America First Credit Union Mexico

We were founded on March 16, 1939 at the Hotel Newhouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. Among the 59 who attended the charter meeting of what was then the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union was R.D. (Ray) Hagen, a volunteer who eventually became our first full-time employee (treasurer/manager) and later president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The credit union was established in a small office housed in Fort Douglas' Building 207, with service hours on Fridays only from 3:30 to 4 p.m. A Prince Albert tobacco can was used to hold all cash deposits at the time; total assets and membership were $788 and 79, respectively.

A unique characteristic of America First is that, in 77 years, the credit union has had just four Presidents/CEOs: the aforementioned Ray Hagen, James (Jim) Dawson, Olin (Rick) Craig, and John B. Lund.

America First's mission of service is not limited to helping people develop and maintain financial well-being. In fact, it emanates throughout the community. Our employee volunteer program, the Greater Good, offers a planned, managed framework that motivates our staff to effectively donate time and resources to the communities where they live. Other philanthropic activities we engage in are mentoring students at Lakeview Elementary School in Roy, Utah, encouraging children to excel, achieve and succeed; and fundraising for the Community Assistance Program (CAP), which benefits organizations working to end homelessness and assist the impoverished, including the Ogden Rescue Mission, St. Anne's Shelter, Catholic Community Services, the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Christmas Box International, the Assistance League of Salt Lake, the SHARE food bank in Ogden, and Safe Nest in Las Vegas, Nevada.

America First Credit Union is dedicated to creating lifetime memberships with those served.

We offer a full range of excellent benefits to our employees, which include:

-Annual and Sick Leave: 30-hr/40-hr employees begin accruing leave on the date of hire. Employees are eligible to use leave after completing their 90-day review period.

-Holidays: America First recognizes 11 paid holidays throughout the year.

-Insurance: A range of insurance options are available including group health plans for 30-hr/40-hr employees and their dependents. Effective date of coverage is the first of the month following the employee's initial 60 days.

-Cafeteria Plan: A cafeteria plan of flexible spending account for part-time and full-time employees.

-Retirement: Established pension and 401(k) retirement plans to help provide income during retirement years.

-Education and Training: Upon prior approval, employees may be reimbursed tuition expenses for successfully completed job related courses.

-Family Medical Leave Act

Members helping members through volunteer service

America First has an extensive history of having dedicated volunteers perform certain essential functions. This began with field representatives recruiting members during the organization's early years and has evolved into our current Board of Directors, Loan Review Committee, and Supervisory Committee, all made up of member-volunteers.

The Board of Directors is comprised of nine volunteers elected by the membership, each serving three-year terms. As a true democratic representative group -- each member, no matter the size of his or her deposit, has one vote -- the Board of Directors guides the credit union in implementing policy, setting our course, and making decisions regarding products and services that benefit the entire membership.

Elections are held each spring at the America First Annual Meeting in Ogden, Utah.

The Loan Review Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors. Volunteers work with members to assess credit challenges and find solutions. Primarily, the committee reviews denied loans at the request of the applicant. They gather and verify pertinent data relating to the member's financial situation and work as a mid-level appeals body for the Board. No previous lending experience is needed.

The Supervisory Committee is established in accordance with federal regulations and is comprised of five individuals. These committee members are also appointed by the Board of Directors and are charged with the oversight of the audit process. This ensures the safety and soundness of our credit union assets. Previous audit experience is desirable but not required for Supervisory Committee positions.

Sheryl Cox can provide details about eligibility.