small businesses, the challenges they face and how integral they are to our local communities,” said Chris Barney, Utah Jazz chief revenue officer. “We are very excited about this program with America First to use our high-profile platform as an NBA team to support a small business and provide a tangible service to help boost their marketing and sales efforts.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

ABOUT THE UTAH JAZZ

Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across six states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, visit www.utahjazz.com.

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

Frank Zang
Utah Jazz
801-325- 2570
frank.zang@utahjazz.com

Credit Union Extends Affinity Debit Cards by Launching First Wolf Pack Co-Branded Debit Card

 RENO, Nev. (Feb. 24, 2022) – As part of its ongoing commitment to Northern Nevada, America First Credit Union (AFCU) and the Nevada Wolf Pack presented a $10,000 check to Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada to grant even more life-changing wishes to children in Northern Nevada who are battling a critical illness.

AFCU sponsored a donation drive, dubbed Swish for a Wish, as part of its multiyear partnership with Nevada Athletics Wolf Pack Sports Properties. Donations to the local Make-A-Wish chapter were made for every Nevada men’s basketball free throw made during home games throughout the regular season and championships.

The credit union, which has plans to open a new branch in Northern Nevada in the coming months, also unveiled a Nevada Wolf Pack co-branded debit card for the first time in team’s history. When members display their AFCU Wolf Pack card, they will be granted access to an exclusive arena entrance for home men’s and women’s basketball games.

“Part of our commitment to Northern Nevada is to immerse ourselves in meaningful projects that help others,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer, who was born in Elko and grew up in Sparks, Lovelock, Fernley, Lovelock, Wells and Carlin. “America First is pleased to do our part to help children with life-threatening medical illnesses get their wishes granted.”

“My wife Tanya and I are proud to join America First Credit Union along with the many Wolf Pack family and friends who have made pledges and donations in support of Make-A-Wish to grant more wishes in our community,” said Nevada basketball coach Steve Alford.

“We depend on community partnerships to be able to grant wishes to local wish children,” said MAW chapter president and CEO Jennifer Stolo, “and are extremely grateful for America First Credit Union and the Nevada Wolf Pack in bringing awareness and critical funds to our mission.”

Editor’s Note: For photos, CLICK HERE.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIVERDALE, Utah – Feb. 24, 2022 – America First Credit Union is calling for submissions for its America First Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program. The credit union will be awarding ten $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students at two- and four-year technical colleges or universities who share a desire to serve others.

This will be the fourth year of America First’s scholarship program. Of last year’s 10 honorees, five of the students had a 4.0 GPA. The students participated in many on- and off-campus activities, both including school programs such as the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Student Body Officers, and National Honor Society, and volunteered in their communities with organizations like Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program, and the Tyler Robinson Foundation.

“The scholarship has helped me because I don’t have to work while I have been in school,” said 2021 scholarship recipient Kate Pierson, who attends Brigham Young University Idaho. “It’s kept me solely focused on my dream. It’s made it to where I can reach my end goal a lot faster. I know I’m supposed to be a nurse for kids. I am a perfect advocate for children because of my experience surviving cancer.”

Pierson is currently studying to be a pediatric nurse and was inspired to seek the career after battling cancer from ages 12-15. She’s worked tirelessly to raise awareness, assisted in the fundraising of research, and provided support to individuals fighting the disease.

The America First Charitable Foundation welcomes candidates, like Pierson, who embody a people-helping-people philosophy to apply for a scholarship. Those who play an active role in giving back to their community, whether through volunteering or other meaningful contributions of time, effort and care, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to submit community service hours, grade point average, and current transcript. They must also submit a short essay on how their community service exemplifies the credit union’s philosophy of people helping people.

The scholarship application can be found and submitted on America First’s website. Submissions are due by April 30 and winning members will be notified by May 29.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

 Winner will receive a single-season sponsorship valued at $100K

LAS VEGAS – February 17, 2022 – America First Credit Union

The winner will receive signage inside Allegiant Stadium, radio advertisements, digital promotions on the Raiders’ website and mobile app, tickets to a home game, and more as part of the Small Business Showcase.

The contest is open to Nevada-based for-profit small businesses with an annual revenue of less than $10 million. To enter, participants must visit www.americafirst.com/raiders, and provide their contact information and a short profile about how this sponsorship would help their business.

All entries must be submitted by April 1, and finalists will be notified by the selection committee in late spring. Finalists will be invited to a private gathering at Allegiant Stadium to pitch their businesses for final selection. Following the judging period, winners will be announced on www.americafirst.com/raiders.

Businesses will be evaluated on how well they represent Nevada, how much they currently give back to the community, and how this opportunity will help them execute their business objectives successfully. All participants will be required to submit to the official rules. Click here for official rules.

More than 160 small businesses submitted entries for the 2021 competition. The grand-prize winner of the 2021 inaugural Small Business Showcase was Any Occasions Baskets (AOB), a Las Vegas-based gift baskets company. AOB gives back to the local community by donating gift baskets, holiday gifts to families in need, as well as donating electronics to local community centers.

Editor’s Note: Click here to access b-roll and photographs from the July 14, 2021 announcement of the winner.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union 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 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Raiders began play in the American Football League in 1960 and are in their 63rd year of professional football competition, including the last 53 years as a member club of the National Football League. Over seven memorable decades, the Raiders won one AFL Championship, three NFL Championships, and four American Football Conference Championships; participated in five Super Bowls; played in 14 Championship games; won or tied for 17 Division titles; reached the playoffs in 23 seasons; played in 45 postseason games; and finished 38 seasons at .500 or better. With their appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII, the Raiders became the first NFL team to play in Super Bowls in four different decades. In addition, the Raiders are proud to contribute to community engagement, youth initiatives, environmental and multicultural awareness, and global outreach. The Raiders played in Oakland from their inception through 1982, relocated to Los Angeles in 1983, moved back to Oakland in 1995, and made Las Vegas its home in 2020. The Raiders base training and business operations in Henderson at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center and play home games at Allegiant Stadium, a fully enclosed, state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 65,000 located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. The Raiders maintain a global presence and communicate with the worldwide Raider Nation through the team’s official website and social media channels. For more information, please visit www.raiders.com or follow @raiders on Twitter and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com

Mike Taylor
Las Vegas Raiders
725-780-3235
mtaylor@raiders.com