After 73 years in Greensboro, its founding home city, the North Carolina Credit Union League is moving its headquarters to Raleigh next year to bolster its public advocacy.

The relocation to the state capital in April 2011 has been discussed off and on over the years but with lobbying and awareness becoming paramount league, directors felt the timing was right since the trade group's Greensboro lease is expiring next year.

“The move is designed to enhance the trade association's ability to serve members in legislative and regulatory advocacy,” explained John Radebaugh, president/CEO.

Greensboro, located in the central part of the state and 80 miles west of Raleigh, has been the league home since 1937 when the trade group's prime function was to charter CUs.

Radebaugh said the board and management “looked carefully at this decision over several months and decided that now was the right time to act.” The staff will be offered relocation packages and no positions will be cut in the process, said Radebaugh.

The league, with 21 employees, currently has four staffers in Raleigh where it has had a presence since 1997.The move to Raleigh “will create greater synergy” for the organization in dealing with lawmakers, said Radebaugh.

The league said it has been evaluating office sites in downtown Raleigh and is expecting to find the new space later this year.