(Greensboro, N.C.) August 12, 2010 – Algenon Cash, managing director of Wharton Gladden & Company, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Council on Economic Education (NCCEE) where he will serve on their Executive Committee. Algenon’s responsibility will include governmental affairs and communication strategy.

“I firmly believe that my fundamental purpose in life is to use my time and talents to improve upon the lives of others.  As an NCCEE board member, I will have an opportunity to create positive influence that will empower our educators and youth throughout North Carolina,” said Cash.

Cash has an extensive past in governmental affairs. He served as the governmental affairs chair for the Piedmont/Triad chapter of NAIOP, commercial real estate development association, often meeting with law makers in Raleigh. Cash also lobbied on behalf of TREBIC (Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition) on a state government level to promote economic growth, stable job opportunities, and a healthy real estate industry.

The goal of NCCEE’s new appointment of Cash is to gain awareness within the North Carolina General Assembly and amongst state political figures. Cash will work to establish greater awareness and support for NCCEE through political and public relations.

“We hope that Algenon will help the Council continue to grow as a recognized authority on matters involving economics and personal finance education.  With an expert staff and a deeply experienced board of directors, the Council is an indispensable resource to the state.  Algenon can help by building trust and a strong working relationship between the Council and the various parts of the government,” said Sandy Wheat Executive Director of the NCCEE.

The North Carolina Council on Economic Education is a non-profit organization that strives to educate the youth of North Carolina on economic and financial literacy. This month, NCCEE celebrates 40 years of combating financial illiteracy.

“Since NCCEE is heavily involved in teacher training, the cooperation of the state education establishment is crucial.  NCCEE uses its contacts with the state government to connect with LEAs, schools and teachers.  Without a strong relationship with the state government, it would be much more difficult for the Council to reach its target audience,” said Wheat.

The Executive Committee of NCCEE has a diverse group of notable financial leaders from across North Carolina including top executives from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and the Federal Reserve. The State Treasurer’s financial literacy director, Derwin Dubose, serves on the board of directors. State treasurer Janet Cowell endorses the work of NCCEE.

According to Cash, “Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of the 21^st century.  In America, four out of every ten citizens are financially illiterate; they do not understand basics such as balancing a checkbook.  This country requires a fundamental change in how we think about money and that discussion must start in our schools.  NCCEE is the thought leader on how to provide the necessary tools that will help educators better educate our youth.”

Wheat believes “NCCEE is unique in North Carolina in its focus on economics education.  Since economics is part of the state social studies standards, NCCEE plays a large role in advising policymakers and standards-writers in what constitutes quality economics instruction.  Again, a good relationship with the state government is absolutely essential for the Council’s work in this capacity.”

About Wharton Gladden & Company:

Wharton Gladden & Company is a uniquely designed boutique investment banking firm that specializes in providing strategic advisory services, underwriting, capital placement and private equity for a diversified client base that includes corporations, real estate developers, financial institutions, investors, municipalities and high net worth individuals.