The credit union is closing out another successful year—our 86^th. I could cite numbers here to illustrate everything we’ve accomplished, but for an organization that’s wholly committed to helping people, I think the personal moments with and victories of our members are often the best way to measure our success.

One of my favorite things about working at America First is that whenever I’m out somewhere like the grocery store, the airport, the gas station, or the barber, and I’m wearing a shirt with our logo on it, it’s not at all uncommon for someone to ask me if I work for the credit union. When I tell them I do, more often than not, they eagerly share their story with me about how America First has helped them through a challenge or helped them to achieve a financial goal, like buying a first car, purchasing a home, or starting a small business. They tell me about how the credit union was there for them when they needed it. And moments like that happen more than you might think. After all, even though the credit union serves six states, with a million and a half members, it’s never much of a surprise when our paths cross. 

For example, last month I was in Las Vegas at a large technology conference where I was participating on a panel of credit union CEOs. As I was getting ready to go on stage, one of the crew members was fitting me with a mic. While he was threading the cord between my jacket and shirt, he asked if I was with America First. I said that I was, and he told me that he was a member and had been for about eight years. Then he had just

enough time to briefly express his appreciation for our credit union before I had to go out to join the panel. It was a short but memorable meeting, and I’ve had so many like it over the last four years.

Moments like these are especially gratifying for me because I know they’re only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our amazing team. Every day, we train and plan and practice our skills so that we’re ready to serve where and when you need us. As employees of America First, service is our sole purpose. Each of us sincerely wants to provide you with the products, tools, services, and opportunities you need to navigate complex financial issues, improve your financial well-being, and achieve your unique financial goals.

Thank you for being members of America First, and for letting us serve you, your families, your businesses, and your communities. We deeply value our relationships with you and appreciate the trust that you place in us. As we enter the holiday season, let us be one of the first to wish you peace and success, now and in the coming year. And if our paths ever cross, I hope you'll introduce yourself so I can thank you in person for being part of our wonderful credit union.