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

America First Leads the Way in Volunteering at Tabitha’s Way

America First Charitable Foundation volunteers spent time creating snack/drink bags, stocking pantry shelves, putting together hygiene kits, and organizing baby items, feminine products & cleaning supplies on shelves at Tabitha’s Way on August 30th.

Tabitha’s Way is a part of the Community Assistance Program at America First, which allows members to donate to worthy causes. When donations are made to the Community Assistance Program, members can be assured that every penny is dedicated to the disadvantaged in our communities. Nothing is held back or used for administrative or other purposes.

America First volunteer Sophia Nelson was elated about the opportunity to be a part of the project. “I loved working at Tabitha’s Way,” she said. “They help so many people and it was an honor to volunteer for a worthy cause. I was so impressed at what is donated to this cause and would do it again.”

Tabitha’s Way was founded in 2010 in Spanish Fork by Wendy & Jody Osborne, who hoped to help those in need in South Utah County. It has since expanded to now serve many families & individuals from Lindon to Cedar Fort with an additional location in American Fork.

Anyone wanting to donate to Tabitha’s Way can do so by visiting their website at tabithasway.org.

Funding for the Community Assistance Program is provided through member donations. Collection boxes are available for cash donations at each America First location, or you can set up an automatic withdrawal from your account.

Donations can also be given online by submitting your request through the secure online banking messaging system.

AMERICA FIRST FIELD IS NEW NAME FOR REAL SALT LAKE’S HOME

14-Year-Old Sandy Venue Renamed for Original RSL Corporate Sponsor as 83-Year-Old America First Credit Union Expands Claret-and-Cobalt Partnership

SANDY, Utah (Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022) – Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and inaugural Club partner America First Credit Union – one of RSL’s longest-serving partners – announce that the Club’s Sandy venue will now be known as AMERICA FIRST FIELD, effective immediately.

Real Salt Lake President John Kimball and America First President and CEO Thayne Shaffer were joined for today’s announcement by members of the Club’s loyal fan base; local, regional and national sports figures and business dignitaries, including Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber; RSL Season Ticket holders; and America First Credit Union members.

“Since our inaugural game back in 2005, America First Credit Union has supported Real Salt Lake’s connection with this community, offering our amazing fans numerous in-stadium, grassroots and digital initiatives,” said Real Salt Lake President John Kimball. “This partnership has grown immensely over our 18 seasons, and today’s unveiling of the AMERICA FIRST FIELD signage and nomenclature propels the partnership to an entirely new level. Both RSL and America First Credit Union share many tenets, including an ambitious vision of, commitment to, and innovation for our collective community. The depth, breadth and term of this naming rights deal for AMERICA FIRST FIELD is exemplary of that partnership, and we look forward to further deepening our jointly held roots across not only the great state of Utah but throughout the Intermountain West.”

Since opening the Sandy venue on historic State Street in October 2008, Real Salt Lake has played 269 games, posting a record of 154 wins and 66 draws against just 49 losses, a home winning percentage of nearly 70% and an impressive 1.96 points per game. Two finals have been held at what is now AMERICA FIRST FIELD — the second leg of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League Final as well as the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final. Nearly 50 clubs and national teams from more than a dozen countries have competed on the AMERICA FIRST FIELD pitch across numerous competitions, including Major League Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League, the MLS All-Star Game, Olympic qualifying, World Cup qualifying, Gold Cup, USL Championship, MLS NEXT Pro invitational and more.

Ancillary events that have taken place at what is now AMERICA FIRST FIELD include Utah High School Activities Association soccer competitions for both boys and girls, American football, rugby, lacrosse, monster truck, motocross and more.

America First Credit Union will continue to welcome guests into the home of Real Salt Lake with signage on the East Side / State Street Plaza, via 9400 South and at the “Spanish Steps” entry point, among others. Additionally, a co-branded America First / RSL debit card and credit card will provide cardholders with exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets, concessions, merchandise and special access to events. Whether buying RSL game tickets, gear at the RSL Team Store, or favorite game-time food and beverages, the new card will be a fast and secure way to make payments at AMERICA FIRST FIELD.

“We’re elated to expand our relationship with Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer by having our name on this elite sports and entertainment venue, and by offering the exclusive RSL-branded credit card and debit card,” said Thayne Shaffer, America First President and CEO. “This partnership will provide value to our members and help us continue to invest in our community and in organizations that support individuals, families, and businesses as they work toward their personal and financial goals.”

As part of its commitment to its 1.2 million members and the communities it serves, America First partners with numerous non-profit organizations and charitable foundations throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.

America First Credit Union, which has been affiliated with Real Salt Lake since 2005, will enjoy an expanded relationship with the Club, including digital and traditional branding at AMERICA FIRST FIELD, activations during RSL games, affiliations with the MLS NEXT Pro Real Monarchs in Herriman and other sporting events. The club’s ardent fan base will continue to be known collectively as “The Riot,” providing the passionate heartbeat emanating from the South End each game. The two organizations will also continue to work together on various community outreach initiatives throughout the state of Utah. Additionally, America First Credit Union will continue to be a presenting sponsor of various RSL and Real Monarchs digital properties and to sponsor the RSL youth camps & clinics. America First Credit Union will also team up with RSL on a promotion with small businesses and award a single-season marketing and advertising sponsorship opportunity at the AMERICA FIRST FIELD.

Downloadable AMERICA FIRST FIELD assets: Here

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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 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 REAL SALT LAKE

During the first week of January 2022, the RSL compendium of properties was acquired by global sports entrepreneur David Blitzer – who boasts interests in the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the New Jersey Devils (NHL), and six European soccer entities, including Crystal Palace (England), FC Augsburg (Germany), Estoril (Portugal), ADO Den Haag (Netherlands), Alcorcón (Spain) and SK Beveren (Belgium). The Blitzer group partners with Utah-based Smith Entertainment Group, led by Ryan Smith, which owns the Utah Jazz (NBA).

Real Salt Lake kicked off its 18th Major League Soccer season this Spring, its first full season under Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, who led the Utah side for the final 100 days last year, advancing to the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the 11th time in the last 14 years.

The club’s MLS Cup 2009 victory marked the state of Utah’s only major professional championship in nearly 40 years, the title preceding an historic run to the 2010/11 CONCACAF Champions League Final. Buoyed by a passionate base boasting several thousand season ticket holders, RSL has enjoyed a prominent home-field advantage – posting a dominant 154-49-66 (Win-Loss-Draw) record across all competitions at home (1.96 points per game for a 0.695 win pct.) – since building its permanent Rio Tinto Stadium home in Sandy 13 years ago.

In 2015, the club expanded its development pyramid with the addition of Real Monarchs SLC, one of several MLS-operated clubs playing in the USL Championship, the United States’ Division II setup.  The Monarchs boast a pair of titles in its brief history, as the 2017 USL regular-season champions, later winning the USL Final in 2019. For the 2022 season and beyond, Real Monarchs will compete in the newly launched “MLS NEXT Pro” as part of a joint United States and Canada endeavor to complete the professional player pathway by connecting youth academies in MLS NEXT to first teams in Major League Soccer.

The entire RSL development pipeline, which includes the RSL Academy’s U-15 and U-17 teams, calls the expansive Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, Utah their daily training home. With five world-class grass fields, two indoor turf fields, a residential dormitory, the STEM-based RSL Academy High School and the 5,000-seat Zions Bank Stadium located on a 42-acre campus, Utah’s sporting future is bright.

The RSL Community Foundation was established in 2016, created with the goals of being active in the community year-round, utilizing the popularity and reach of RSL and the Real Monarchs in promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, engaging supporters of soccer to raise funds and volunteer time for various local initiatives.

For more information on Real Salt Lake, visit www.RSL.com.

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

America First Helps Kids Get Back To School

America First volunteers spent many hours organizing supplies, filling backpacks, and handing them out to several underprivileged children who are headed back to school this month during our annual Backpack Bonanza.

Many of the funds, items, and backpacks were donated by America First Credit Union employees during the previous month. Donation boxes were placed in common areas throughout departments and branches to gather supplies. Employees were also able to donate through the transfer of funds to an AFCU Charitable Account.  Employees donated over $4,500 in cash.

It was a busy morning at Catholic Community Services.  Volunteers formed an assembly line and stuffed the backpacks with pencils, pens, erasers, glue sticks, note pads, crayons, markers, and other necessary items to help the kids start the upcoming school year on the right foot.

They also spent hours shopping for items and selecting backpacks. Several school items were sent to specific schools and children in the Clark County School District (Nevada), Phoenix Elementary District (Arizona), Davis School District (Utah), and Canyons School District (Utah).

America First Charitable Foundation Administrator, Jordan Gibson, was emotionally moved by the Backpack Bonanza experience, “It’s always important to help families in need and being a part of Backpack Bonanza was truly special,” he said. “Watching a child’s eyes light up with a new backpack and then to hear their excitement when they go through it finding all the different items it contained was beautiful. One little boy picked out a backpack, stared at it and hugged it. I can’t really describe the feeling it gave me.”

America First Helps Paint Ogden

America First Charitable Foundation volunteers spent the morning of August 16th painting the streetlights in the city of Ogden.  Volunteers arrived before 9 a.m. at the Junction prepared to clean the streetlights, tape the borders, and give a fresh coat of paint to liven up the area.

Ogden City Volunteer Manager Stacey Olsen understands the value and impact of volunteers for a project like this one, “We can’t thank America First Credit Union enough for supporting Ogden City! The positive energy and excitement of those helping us complete these projects makes a big difference.  Volunteers like the people at America First genuinely change our community and we’re so grateful.”

The painting took around two hours to complete and is one of the many projects in Weber County that the America First volunteers have been a part of.  Back in the spring they planted flowers at the Ogden Municipal Building and in the summer, they spent time painting numbers on the bleachers and cleaning up after the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo.

Anyone looking to volunteer with Ogden City for future projects can visit https://www.ogdencity.com/448/Volunteer-Opportunities