ASHEVILLE, N.C. — America’s Credit Unions joined North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom on a campaign tour of western North Carolina credit unions Monday, Sept. 28, as the organization works to help elect her to the state’s 11th Congressional District.
The group said it is supporting Balkcom through advertising, campaign events and direct voter outreach. Balkcom represents District 117 in the North Carolina General Assembly and previously worked as a credit union branch manager and financial professional.
Five Credit Union Stops
The tour included visits to Champion Credit Union in Canton, Mountain Credit Union in Waynesville, Telco Community Credit Union in Arden, and State Employees’ Credit Union and United Credit Unionin Hendersonville.
America’s Credit Unions said Balkcom and representatives of the group and the Carolinas Credit Union League met with employees and leaders at each stop. Their discussions focused on access to affordable capital, housing affordability and regulatory costs for local families.
‘One of Our Own’
“Jennifer is truly one of our own,” said Trey Hawkins, head of political affairs at America’s Credit Unions. He said her experience with small-business and mortgage lending gives her a firsthand understanding of how federal decisions affect local financial institutions. The group views the race as important to the balance of power in Congress, he said.
Dan Schline, president and CEO of the Carolinas Credit Union League, said the league has worked with Balkcom during her time in the state legislature and has seen her understanding of credit unions and the communities they serve.
