Matz Encourages Northern Va. CUs to Serve Immigrants

FAIRFAX, Va.-Speaking to the Northern Virginia Chapter of Credit Unions, NCUA Board Member Deborah Matz urged attending credit union leaders to serve the Hispanic and Asian populations within the region. “Hispanics represent 19% of Arlington County’s population, 15% of Manassas’ and 12% of Fairfax County’s,” Matz said. She added, “Asians represent a largely untapped market, as well, outnumbering Hispanics in Fairfax County and accounting for more than 8% of Arlington County’s population.” Matz emphasized the need to serve immigrant communities, including low- and moderate-income individuals. “Northern Virginia is rich in diversity. Its residents include hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe, many of whom do not have a relationship with an insured financial institution,” she noted. The board member also asked attendees of the meeting to consider whether they are doing everything they can to serve immigrants and ethnic groups in their fields of membership. “What an excellent opportunity for getting new members and making new loans,” she said. “With targeted marketing, education and appropriate products and services, you can make a difference in the lives of these people, just as you have for your existing members,” Matz said.