April 2012


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


NCP and the Ethnic Consumer Community


GILBERT BLAND CHAIRMAN, NCP


I have


the privilege of


serving


as Chairman of NCP, a c o m m u n i t y d e v e l o pme n t Federal credit union. NCP was started in 1999


with a simple mission that continues today—create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all, especially people of color, women, urban residents and low-wealth families and communities. We want to work with individuals, organizations and communities traditionally underserved by conventional markets. The funds that support our work come from deposits, grants and other investments made by individuals and institutions. All deposits in NCP are insured up to $250,000 by the federal government.      services that include ATMs, credit and debit cards, checking accounts, home equity loans, and auto loans. We have a branch facility in the Berkley area of Norfolk but you can access your accounts through shared banking facilities across the area and soon across the country. And, our customers include people and organizations of all backgrounds throughout the area. We  and those who need an understanding bank to support them as they build or  an institution seeking to understand and  Finally, an entirely volunteer Board of Directors, including myself, governs us. NCP has assembled a Board of Directors that includes many of the area’s most respected business and community leaders.


NCP was started with the belief


that our communities and customers will repay our loans and, thus, deserve the same access to credit as everyone, everywhere. Our track record and loan experience supports our belief and faith in our communities. We are strong advocates of ownership. We know communities and families get stronger, assume greater responsibility and care, and continue to grow in every area when residents are owners. Ownership is a source of pride and stability that we want in our communities. We recognize that NCP will be successful if we partner with you. Through our      NCP becomes a force for good. And, very important to remember, since       institution, we are able and willing


to offer our services and loans at fair prices and terms that meet your needs.


We recognize the great


opportunities and potential available with the consumers living in our communities. We have researched the data regarding minorities and observed  buying power. This trend is not only expected to continue, but within the next  


To better understand our


     is needed. For this discussion, diversity simply refers to African-Ameri- cans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans. Now let’s look at this diverse citizen and consumer:


1. 8 of the 10 largest cities in


America already have more than a 50% diversity population.


2. Of the 50 largest American


cities, 10 cities have greater than 40% diversity population. However, 24 cities have greater than 50% diversity population.


3. Hispanic/Latino Americans


have accounted for roughly 50% of America’s population growth since the year 2000.


4. Racial and ethnic minorities


represent 44% of U. S. residents under the age of 15.


5. California and Texas, America’s


two largest states in population, are already “majority minority.” This means that white non-Hispanics make up less than 50% of the population.


6. Both African-American and


Hispanic/Latino American communities have buying power approaching $1 trillion annually!


7. And, locally, Hampton Roads


now has the 13th largest African American population in America.


The data are a compelling call


to action and clearly outlines the opportunity for business and residential development in our communities. We encourage and welcome this type of investment. Our dreams and goals for NCP are to support our communities     and be a catalyst and voice to encourage and support the development and growth within these communities.


Over the coming months and


years, we are hopeful that each of you joins us in helping build our communities. Support the businesses      communities. Encourage and help build the educational opportunities, especially for our youngest of children. And, support NCP with your deposits and let us provide your loans. In turn, you have our commitment to continue to support you.


The Hampton Roads Messenger 11 Our Faith


 


I know of


nothing on earth that is easier to take for granted than family or a friend. We can assume that because we had imperfect parents that we got very little form them.


Parents can assume that because they have imperfect children and they get into some trouble, they have been dealt an unfair deal. Both parents and children are guilty of failing to see the best in each other, to take stock of how much the other contributes to one’s life. It may be true that every family has its greatness and its dysfunctional aspects.  get into the world or have a life apart from the actions and relationships of other people. People were made for people. This is why a person can be wounded and bruised in a relationship, but before long, they are in another


one. There is an appetite in us that causes us to cry out for acceptance and appreciation from other human beings.        that adds to our lives. Blood ties and friendship ties are important, but there is something else that enriches both, and that is faith. Faith in Jesus Christ makes brothers and sisters of human beings who did not even know each other before coming to Christ. Faith within a family can be the difference between happiness and misery. God through Christ grants us grace. It is the grace to trust, to love, to forgive, and to repent. Families don’t get very far without some trust. Marriages do not survive without some love and forgiveness. People who know nothing about repentance have a hard time in relationships. There are times when all of us need support from others. We were not designed to go it alone. The family provides us the most primary of relationships.


It is all


about connecting to another person or persons in deep and meaningful ways.


Tell us about your


 Churches@hamptonroadsmessenger.com


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