ACB: Press Releases

Contact:	Robert Schmermund (202) 857-3104 Jim Eberle (202) 857-3145	Jim Eberle (202) 857-3145 (work) (703) 893-2593 (home) [email protected]	For Immediate Release May 27, 2004 #04-27
E-mail: [email protected]

ACB LAUNCHES EARLY CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH ACTIVITIES WITH NATIONWIDE RADIO TOUR

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — June is National Homeownership Month, and a record 73 million American homeowner families can celebrate the fact that they are living the American Dream.

America’s Community Bankers has kicked off that celebration with a nationwide radio tour to promote the benefits of homeownership to homeowners and the communities they live in.

“Homeownership brings a unique and significant value to our society,” said ACB President and CEO Diane Casey-Landry. “For most Americans, a home of their own is their largest single investment, and the first step in acquiring wealth. Homeownership enables working families to save for the future and increase their assets. Owning a home gives people a compelling reason to care about their communities, it adds stability as homeowners take a greater interest in how their communities are governed and how their tax dollars are spent,” she said.

In interviews that will air in 12 major media markets in nine key states, Casey-Landry notes that today’s record high homeownership rate of 68.6 percent is great news, but that more needs to be done to raise awareness among potential first-time homebuyers, including immigrants and minorities, that they, too, can share in the American dream. Casey-Landry noted that reaching millions of listeners in places like Boston and Houston is important, but that “doing” is even more important than “talking.”

“ACB members across the country will be conducting counseling sessions, running first-time homebuyer seminars and participating in homeownership expos, including three national expos being sponsored by HUD in St. Louis on June 5, Philadelphia on June 12 and Miami on June 26.” Casey-Landry added that some members will actually be building homes with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates and that ACB staff members will be volunteering their time the week of June 1 to help finish a Habitat home for a Washington, D.C., family.

Casey-Landry emphasized one key point in all of her interviews: “Even if interest rates rise slightly, they will remain at near historic lows creating wonderful buying opportunities for families across the country. Consumers need to know this information and we urge them to talk with their local community banker to determine if they are ready to embark on the homeownership process, or the steps necessary to get them there in the near future.”

Participating Stations, Networks
WRGA-AM, Atlanta WDIS-AM, Boston WACB-AM, Charlotte, N.C. KRLD-AM, Dallas KCLD-FM, Minneapolis/St. Paul WGBR-AM, Raleigh, N.C.	Metro Network, Houston Metro Network, Indianapolis Metro Network, Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Network, Pittsburgh Metro Network, St. Louis South Carolina Network

America’s Community Bankers is the national trade association committed to shaping the future of banking by being the innovative industry leader strengthening the competitive position of community banks. To learn more about ACB, visit www.AmericasCommunityBankers.com.

America’s Community Bankers represents community banks across the country that make one out of every four home mortgages. Consumers can learn more about homeownership at www.AmericasCommunityBankers.com or www.hud.gov.

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