America First Credit Union to Award $50,000 in College Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Last Call for Applications for Ten Scholarships Valued at $5,000 Each

SALT LAKE CITY – April 21, 2023 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) is accepting applications for its America First Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program until April 30. In celebration of its fifth year of the scholarship program, AFCU is increasing the ten scholarships to $5,000 each ($1,000 in previous years) for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students at two- and four-year technical colleges or universities who share a desire to serve others.

The mission of the America First Charitable Foundation is to encourage and administer contributions for educational scholarships. These are awarded based on a student’s commitment to community service as well as leadership and academic potential. They are intended to help America First members pursue post-secondary education and training.

To be eligible, applicants must submit a copy of their current transcript, including their grade point average (GPA), as well as their hours of community service. Applicants must also submit a short essay on how their community service exemplifies the credit union philosophy of people helping people—those who play an active role in giving back to their community, whether through volunteering or other meaningful contributions of time, effort, and care.

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of America First employees who represent diversity in business, education and community background. Selection is made without regard to applicant’s race, color, national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, age, or physical handicap.

The deadline is fast approaching. Applications must be received no later than Sunday, April 30, 2023. The scholarship application can be found and submitted on America First’s website.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 84 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 eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.3 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

During National Financial Literacy Month, America First Credit Union to Award Ten Classroom Parties to Local Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIVERDALE, UT – April 21, 2023 – In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, America First Credit Union (AFCU) is awarding ten (10) classroom parties to lucky local schools. AFCU strongly believes that teaching the next generation about smart money management and good monetary habits can put them on the path to financial success. To nominate a class, simply write a brief essay or recorded video about why financial literacy is important. Essays and videos can be submitted through AFCU’s website no later than April 30, 2023.

When it comes to managing money, education is the foundation to understanding the ins and outs of finance. A report from the National Financial Educators Council shows that 38% of individuals in a recent survey said their lack of financial literacy cost them at least $500 in 2022, including 15% who said it set them back by $10,000 or more—up from about 11% in 2021.

To aid in financial literacy in the community, AFCU offers a free program, FUNDamentals—a customizable, financial literacy program created for kindergarten through 12th grade students and teachers.

“Our goal is to make financial literacy easily accessible to educators and students,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “FUNDamentals is designed to make learning about finances fun and engaging. By teaching youth about money matters, we can help put them on the path to financial success.”

The program includes various full-lesson plans for K–fifth and sixth–12th grades covering topic areas that address 10 of the most important critical life skills, including spending, saving, getting a loan, and other financial subjects. Each includes engaging animated videos, handouts, presentations, lesson plans, printable certificates, and other useful resources to inform students while keeping them entertained. Lessons are aligned with Utah State Financial Literacy graduation requirement, Common Core Math, and Common Core English Language Arts requirements. Compared to other programs on the market, FUNDamentals is a free, has up-to-date information, and offers specialized content catered to youth.

Teachers can request access to the program a free virtual or an in-person visit from a guest speaker by visiting education.americafirst.com.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 84 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 eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.3 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

AFCU is helping to teach the community about financial literacy

 

Salt Lake City, Utah (Good Things Utah) — Dave Nellis – Director of Public Relations visited us on Good Things Utah and he is excited to share some information about America First Credit Union’s commitment to financial literacy.

At America First, they believe in helping the community understand financial literacy. They offer various programs to teach financial skills such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. Their FUNDamentals program is a valuable tool to teach K-12 students about money matters and financial success. They also provide content for adults that they can present throughout the community.

Their presentations cover over 50 FUNDamental topics for kids and 20 topics for adults. Presentations usually take 45-60 minutes, and they are free of cost. It’s never too early or too late to learn about financial literacy concepts, and they believe that junior high and high school age is the best time to teach financial literacy as they are thinking about their futures.

Learning about cash, debits, and credits as well as virtual money can help alleviate financial stress. They encourage educators and schools to contact America First to schedule in-person on-site presentations. Additionally, educators can find content about FUNDamentals on the website.

In honor of National Financial Literacy Month, they are also hosting a contest for educators and students. The deadline to enter is April 30th, 2023. Visit their website for official rules and details.

They are also giving away 10 scholarships at $5,000 each through the America First Charitable Foundation Scholarships. The deadline to submit an application is April 30, 2023. Visit the website for official rules and details.

Eligible members must be graduating HS seniors or enrolled in a 2-year, 4-year, or technical college. Applicants should be community-minded and have a passion for serving and helping others.

At America First Credit Union, they place a high priority on educating members and enabling them to make sound financial decisions. According to the National Financial Educators Council, the lack of financial skills cost 38% of consumers more than $500 in 2022, and 15% were set back more than $10,000 or more.

America First Credit Union is committed to helping the community achieve financial success. Visit their website and follow along on their social media channels for tips.

Source

America First Credit Union Opens New Branch in Spanish Fork, UT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPANISH FORK, UT – February 17, 2023 – America First Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its newest Utah branch located in Spanish Fork at 1353 N Canyon Creek Pkwy. The branch opening marks the credit union’s 119th branch across Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and New Mexico and will replace two former AFCU branch locations in Spanish Fork, both of which closed earlier this month. The new branch will service more than ten thousand assigned members and will continue to be an important branch for Utah County.

In honor of the branch opening and its dedication to the Spanish Fork community, the credit union donated $5,000 from the America First Charitable Foundation to two area non-profits – Tabitha’s Way and Nebo School District Foundation. America First has been a long-standing community partner and strong supporter of many Spanish Fork-area causes, including United Way of Utah County’s Days of Caring, Spanish Fork City’s Fiesta Days, school shoe donation programs and other initiatives.

“America First Credit Union has a strong commitment to the rapidly growing Spanish Fork area, celebrating 20 years of service in the community,” said Brad Laing, the branch manager at the new Spanish Fork location. “This consolidation of the two previous branches into one new state-of-the-art branch demonstrates our commitment to the community and our members as our physical and digital footprints continue to grow.”

America First’s new Spanish Fork location opens under the leadership of Laing as branch manager and staff with a combined 130 years of experience. To best serve members in the Spanish Fork community, the branch features enhanced technology for efficient transactions and a full complement of services. Spanish Fork branch hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

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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. As Utah’s largest credit union, it 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 $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.3 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

2023 Annual Meeting Update

Volunteers Dedicated to Serving You

In accordance with America First bylaws, the Board of Directors Nominations Committee has identified three members who will stand for election by acclamation at the credit union’s Annual Meeting on April 18, 2023, at 3 p.m. MDT.

After thorough interviews and qualification screenings, the Board candidates are:

  • Linda Carver
  • Gil Miller
  • James Wendler

These volunteers selflessly give of their time, talent, expertise, and experience to enhance our financial well-being, and we congratulate them on their nominations.

We invite all of our members to watch the 2023 Annual Meeting live video stream by clicking the button below.

In addition, we will have a limited number of seats available to attend in person at our Operations Center in Riverdale, Utah. Click the reservation link below in order to attend in person.

Reserve your seat

GTU: The Leonardo

America First Credit Union has a wonderful partnership with The Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City. One of our great member deals and discounts, AFCU members can enjoy admission at no cost on the first Wednesday of every month. Simply show your America First Visa card at the ticket office for up to 10 free admissions!  We invite you to learn more at americafirst.com/accounts/member deals and discounts.

The Leonardo is a unique facility providing visitors with exciting and unique exhibits exploring art, technology, science, engineering, flight, and a new interactive weather studio. It is a great way to explore the world. Whether a local or visiting from out of town, the Leonardo invites all to come in and explore their creativity through the many innovative and inspiring exhibits. The Leonardo also presents a variety of fun, kid-friendly activities, like an interactive design lab, art studio, and engaging hands-on science experiments.

Whether you are looking for an affordable date night or a fun outing with the whole family, America First has you covered. It’s just another way to say thanks for your membership!

Join Us for the 2023 Souper Bowl of Caring

Child poverty and hunger are reaching alarming levels in Utah where 1 in 9 kids face the pain and anxiety of hunger. When these children are focused on worrying about where their next meal will come from, it’s hard for them to focus on much else in school, which affects all our children.

America First Credit Union is proud to continue to partner with KUTV’s Souper Bowl of Caring. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national organization that partners with local hunger relief charities to fight against childhood hunger. For just $5, you can ease the burden and allow children to focus on the things they should be focused on — learning and fun. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a great way to help.

The local chapter of this organization works with as many community food pantries as possible throughout the state of Utah. One hundred percent of the donations received will support a variety of programs focused on childhood hunger in the state of Utah, including those offered by schools, the Utah Food Bank, and other community charities and service providers across the state.

America First has also partnered with Souper Bowl of Caring in Las Vegas, and Reno. Wherever you live, or would like to support, many children’s lives will be blessed from your generous donations.

As part of our partnership, we help collect monetary donations both online, over the phone and at our branches until Saturday, February 12. There are multiple ways to make your contribution:

  • Credit card – Click here and fill out our secure online form
  • In person – Make a deposit at a branch to account number 5504816 (last name: Donate)
  • Tune in and donate! Tune in to KUTV on Wednesday, February 1st from 6 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and call 1-877-908-0680 to donate over the phone.

To learn more about this wonderful organization and their efforts, visit souperbowl.org.

Gratitude is the Attitude for America First Volunteers

America First volunteers were busy giving back during the week of Thanksgiving. They spent hours taking inventory of stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy packets, and more at the For the Kids facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. On the morning of November 21, they organized 70 Thanksgiving meals for families from M. Lynn Bennion Elementary School and 50 more for Robert Frost Elementary School. For the Kids Program Director Paul Welsh understands the impact it will have on communities in need, “The volunteers at America First stepping in and helping like this has provided such an emotional lift to those who otherwise would go without. Fighting hunger can be a silent struggle for so many out there and this kind of contribution makes such a difference.”

The meals go a long way to help families coming from Title I schools. Title I is a federal education program that supports low-income students throughout the nation. Funds are distributed to high poverty schools, as determined by the number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

In addition, over 200 Thanksgiving meals were handed out at Catholic Community Services on November 22 by several employees of America First. Families were also able to enter the building and take the shopping cart which had already been prepared with everything needed for a delicious holiday feast.

Rachel Martin of Catholic Community Services said, “We really appreciate America First for always being there to support us! With a small staff of only 11 employees, we rely on volunteers to keep our food pantry running. For our Thanksgiving holiday food handout event this year, we have 860 households signed up to pick up their Thanksgiving dinner box. Each dinner box includes a turkey, stuffing, cranberries, potatoes, onions, etc. to provide a holiday meal to individuals and families in the community facing food insecurity. America First has played a huge part in making this a success.”

This comes about a month after the America First Charitable Foundation food drive produced over 110,000 meals to many families who are food insecure. You can donate to this worthy cause all year round by going to americafirst.com/donate.

The battle against hunger has always been a key emphasis for America First EVP Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Tammy Gallegos. “We have an important responsibility in our communities to be a part of the solution to help children and families in need. Fighting hunger is always going to be a major priority when helping those we serve. We’re honored to help give families a warm and fulfilling Thanksgiving, but most importantly hope they feel our genuine love and care for them.”

America First Credit Union Partners with University of Arizona to Sponsor Athletics Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – September 23, 2022 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) has inked a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Arizona Athletics and its multimedia rightsholder, Arizona Wildcat Sports Properties. This sponsorship is part of AFCU’s commitment to ingrain itself in the communities it serves by supporting sporting events, arts & entertainment, and various community affairs.

The partnership includes sponsorship of U of A’s football games, both men’s and women’s basketball games, and a collaboration with women’s basketball head coach Adia Barnes. The partnership will also incorporate a “Touchdown for the Hometown” feature to recognize a local charitable organization that has given back to the community.

Together the partners are working on a collaborative Arizona Athletics-branded Visa® Credit card. Once released, AFCU credit union members can proudly select the U of A marks to display on their Visa® credit card.

“I’m honored and excited to partner with America First Credit Union,” said Adia Barnes, Head Coach of Arizona Women’s Basketball.  “I certainly understand the importance of recruiting and developing talented people, rallying your team around a shared vision, and doing what you do with passion. AFCU has built their reputation by adhering to those same principles. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Tucson community and our family of Wildcat Corporate Partners.”

“America First Credit Union loves to support our area’s colleges and universities, particularly when that support goes toward teaching young people about drive, determination, and goodwill,” said Tammy Gallegos, chief marketing and strategic engagement officer at AFCU. “Our sponsorship of Arizona Athletics affirms our commitment to our communities and the stellar athletic leadership at U of A.”

 

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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.

ABOUT LIVE NATION
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Robert Benson
R&R Partners
702.318.4249
robert.benson@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union Presents Concert Series at Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The America First Credit Union Concert Series is yet another benefit for AFCU members

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – September 21, 2022 – America First Credit Union is excited to announce the America First Credit Union Concert Series at Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix. The famous 20,000-capacity amphitheater hosts the hottest acts all throughout the summer and is a fan-favorite place to experience a diverse lineup of performers. In partnership with Live Nation, the concert series brings opportunity for America First members to experience the vast array of arts and entertainment in the Valley.

“At AFCU, we want to be good stewards in the communities we serve. We want to support the things that bring neighbors together and make their lives full and enriched,” says Tammy Gallegos, chief marketing and strategic engagement officer for America First Credit Union. “Our sponsorship of live music at Arizona’s Ak-Chin Pavilion is just one of many ways we strive to enrich the daily experiences of our members and neighbors.”

“I love this concert series because it’s diverse and has range,” said Andy Peikon, Live Nation’s SVP and Head of Venue Sales. “From Alice in Chains to Wu-Tang Clan, there is something for everyone. People come to live music events for unforgettable experiences, and AFCU will be a part of those experiences for many fans across genres.”

In addition to presenting the concert series at Ak-Chin Pavilion, AFCU was able to award members and residents with free concerts tickets and lawn passes for the 2023 AFCU Concert Series through a local promotion to kick off this partnership. More information can be found by visiting Live Nation’s website.

 

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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.

ABOUT LIVE NATION
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Robert Benson
R&R Partners
702.318.4249
robert.benson@rrpartners.com