The Nominations Committee has selected the following three candidates to fill the open positions on the Board of Directors at the upcoming America First Credit Union Annual Meeting:
Barney Chapman
Ted Maxfield
Kenlon Reeve
Any nominations by petition must be received by February 28, 2022 at 5 p.m. MST. In order to be considered valid, they need to be signed by at least 500 members, along with a 150-word qualification statement by the nominee. If you have any questions regarding the qualification statement, please contact us.
Members must submit petitions for nominations at the America First Credit Union corporate office, located at 1344 West 4675 South in Riverdale, Utah. No nominations may be made at the Annual Meeting.
If there are no nominations by petition, the election of the Board will be made by acclamation and not by ballots
America First Credit Union team members wrap more than 2,500 shoes for kids throughout Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada. Additional photos can be found here.
Salt Lake City – Dec. 21, 2021 – More than 12,500 kids have a new pair of shoes thanks to America First Credit Union. As part of the Warm the Soles of Kids program, the credit union collected monetary donations to purchase new shoes for economically disadvantaged children throughout Utah and in the Las Vegas, Nevada area.
The credit union worked with schools—such as Lakeview Elementary in Roy, Nebo View Elementary in Nephi, Gateway Preparatory Academy in Enoch and Midvale Elementary—to determine shoe sizes of kids in need. The America First team wrapped each of the 2,500 pairs of shoes and then delivered them to the schools throughout December. In the past 27 years, America First has provided more than 65,000 pairs of new, correctly fitting gym shoes and socks to children in need.
“Every child deserves a pair of properly-fitting shoes, especially during the wintertime,” said America First President and CEO Thayne Shaffer. “We’re thankful for everyone who has helped us warm the soles of more than 2,500 kids. America First is dedicated to giving back to our community and this is just one of the ways we can make a difference.”
Until the end of the year, people who wish to contribute to the Warm the Soles fund can donate on America First Credit Union’s website or by visiting any America First branch or by using online/mobile banking. To donate through online/mobile banking, transfer the donation amount of your choice to the share savings account 5502281 using the last name AFCU. Contributions to the Warm the Soles of Kids program can be made each year from October 1 to December 31.
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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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.
The Giving Machines at City Creek Center sponsored by America First Credit Union.
Salt Lake City – Dec. 8, 2021 – America First Credit Union is proud to be supporting The Giving Machines at City Creek Center this holiday season and helping celebrate the spirit of giving through Jan. 1. The Giving Machines are a quick and easy way for people to give to those in need and make the holiday season a little more meaningful for themselves—and countless others. The Giving Machines are sponsored by ‘Light the World with Love’ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
People who want to give can easily swipe their credit card at the vending machine, but instead of buying a candy bar, they can buy a sheep or water for a family in a developing nation, school supplies, a coat for someone in need, or 100 meals for their local food bank. Donations will benefit four local charities: American Indian Services, Rise Up School of Dance, Rose Park Neighborhood Center and Utah Refugee Connection.
As part of their support of The Giving Machines, the not-for-profit credit union will be sponsoring several activities to encourage donations:
• Donating one dollar for every social media post at the America First Selfie Station that contains the hashtags ‘#AFCU #CityCreekCenter’ up to $10,000.
• Providing early access to City Creek Center for America First members and a free Chick-Fil-A breakfast for the for the first 100 members on December 13.
“At America First, we’re continuously looking for ways to uphold the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’,” said America First Credit Union president and CEO Thayne Shaffer. “The Giving Machines at City Creek Center are the epitome of that philosophy and we’re thrilled to be able to support giving within our community. We encourage our members to stop by City Creek Center and donate what they’re able to this holiday season.”
The Light the World Giving Machines in Salt Lake City have raised more than $2.5 million since 2017 for local and global partners. Globally, the Giving Machines have raised more than $9 million in donations.
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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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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.
According to America First bylaws, three members will be elected to three-year
terms on our Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on April 19, 2022.
Incumbent volunteers are Barney Chapman and Kenlon Reeve.
Those interested in becoming Directors must have membership in good
standing, be 18 years or older, bondable, free from conflicts of interest, and
available for meetings. Apply at americafirst.com/volunteers and include a
statement of qualification (limited to 150 words) by 5 p.m. on January 8, 2022.
Nominations by petition are accepted and must be signed by at least 500
members. Qualification statements with 150-word limits, biographical data,
and signed certificates stating they are agreeable to nomination and will serve
if elected are required. Such petitions must be received by 5 p.m. on February
28, 2022. Balloting will not be conducted if there is one nominee for each open
position. Nominations from the floor are not accepted.
America First Credit Union presents check to Isabel Crofts and Corner Canyon High School athletics for Food Drive Challenge during 6A semifinal at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Friday, November 12.
Salt Lake City – Nov. 18, 2021 – While presenting Corner Canyon High School student Isabel Crofts with a scholarship in August, America First Credit Union’s Chief Strategic Engagement Officer Tammy Gallegos challenged the scholarship-recipient to collect 1,000 pounds of food for the Utah Food Bank—a nonprofit Crofts volunteers with regularly. Gallegos said that if this goal was met, the credit union would donate $1,000 to Corner Canyon High School’s athletic program.
Crofts, a 3.96 grade point average student-athlete at the Draper school, not only met the challenge but exceeded the goal by an additional 2,000 pounds. During Friday afternoon’s 6A semifinal at Rice-Eccles Stadium where Corner Canyon defeated Weber High School, America First surprised Crofts with a check for $3,304 to match dollar-for-pound the food collected by the multi-sport athlete.
Crofts, who plays volleyball, basketball and track & field for Corner Canyon, is a part of the Humanitarian African Relief Team and donates her time at the Utah Food Bank. All her work in the classroom, on the court and in the community resulted in her being named the scholar athlete of the week by America First Credit Union, KJZZ and KMYU in August.
In addition to the food donated by Crofts, America First Credit Union donated more than $32,000 to the Utah Food Bank during their annual food drive which concluded at the end of October. The not-for-profit credit union collected more than $17,000 from community donations and donated an additional $15,000 to reach the total donation amount.
Quotes:
“It’s a super passionate thing for me because there are people out there who are not as blessed and to go without food is hard,” said Isabel Crofts. “I just turned to my teammates and my administration at Corner Canyon, and we were able to come together and raise food for those in need so they could have a great winter. Our school really rose to this challenge. I was super proud of them and I am just grateful for everyone that helped out from my teammates, my coaches and student body.”
“I was so proud to hear that Isabel not only met the challenge I gave her but exceeded it,” said Tammy Gallegos, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer at America First Credit Union. “Knowing that she exceeded her goal, we wanted to increase our donation to Corner Canyon’s athletics department to meet what she was able to give to the Utah Food Bank. As a credit union, we are always looking for ways to acknowledge and reward people helping people within our community.”
“From day one Isabel has been a dream member of the Corner Canyon community,” said Corner Canyon High School Athletic Director Patrick Thurman. “She has been involved with athletics, attends events to support the other students and has been an incredible student. She did all of the work to organize the food drive, where she showed her leadership skills and dedication to helping others.”
“The credit union is focused on the philosophy of people helping people,” said Nicole Cypers, America First’s VP of Government Affairs and Public Relations. “With our member contributions and the food contributions from Corner Canyon, we were able to collect enough to equate to over 113,000 meals which would feed 26 families of four for an entire year. It was a huge contribution and helped make the food drive a success.”
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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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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.
SALT LAKE CITY – Nov. 10, 2021 – For the second consecutive year, America First Credit Union has attained the No. 1 SBA lender ranking in dollars lent by assisting more than 68 small businesses throughout the Utah District during the 2021 federal fiscal year. With a total of more than $52 million in 7(a) loans distributed within the Utah District, America First Credit Union surpassed its 2020 total of more than $35 million in loans disbursed.
“We’re thankful for all the small-business owners who have put their trust in our credit union,” said America First president/CEO Thayne Shaffer. “We have a wonderful team, who we are extremely grateful for, who helped the credit union achieve this ranking. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and we will continue to deliver top member service and financial solutions for small businesses.”
With a maximum loan amount of $5 million, the 7(a) Loan Program — which is SBA’s most common loan program according to their website — includes financial help for small businesses and is a good option when real estate is part of a business purchase; for short- and long-term working capital; refinancing current business debt; or purchasing furniture, fixtures and supplies.
America First Credit Union has also made significant advancement in rankings in its other states where it operates, including Arizona, Nevada and Idaho where they are ranked 18th, 7th and 21st respectively.
Small businesses that are interested in learning more about small-business lending from America First Credit Union can learn more 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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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.
Cardholders will receive priority lines of entry to UNR men’s basketball games at Lawlor
RENO, Nev. – November 8, 2021 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) continues its record of growing sports partnerships to build its brand with its latest long-term deal with University Nevada Reno (UNR) Athletics Wolf Pack Sports Properties.
As part of this multiyear partnership, AFCU will provide valuable resources to the community by providing a priority entrance to men’s basketball at Lawlor Events Center, a 12,000-seat, multipurpose arena; as well as a donation drive for every men’s basketball free throw made by UNR during home games throughout the regular season and championships to benefit “Swish for a Wish.” The credit union expects to raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, which will be donated at the end of the year.
Furthermore, AFCU will receive sponsorship assets each year for football, men’s basketball (which begins Nov. 9), women’s volleyball, and softball, allowing the credit union to connect with vital constituencies such as employees, members and prospects.
For AFCU cardholders who are Wolf Pack fans, the collaboration includes a UNR Athletics Picture Perfect card design, as well as high visibility signage in the football stadium and basketball arena.
“Northern Nevadans support UNR in a tremendous way and this allows us to connect with a passion point of the community,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer, who was born in Elko and grew up in Sparks, Lovelock, Fernley, Lovelock, Wells and Carlin. “Through this partnership, we are able to help children with life-threatening medical illnesses get their wishes granted while simultaneously providing perks for our members. We are overjoyed to be able to build a presence in Reno and make connections with the local community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with America First Credit Union, and look forward to all of the great benefits this partnership will bring to our Wolf Pack community,” said UNR director of athletics Doug Knuth. “This partnership will greatly benefit our great fans and community, and continue to build the bright future of Nevada Athletics.”
The deal began in September when the Wolf Pack began playing home games at Mackay Stadium, which has a 30,000-seat capacity, for the 2021 college football season. This expands AFCU’s brand footprint in Nevada, having previously partnered with the Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators, Las Vegas Lights FC, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletics Department.
New America First Credit Union “Swish for a Wish” signage is seen inside UNR’s Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nev. The credit union expects to raise $10,000 for the local chapter Make-A-Wish®, serving children in Northern Nevada.
At the corner of McCarran Blvd and Virginia St. in Reno, Nev., new America First Credit Union signage is seen outside UNR’s Mackay Stadium.
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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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 MAKE-A-WISH®
Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and is on a quest to bring every eligible local child’s wish to life. Research has shown that a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/canv.
Call for Nominations for $1,000 Classroom Grant, Two Complimentary VGK Tickets
Winners of the America First Credit Union and Vegas Golden Nights Game-Changer award program gather at Citi National Arena, the Knight’s practice facility in Summerlin, on April 5, 2021 after a celebratory luncheon in their honor.
LAS VEGAS – November 2, 2021 – Clark County School District teachers can earn a $1,000 classroom grant and two complimentary Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) tickets thanks to America First Credit Union (AFCU) who is teaming up the Knights.
The AFCU-sponsored VGK Game-Changer Program honors and celebrates Clark County teachers who go above and beyond in their classrooms. This season, four honorees will be recognized at a VGK home game in the Fortress and will receive $1,000 to improve their classroom.
In November, the first winner will be announced. The “game-changer” award will be presented every month until March 2022. Nominations for teachers are accepted until February 11, 2022. Representatives from AFCU will choose the winners. The nomination form may be obtained at goldenknights.com/community/teacherappreciation.
Last season’s four winners were selected from over 400 nominations. Melissa Finnan of Grant Sawyer Middle School, Stacye Tesh of Bozarth Elementary School, Shane Goffstein of Wayne Tanaka Elementary School, and Sasha Jones of Jerome Mack Middle School are among the recipients.
Editor’s Note: For more information and photos of all the 2021 Game Changer Teachers, 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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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.
The Biden Administration is proposing that all financial institutions be required to report annual information returns to the IRS on the inflows and outflows of all business and personal accounts totaling over $600 in a given year. If this passes, America First would be required to comply. The credit union is opposed to this, and we are currently working with our Congressmen and Senators in Washington to express our concerns.
“We don’t trust anyone with our members’ sensitive information”, said Thayne Shaffer, president and chief executive officer at America First Credit Union. “America First is opposed to being compelled to act as an enforcement arm of the IRS. Our credit union, board leadership, and industry representatives are acting in the best interest of our members and have communicated this clearly and directly with our elected officials.”
The reconciliation bill has not been finalized and there is discussion of changing the initial proposal of $600 to $10,000. Changing the dollar amount is not the answer. This proposal of reporting is a major concern for consumer privacy and must be excluded in its entirety from the Build Back Better Act (BBBA).
America First Credit Union credit card allows customers to support startup tech companies
SALT LAKE CITY – October 12, 2021 – America First Credit Union is offering a groundbreaking approach to empowering entrepreneurs. Members are now able to support startup local technology companies and innovators with the Silicon Slopes Visa® credit card, which will be rolled out at the upcoming Silicon Slopes Summit Oct. 13 and 14 in Salt Lake City.
“The first-of-its-kind credit card is a unique way for members to contribute to the local community,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “With the Silicon Slopes Startup Alliance Fund, we hope to empower entrepreneurs in the tech and startup communities here in Utah. We’re excited to be able to help this growing and thriving community right here in our backyard.”
In addition to giving cash back to its customers for purchases, the credit card also helps members contribute to Utah’s startup and tech community. Users get a 1% cash back on every purchase, and America First will contribute an additional 0.5% of each purchase to the Silicon Slopes Startup Alliance Fund. In addition, 100% of the credit card’s $50 annual fee will be contributed to the fund, helping expand tech opportunities across the state of Utah.
Each of these contributions provide funding to the entire local tech community with cash back to the consumers and contributions to the startup community. Funds contributed to the Silicon Slopes Startup Alliance Fund will be distributed annually and will enable entrepreneurs to pursue their innovative goals. Interested entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of Silicon Slopes and America First Credit Union judges to be awarded from the fund. Details about the distribution of the fund will be announced down the line.
Benefits offered by the Silicon Slopes Visa® credit card include:
Card Guard® mobile security
Identity theft recovery services
EMV chip technology
Travel and accident insurance
Global acceptance
Silicon Slopes Summit attendees can learn more about the card by visiting America First Credit Union’s booth and can enter to win two $500 gift cards.
Find more information or sign up for this unique credit card 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 120 locations, and is the eighth 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.
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