Wells Fargo names Eastern agricultural lending team, board members

In an event attended by Gov. Pat McCrory, Wells Fargo on Wednesday announced an expansion of its Eastern food and agribusiness lending hub, which the bank opened in Charlotte this year.

On Wednesday, San Francisco-based Wells Fargo named its agricultural lending team for the Triangle East region, which includes 51 counties in eastern North Carolina.

Also on Wednesday, the bank named the first 12 members of a new "Ag Board," which Wells Fargo said will give it advice on "local agricultural-related issues" in the Triangle East area.

Wednesday's announcement comes after Wells Fargo said in June that it had picked Charlotte as the location for the hub, which is designed to grow its share of the agriculture-lending market east of the Rocky Mountains. Up to now, the bank has concentrated its agribusiness lending expertise in the West.

“Farmers in North Carolina are the ultimate workers,” McCrory said in a Wells Fargo press release. “Agriculture will continue to be our top industry and our backbone for many years to come. We can grow that industry through continued support, research and sound agricultural policy.”

Brent Williams will manage the Triangle East team, which includes:

• Duke Piner, in Greenville;
• Matt Babcock, in Washington;
• Mike Hoggard, in Elizabeth City;
• Brandon Berry, in Wilson and Rocky Mount;
• Mark Harrell, in Clinton;
• Susan Fader, in Goldsboro;
• Heath Nisbet, in Greenville; and
• Lee Anne Hill, in Kinston

The AG Board members:

• State Sen. Brent Jackson, R-Autryville;
• Jeffery Lee;
• Bartley Warren;
• Maurice Berry;
• Lisa Lacy;
• Phil Smith;
• David Davenport;
• Chris James;
• Daren Armstrong;
• Kent Smith;
• Joe Austin; and 
• Frankie Waters

“Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in North Carolina, and this region is known for its diverse group of small businesses that support that industry,” Jack Clayton, regional president of Triangle East community banking for Wells Fargo, said in the press release. “Our commitment to farmers and agribusinesses reflects our commitment to helping local communities thrive. Wells Fargo has extended more credit to U.S. food and agribusiness than any bank. This team is in place to serve our local customers and meet their business needs.”

Also Wednesday, Wells Fargo said it will hire 30 bankers throughout the East Coast to work for the hub.