Las Vegas-based gift baskets company receives Las Vegas Raiders sponsorship assets valued at $100K

Las Vegas – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and its partner, Las Vegas Raiders, announced today that Any Occasions Baskets (AOB), a Las Vegas-based gift baskets company, is the grand-prize winner of their inaugural Small Business Showcase following the recent live finals event in the Shift4 Club at Allegiant Stadium. AOB received single-season sponsorship assets valued at $100,000 to promote the company’s mission to deliver unique and thoughtful gifting experiences. The sponsorship includes signage inside Allegiant Stadium, Raiders home game tickets, radio spots, and digital promotions from the Raiders’ website and mobile app.

“Small businesses, the lifeblood of the community, had an astonishingly tough year,” said Thayne Shaffer, president/CEO of AFCU. “America First is honored to continue promoting and fostering entrepreneurship and proud to be part of the small-business journey. America First has the financial experience and tools to help small businesses succeed in whatever plans they have for reaching their goals. Thank you to our partner, the Raiders, for helping shine a light on small businesses, and congratulations to the winner and finalists.”

“The Raiders are proud to support entrepreneurship along with America First Credit Union and bring focus to the importance of small business owners,” said Raiders president Marc Badain. “The Small Business Showcase provides local companies like this year’s deserving winner an important opportunity to succeed in achieving their goals.”

AOB was established because founder Felicia Parker’s believes that a great gift can have a profound impact on an individual, community and city. Parker plans to use the opportunity to shine a light on its “inspire” give-back program. For every customer’s basket purchase, a percentage of profits goes to local charities.

“We are thrilled and grateful to be named the America First Credit Union and Raiders Small-Business Showcase Winner,” said Parker. “We remain committed to giving back to local charities in our community.”

The winner and finalists were invited to a special event to showcase their business. Finalists of the 2021 Small Business Showcase competition include: (listed in alphabetical order)

• Any Occasion Baskets (Las Vegas, Nev.) (winner)
• Blue Coolers (Orem, Utah)
• Elite Custom Adventures (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Lea Lana’s Bananas (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Mooch’s Munchies (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• POOLTECHS (Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Redbox+ Southwest Vegas (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Finalists were evaluated on how this opportunity would assist in successfully executing their business plans and how each small business represents and serves the community.

The 2021 contest garnered over 160 entries from candidates across Nevada and Utah.

In addition to the Small Business Showcase, ACFU and the Raiders share an expansive multiyear partnership, including the credit union named as the Raiders’ exclusive credit union and official debit card partner, as well as shared charitable donation efforts. In March 2021, America First Foundation and the Raiders Foundation donated $20,000 to support SafeNest, Nevada’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending the epidemic of domestic violence.

Editor’s Note: Interview opportunities with AFCU representatives are available.

B-roll/Photographs: Click here to access.

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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

Ten high school seniors and college students awarded for academic excellence and community service

RIVERDALE, Utah – July 1, 2021 – The America First Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 10 graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students at two- and four-year technical colleges or universities who share a passion for helping others. The Foundation selected students who embody a people-helping-people philosophy — those who play an active role in giving back to their community, whether through volunteering or other meaningful contributions of time, effort, and care.

Of the 10 honorees, two have already completed their first year of college and eight will be freshman this fall; five of the students had a 4.0 GPA. The students participated in many on and off campus activities, both including school programs such as La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Student Body Officers and National Honor Society, and volunteered in their communities with organizations like Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program and the Tyler Robinson Foundation.

“We are excited to award each of these deserving students with scholarships,” said Thayne Shaffer, president/CEO of America First Credit Union. “We want students to focus on academic success and giving back to the community instead of worrying about paying tuition or buying books. One way we way help students thrive in higher education is through the annual scholarships. Congratulations to each one of these students in all they have accomplished, and thank you for all you’ve done to embody the credit union’s philosophy of people helping people.”

“It is critical that all capable citizens do their part in people helping people,” said scholarship recipient Niki Bell from South Weber, Utah, entering her first year at Western Wyoming Community College. “We thrive most as a community when we help one another and work together to solve our problems. I believe that any effort to try to help someone or make a difference can go a long way. Every small action leads to a change in our community.”

The 10 scholarship recipients selected by America First Charitable Foundation are as follows:

• Alicia Zhang, Holladay, Utah – Yale University
• Andrea DeLisa, Las Vegas, Nevada – George Washington University
• Elizabeth Little, Mesa, Arizona – University of Arizona
• Grace Tibbets, North Salt Lake, Utah – Brigham Young University
• Jordan King, Las Vegas, Nevada – University of Southern California
• Kate Pierson, West Jordan, Utah – Brigham Young University Idaho
• Lydee McBride, West Haven, Utah – Utah State University
• Niki Bell, South Weber, Utah – Western Wyoming Community College
• Shealee Heywood, Farmington, Utah – Utah State University
• Tiana Huston, Syracuse, Utah – Southern Utah University

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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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.9 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million 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

LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2021) – For the fourth year in a row, America First Credit Union and the Vegas Golden Knights honored teachers in the Clark County School District with a special award. The Game-Changer program awarded four outstanding teachers who made a positive impact in the classroom and in the lives of students each with a $1,000 grant that will help to improve their classrooms.

Winners were celebrated with a private lunch.

Winners include:

Melissa Finnan of Grant Sawyer Middle School

• Finnan goes out of her way to make all students feel like family. She created a giving box with shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes in her locker room so students could take anything they need at home. With the grant, she will continue to provide anything she can for her students to make them feel at home.

Stacye Tesh of Bozarth Elementary

• Tesh was nominated for her unwavering dedication to her first- and second-grade autistic students. She is just one of 54 national board-certified teachers in Southern Nevada for special education, and continues to attend lectures and seminars online to further her knowledge about her practice. Tesh’s main goal with her students is to teach them basic behavior skills to join their peers in general education classes.

Shane Goffstein of Wayne Tanaka Elementary School

• Goffstein encourages each of his first-grade students to realize their potential. He creates reading groups during the pandemic and focuses on improving his student’s different reading levels. He uses his personal funds to ensure that students have all the resources needed to succeed.

Sasha Jones of Jerome Mack Middle School

• Jones runs an exceptional drama program for grades six through eight. In a year where being face to face with students was challenging, she went above and beyond the call of duty for her students. Her drama and anime club gained a ton of traction this year through interactive, virtual events like streaming movies, television shows, and “live performances” of other theater departments across the district. Jones even used her own money and resources for lighting, sound and décor for her theater space.

The credit union will accept new nominations around the start of the 2021/2022 hockey season.

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Editor’s Note: Please CLICK HERE for pictures of all winners.

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 126 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.6 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,184,290 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

America First Credit Union, America First Charitable Foundation, Young Caring for Our Young, and the Young Automotive Group assembled 500 pantry packs at America First Credit Union Operations Center, one of 24 assembly events happening in Utah and Idaho.

Riverdale, UT – May 18, 2021 – America First Credit Union, America First Charitable Foundation, Young Caring for Our Young, and the Young Automotive Group teamed up to assemble 12,500 pantry packs to feed hungry kids in Utah and Idaho. Throughout April and May, America First Credit Union and 24 Young Automotive Group locations in Utah and Idaho assembled 500 pantry packs each.

With one in five kids being food insecure, it means many don’t have anything to eat on weekend when school lunch and breakfast aren’t available. The pantry packs will be used by local schools and food services to sustain youth over the weekend.

“We don’t want see a single child go hungry over the weekend when they don’t have access to school food services,” said Thayne Shaffer, America First President and CEO. “We appreciate Young Automotive Group for being our partners in this great effort to make sure we’re giving those basic needs to those in our community who need the assistance.”

Pantry packs are prepackaged, gallon-sized zip lock bags with specific, easily purchased items. The packs contain six meals and four snacks. Each costs an average of $5, which means a child can be fed for less than someone would spend to buy a movie ticket.

Those wishing to donate can still do so at youngcaringforouryoung.org.

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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 126 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.6 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,184,290 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

High School Scholarship Program Wins National Cynopsis Sports Media Award For Programming Innovation

Riverdale, UT – May 6, 2021 – America First Credit Union recognized 24 Utah high school senior student-athletes with $500 scholarships, awarding $12,000 scholarships in total. The students were awarded during at a virtual ceremony on April 22. To date, the credit union has awarded more than $88,500 in scholarships to deserving student athletes.

“We’re excited to be presenting each of these deserving students with this recognition,” said Thayne Shaffer, President/CEO of America First Credit Union. “We want our students to be financially secure, and one way we fuel this is by encouraging higher education through the scholarships we give out each year. Congratulations to each one of these student athletes in all they’ve accomplished.”

Of the 24 honorees, 21 students had a GPA of 3.9 or higher with fourteen 4.0-students There were also three athletes in student government, nine team captains and 14 multi-sport athletes. Each of the students who were awarded were nominated by their school for their involvement in a sport, their 3.5 or higher-grade point average, and outstanding citizenship and community involvement.

In addition, this effort—in partnership with programming by KUTV/KJZZ/KMYU stations in Salt Lake City—was recently named as the national award recipient in the category for PROGRAMMING INNOVATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC by Cynopsis Media at their 2021 Sports Media Awards.

“It’s meaningful to win the award for our innovative efforts to highlight the competition in Utah, and to do so in a safe and impactful way for our community. We could have won this national honor without the support of our great partners, and especially out title sponsor America First Credit Union, who shares our vision of supporting students and communities in Utah,” said Kent Crawford, SVP Group Manager, Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Student Athlete Honorees include:

• Sam Rencher – Farmington High School
• Averi Hanny – Bingham High School
• Abby Grundy – Herriman High School
• Annie Watson – Skyridge High School
• Josie Shepherd – American Fork High School
• Peyton Rice – Olympus High School
• Megan Jewell – Olympus High School
• Cael Wightman – Bingham High School
• Myriam Anderson – Ridgeline High School
• Mason Kilgore – Davis High School
• Makeili Ika – Lone Peak High School
• Brandon Grover- Provo High School
• Joshua Woolf – Bingham High School
• Creed Thompson – Skyridge High School
• Diya Rao – West High School
• McKay Larsen – Corner Canyon High School
• Mary Santiago – Wasatch High School
• Reagan Kimball – Brighton High School
• Austin Hallows – Salem Hills High School
• Ben Boren – Highland High School
• Andrew Harmon – American Fork High School
• Marlee Lotaki – Lehi High School
• Luke Johnson – Mtn Ridge High School
• Paje Rasmussen – Corner Canyon High School

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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 126 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.6 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,184,290 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

Scott Ellis (left) is announced as new Chief Information Officer, Troy Stevenson (right) promoted to Chief Digital, Product & Retail Office and Missy Key is America First’s new CFO.

Riverdale, UT – April 29, 2021 – America First Credit Union announces the promotion of twelve of its staff to executive and senior-level management positions. Included in the staffing changes are additions to the c-suite including Scott Ellis as Chief Information Officer, Troy Stevenson as Chief Digital, Product & Retail Officer, and Missy Key as Chief Financial Officer.

With more than 40 years with the credit union, Ellis has risen from the procurement and controls department to Senior Vice President of Information Systems to his current promotion to CIO.  Stevenson has worked for America First more than 22 years in a variety of roles including Senior Vice President of Product & Business Intelligence and as a Market Research Analyst.  Key began her career at the credit union in 1988 as a Student Trainee in Member Service and most recently was Senior Vice President Controller and Risk Officer.

These promotions come after the retirement announcement of CEO and President John B. Lund, and selection of Thayne Shaffer, the credit union’s previous chief information officer (CIO) and acting chief financial offier (CFO) as Lund’s successor.

“I’m very excited to be passing the role of CIO to Scott, CFO to Missy and having Troy join our executive management team,” said Shaffer. “Together, and with all of America First’s employees, we’ll strive to continue to improve the financial well-being of our members and make a positive impact in our community.

In addition, the following people have been promoted to senior vice president and vice president positions within America First:

• Zach Winegar, Senior Vice President Marketing
• Craig Budge, Vice President Accounting
• Brodie Cook, Vice President Product Management
• Brett Greenwell, Vice President Member & Partner Relations
• Andrew Qualls, Vice President – Chief Information Security Officer
• James Romer, Vice President Data Science & Analytics
• Kent Swenson, Vice President Information Systems
• Tara Douglas, Vice President of Indirect Lending
• Kymrie Turner, Vice President of Direct Lending

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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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $15.6 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,184,290 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

America First Credit Union Renews Multi-Year Partnership Agreement with University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT – April 15, 2021 – America First Credit Union has renewed their multi-year partnership agreement with the University of Utah Athletics through Utes Sports Properties. With this move the Utah-based credit union becomes the Official Credit Union of Utah Athletics.

The partnership includes a top-tier sponsorship with the Red Rocks, one of the nation’s premiere women’s gymnastics teams and the PAC-12 regular season champions, who will be competing in the 2021 NCAA Championship in Fort Worth this weekend. The agreement also gives America First a presence at various athletic events including those help at Rice Eccles Stadium and the Huntsman Center.

Through this partnership, credit union members are able to select the University of Utah marks to proudly display on America First Visa® Debit and Credit cards. America First members that wish to include a University of Utah mark can do so by visiting AmericaFirst.com or any of their 128 branch locations.

“We appreciate America First’s unwavering support of the University, our hard-working student-athletes and our overall athletics programming,” said University of Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan. “The Utes’ corporate partner family is invaluable, and we’re grateful for those commitments. We’re look forward to continuing our relationship with America First Credit Union and seeing fans proudly carry a co-branded card showing their Utah pride and affinity.”

America First has been a long-standing partner of the University of Utah and has enjoyed a robust relationship and presence at University including seasonal giveaways and has awarded multiple $500 grants to students through the University Campus Store. As part of their involvement with the Crimson Club, America First proudly supports Utes with Wings by making an annual donation to help support their mission of supporting Utah female student-athletes.  In addition, since 2016 the credit union makes an annual donation to the University of Utah to cover tuition of its mascot, Swoop.

“America First Credit Union is always looking for ways to provide value to our members and enhance our communities and we’re thankful to be able to provide that through our partnership with University of Utah Athletics,” said Thayne Shaffer, AFCU President and CEO. “We’ll continue to invest in community members and organizations that support and inspire those in our community to always land on their feet, both literally and financially.”

Utes Sports Properties, which manages the America First Credit Union relationship on behalf of the university, is the locally based Learfield IMG College team solely dedicated to representing the Utes.

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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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $14.9 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,176,375 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

RIVERDALE, Utah – April 1, 2021 – America First Credit Union announced today $5,000 in grant awards to K-12 teachers or school districts that build on their commitment to elevating youth financial literacy.

“Our goal is to make financial literacy easily accessible to educators and students,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “All too often, teachers lack access to free and customizable programs. Our FUNDamentals program takes that challenge away, and this competition rewards teachers for rising to the occasion.”

To apply for one of the 10 $500 grants, K-12 teachers using FUNDamentals can share a picture of themself and/or their students using the program and complete a short nomination form, starting today through by April 30. Winners will be randomly drawn and will be notified by May 5.

The grants announced today will help fund projects for teachers. Teachers can request access to FUNDamentals by visiting www.education.americafirst.com. Additional information on the teacher grant programs can be found at www.americafirst.com/educators.

This effort is launching in April, during Financial Literacy Month, as organizations across the country conduct initiatives designed to improve financial literacy, especially among youth.

Today’s grant awards are the latest in a series of actions that the credit union has taken to elevate youth financial literacy.

In February, the credit union announced FUNDamentals, a customizable financial literacy program created for K-12 students and teachers. (CLICK HERE to read the announcement.) This free program empowers teachers and offers a customizable program, unlike many one-size-fits-all programming dictated by other providers.

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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 128 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $14.9 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,176,375 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