North Carolina CUs Proceed with MBL Programs; Small Banks May Feel Pinch, Bank Trade Group Says

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Two of North Carolina’s largest credit unions are making huge strides in their member business lending programs much to the chagrin of some of the area’s community banks. The $940 million Truliant FCU has seen MBLs go from $3.8 million to $13.9 million at the end of March, according to NCUA. Allegacy FCU, which has $1 billion in assets, went from no loans in mid-2003 to $16.8 million. Banks have cried foul over credit unions’ entry into business lending citing competitive issues. Bob Lowe, chairman and CEO of LSB Bancshares Inc. recently told the Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area that if credit unions “choose to adopt bank-like characteristics, they should bear more responsibilities” such as taxation. Jeff Clark, president of Southern Community Bank and Trust admits that credit unions will see more business lending opportunities due to a number of recent bank mergers but adds the playing field must still be level. The North Carolina Bankers Association is very concerned about the impact business lending from credit unions will have on community banks, said Thad Woodard, NCBA president. Meanwhile, Truliant President/CEO Marcus Schaefer and Allegacy President/CEO W.K. “Ike” Keener are moving forward with their goal of expanding their business lending programs over the next four years.