Comment from Karen , Stewart
Karen StewartOpposeIndividual
Summary: Karen Stewart, a member-owner of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, opposes the merger with Truliant Federal Credit Union. She argues that the merger would destroy the credit union's historical identity and create significant personal stress and disruption to her established routine as an autistic individual.
07-08-26
National Credit Union Administration
Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion (CURE)
1775 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3428
RE: Member Objection to the Proposed Merger of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
into Truliant Federal Credit Union
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a member-owner of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) to
formally register my strong objection to the proposed merger with Truliant Federal
Credit Union. I have already cast my ballot to vote "Do Not Approve" regarding this
proposal.
Piedmont Advantage Credit Union holds a significant, irreplaceable value to me and my
family. My mother (Kathern Arizona Cox) worked as a reservation agent for Piedmont
Airlines, the very company-that founded this credit union in 1949 to serve its workers.
Keeping my money at PACU is a deeply meaningful way for me to honor her legacy and
support an independent institution built on those historic local roots.
Additionally, as an autistic individual, routine, predictability, and familiarity are incredibly
important to my daily life and mental well-being. I have established a comfortable,
reliable routine with PACU. I know exactly how to navigate their services, and the staff
understands my needs.
Forcing a merger means forcing me through an overwhelming transition. I would have to
navigate entirely new banking systems, different mobile apps, unfamiliar branch layouts,
and new staff. If the merger goes through, the disruption to my established routine will
force me to leave and look for another financial institution entirely, which causes further
unnecessary stress and anxiety.
A merger with a much larger institution like Truliant completely dismantles the unique
culture, historical identity, and personalized, accessible service that PACU provides. I
urge the NCUA to thoroughly review the negative impact this merger will have on
members who rely on PACU for its community heritage, stability, and accessible
environment.
Please include this letter in the official member comment record for this merger
proposal. Thank you for your time, review, and consideration of the member-owners'
voices.
Sincerely,
Karen Stewart