CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On a recent muggy Monday morning, members ofCharlotte Metro Credit Union were surprised to see who was workingthe teller line.

Congressman Melvin Watt (D-N.C.) greeted members as they enteredthe $143 million credit union's main branch and then proceeded tohelp process their deposit and withdrawal transactions all underthe guiding eye of an experienced teller.

The Aug. 6 visit was a part of the legislator's 11th annual“Trading Places” district work period. The idea behind the visits,which allow Rep. Watt to work side-by-side with employees at jobsites throughout the 12th Congressional District, is to hear thecon-cerns and opinions of everyday people about the impact thatrecent legislation passed in Congress has had on their lives.

“I had a fabulous experience because I was able to learn moreabout some of the credit unions issues we deal with on the [House]Financial Services Committee and I got to talk with constituentswho are members of credit unions,” Watt said. That served two ofthe important purposes of 'Trading Places.' We had a greatday.”

Watt is considered one of the powerhouses in Washington as amember of the House Financial Services Committee, of which he isthe chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee andserves on the Financial Institutions Subcommittee. The NorthCarolina native is also chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.During the lobbying days of H.R. 1151, Watt also served on thefinancial services committee.

But during his recent visit to Charlotte Metro, members werestar struck–most instantly recognized Watt and one told thelegislator they were former classmates, said Bob Bruns,president/CEO of Charlotte Metro.

“People were tickled. We had a pretty steady stream of memberscome in. It was a pleasant experience,” Bruns said. “We didoverhear [Watt] talking to one of our members on how credit unionsare unique in that customers aren't customers but are members.Apparently, we've educated Washington folks on the difference.”

Bruns said he “didn't push [Watt] on credit union politics”saying it was more gratifying that someone from Washington wouldtake the time out to stop by.

“Anytime we have an opportunity to get someone in power to visitthe credit union, it's a big plus,” Bruns said. “It puts a visualin their mind of what we are and who we are.”

In addition to working at Charlotte Metro, Watt rolled up hissleeves and helped employees at a S.H.A.R.E. [Self-Help andRewarded Efforts] of North Carolina construction site, Red Crossblood bank, vineyard, Goodwill of Rowan County job resource center,homeless shelter and a 911 call center. Charlotte Metro was thefirst stop on the congressman's Trading Places tour, which ranAug.6-8.

“As always, I look forward to interacting with the citizens ofthe 12th District to hear and experience their perspectives,” Wattsaid. “Working alongside my constituents and discussing theirconcerns provides an excellent first-hand opportunity for me tounderstand their needs and how I can serve them best inWashington.”

Bruns said the idea of visiting the credit union came from DanSchline, vice president, government/regulatory affairs at the NorthCarolina Credit Union League. Schline heard about Watt's annualvisits last summer and wrote the congressman asking him to considerCharlotte Metro. The credit union was a perfect candidate, Schlinesaid, because of its diverse membership of African-Americans andHispanics and the financial institution's reputation for communityoutreach.

“Sometimes there's a disconnect in Washington on the policylevel,” Schline said. “When you get back to the district level,[legislators] can see how a credit union is serving its members. Byphysically being inside a credit union, it gives them theopportunity to talk to members and their constituents.”

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