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

Congressman Melvin Watt (D-N.C.) greeted members as they entered the $143 million credit union's main branch and then proceeded to help process their deposit and withdrawal transactions all under the 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 job sites throughout the 12th Congressional District, is to hear the con-cerns and opinions of everyday people about the impact that recent legislation passed in Congress has had on their lives.

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

Watt is considered one of the powerhouses in Washington as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, of which he is the chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee and serves on the Financial Institutions Subcommittee. The North Carolina native is also chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. During the lobbying days of H.R. 1151, Watt also served on the financial services committee.

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

“People were tickled. We had a pretty steady stream of members come in. It was a pleasant experience,” Bruns said. “We did overhear [Watt] talking to one of our members on how credit unions are 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 would take the time out to stop by.

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

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

“As always, I look forward to interacting with the citizens of the 12th District to hear and experience their perspectives,” Watt said. “Working alongside my constituents and discussing their concerns provides an excellent first-hand opportunity for me to understand their needs and how I can serve them best in Washington.”

Bruns said the idea of visiting the credit union came from Dan Schline, vice president, government/regulatory affairs at the North Carolina Credit Union League. Schline heard about Watt's annual visits last summer and wrote the congressman asking him to consider Charlotte Metro. The credit union was a perfect candidate, Schline said, because of its diverse membership of African-Americans and Hispanics and the financial institution's reputation for community outreach.

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

–msamaad@cutimes.com

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N.C. Congressman Watt Rolls Up Sleeves to Work at Charlotte Metro CU on 'Trading Places' Tour

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