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.

Riverdale, 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 Northern Utah’s Catholic Community Services.

The donated nonperishable food items were collected during the credit union’s 15th 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 15th 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.

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 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

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

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.

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

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 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

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Brigham City Branch

Brigham City, Utah – August 16, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday morning for its newest branch in Brigham City.

The branch is located at 450 West 1124 South in Brigham City. The opening of the branch marks AFCU’s 114 branch in Utah and the 128 branch in the U.S.

The leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch is managed by Michelle Duncan who has been part of the AFCU team for more than 20 years starting as a teller and joining AFCU leadership in 2002. Duncan is also an AFCU Service Star recipient, president of the Brigham City Kiwanis Club, and member of the Women in Business with the Brigham City Chamber. She’s also an active member in AFCU’s Greater Good Program where she dedicates her time to serving children in the community.

“Brigham City is a wonderful community and I’m so grateful to be working with the great members in this area,” said Duncan. “Our goal is to help support our members’ financial wellness and be a partner for life.”

The newly constructed full-service, 3,254-square-foot branch includes 6 teller stations; a 6-lane drive-up, one lane being an ATM; a coin counter; 2 Loan Desks; and 1 remote expert office.

In celebration of the branch opening, weekly giveaways will also be held throughout August in which kids can enter to win a $25 gift cards and gift basket, and adults can enter to win a packaged gift of an Echo Dot and $1000 visa gift card.

America First Credit Union held the official ribbon cutting for its newest branch in Brigham City on Aug 5.

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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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raiders and America First Credit Union Announce Exclusive Partnership

Las Vegas – August 14, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) has joined with the Raiders in an expansive partnership, which will include AFCU being named as the Raider’s exclusive credit union and official debit card partner as well as introducing a charitable donation component and a community outreach program to support local small businesses.

“The Raiders and AFCU are both committed to excellence,” said AFCU president and CEO John Lund. “We both are dedicated to engaging, growing, and supporting the community. This collaboration is the start of a long partnership that will strengthen our entire community.”

“The Raiders are excited to partner with America First Credit Union in these activations, particularly those that positively impact our community,” said Raiders President, Marc Badain.

The Raiders partnership includes a program to support small business owners in Las Vegas. More details about the program will be released as the inaugural season in Las Vegas approaches in 2020. The relationship also includes a charitable effort termed First Down for the Community where each Raiders first down during the preseason and regular season results in a donation from the America First Foundation to the Raiders Foundation.

AFCU entered into the exclusive multi-year partnership with the Raiders this month. The partnership will take effect when the Raiders begin playing its home games at Allegiant Stadium for the 2020 National Football League season.

With this partnership, AFCU extends its brand footprint in the area, having already enjoyed a partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators at the new Las Vegas Ballpark and the Las Vegas Lights FC.

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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.

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

5 Tips of Financial Wisdom for National Financial Awareness Day  

Ogden, UT – August 13, 2019 – To promote consumer financial preparedness, America First Credit Union (AFCU) is sharing five fundamentals for financial fitness.

“When it comes to finances, education is one of the most powerful tools,” said AFCU president and CEO, John Lund. “Our goal is to equip people for financially sound practices and empower them to develop, achieve and maintain financial well-being. At America First, we believe that informed members make for stronger communities.”

For National Financial Awareness Day on Aug. 14, take a look at these financial principles:

1. Create and stick to a budget – A well-thought-out budget will help prevent financial stress and increase spending abilities. Budgeting is about confidence, not guilt. Stop comparing yourself to others and be real about your income.
2. Improve your credit score – Know your three-digit number that comes from one of the major consumer reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Members can access a FICO^® score within the AFCU online banking portal. Repair and build your credit by correcting errors and paying debt down.
3. Reduce and manage debt – Start reducing your debt at a steady and deliberate pace. Don’t just move it around. Keep your credit card balances low and pay off your monthly charges. Also, be sure to stay current with all your bills.
4. Save money – Complete a seven-day spending freeze. Just before you begin your freeze, gas up your car and go grocery shopping. Plan a menu for the week and only buy what you’ll need. Your goal is to use what you have for the next seven days.
5. Learn about your finances – Members can take advantage of free financial counseling, free financial education and safe savings programs.

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

Editor’s Note: AFCU representatives are available for interviews to discuss financial preparedness tips. Email Jennifer.Lopez@rrpartners.com to coordinate.

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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 $11.1 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,021,000 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