Guest Commentary: Resilience in Weathering the Economic Storms

By David Stacey, Senior Vice President - Treasury Services The recovering economy was abruptly upended last February when fears of an obscure virus infecting a remote part of China blossomed into today's global COVID-19 pandemic. Contamination spread like a shock wave, halting the longest expansionary economic period on record. The Federal Reserve, U.S. Congress, and White House quickly united in a national nurturing effort, slashing rates, sending checks to most Americans, delivering benefits to those who were furloughed, and providing liquidity to businesses. Nearly 21 million individuals lost their jobs between March and April, shaking consumer confidence and prompting families…
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America First Credit Union Announces New EVP Chief Lending Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE America First Credit Union Announces New EVP Chief Lending Officer Brett Christensen (left) takes over the role of EVP Chief Lending Officer as Randy Halley (right) retires after 43 years of service at America First Credit Union. Riverdale, UT – January 12, 2021 – America First Credit Union welcomes Brett Christensen to its leadership team as EVP Chief Lending Officer for the leading nonprofit financial institution. He will oversee indirect lending, mortgages, consumer lending, business lending, home equity and sales. Christensen is taking over this role from previous EVP Chief Retail and Lending Officer, Randy Halley, who…
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CEO Announces Retirement After 46 Years with America First Credit Union

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CEO Announces Retirement After 46 Years with America First Credit Union Riverdale, Utah – Jan. 5, 2021 – John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First Credit Union in Riverdale, Utah, has announced plans to retire in the spring of 2021, more than 46 years after first joining the institution. Thayne Shaffer, the credit union’s chief information officer (CIO), has been selected as Lund’s successor. Since Lund became president and CEO in 2012, America First Credit Union has expanded its branch network from 104 to 128, increased assets from $5.5 billion to $14.2 billion, and…
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High 5: Donating Dough With Kid Bread Bakery

  SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Few things in life feel quite as comforting as freshly-baked bread. Kid Bread Bakery is a home-based bakery in Salt Lake City that turns out delicious offerings – usually sold to boost Ellie, Henry and Penny White’s funds for camps or vacations. “Our parents told us if we wanted to go to summer camp, we would have to earn the money ourselves,” Ellie said. “At first we were like, ‘What? No way! We can’t do that!'” “We’re kids,” Penny said. “It was a lot more money than we thought we could raise by ourselves,” Ellie…
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Crossing Guard, Educators Make Season Special

  SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – KSL TV has two High 5 shoutouts today, one for a crossing guard who brings some entertainment to the students heading to school, and one for an elementary principal and his neighbors who make the holiday better for others. In Provo, Amy Wilcox is bringing lots of smiles to her neighborhood in a tough year. She helps kids safely cross the street at 3450 North and Canyon Road – and she does it while fueling holiday cheer to everyone around. KSL TV viewer Rebecca Weaver said Wilcox dresses up for the holidays. She wore a…
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The Spirit Of Giving In Sanpete County

  SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It’s Wednesday, and that means KSL is once again highlighting the goodness and generosity right here in Utah. This morning, those positive vibes of volunteerism are coming from Sanpete County. Kay Jensen has one piece of advice for people feeling down and out that may be struggling during this pandemic. “There’s no way to feel better about yourself and about life and the world than to help somebody else,” said Kay Jensen, chairman of the Sanpete Humanitarian Council. She’s been helping the people of Sanpete County for decades as a nurse, volunteer, organizer and…
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While Seeming to Have the Least, Some are Offering the Most

By John B. Lund, President & Chief Executive Officer We have all probably experienced seeing someone in need, but may have felt helpless, lacking the resources or ability to intervene. We also likely know others who find a way to lend comfort, no matter the circumstances. One such person is named Dale and, with his permission, I will share some of his story. Dale has faced many significant challenges and knows what it's like to be desperate, out of work, without transportation, lacking hope, and fearing what comes next. He battled substance abuse and addiction for over 20 years. A…
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America First Credit Union invites community to experience award-winning display at Ogden Christmas Village

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE America First Credit Union invites community to experience award-winning display at Ogden Christmas Village, Riverdale, UT  November 25, 2020 Each year, Christmas Village illuminates Ogden's downtown area with magnificent displays and holiday lights from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through January 1. This year, America First Credit Union invites you to experience its award winning display which is one of hundreds of tiny cottages decorated to create a winter wonderland at the Ogden Municipal Gardens. Earlier this year, America First was honored with a Multifaceted Marketing Award for the Ogden Christmas Village Cottage at the Credit Union National…
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America First Credit Union donates $19,000 to feed 78,072 Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE America First Credit Union donates $19,000 to feed 78,072 Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada families Riverdale, UT – Nov. 23, 2020 – With Thanksgiving around the corner and food banks still struggling to receive food donations to keep up with the growing need, America First Credit Union (AFCU) is donating more than 63,000 meals to the Utah Food Bank for families struggling to access to food during these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional 16,548 meals were donated to other agencies, including Three Square Food Bank serving families in Clark County, Nevada. From…
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America First Credit Union Continues Legacy of Supporting Veterans by Donating Items for Care Packages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE America First Credit Union Continues Legacy of Supporting Veterans by Donating Items for Care Packages Credit Union Participates in “Hope for Our Heroes” Campaign Dropping Care Packages LAS VEGAS – Nov. 17, 2020 – Southern Nevada veterans were treated to a socially distanced caravan in which various community groups, including America First Credit Union (AFCU), dropped off much needed supplies. Veterans also witnessed a parade to thank them for their service during the “Hope for Our Heroes” campaign, which was organized by KTNV TV ABC 13. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, AFCU business development representative Frank Tavares participated…
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