What Is SCBA BankPAC?
The SCBA BankPAC is the Political Action Committee of the South Carolina Bankers Association. It is an independent non-partisan organization operating in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. It is a voluntary, non-profit committee of officers, directors and employees of financial institutions interested in the future welfare of the banking industry and concerned with State and Federal legislation affecting the industry.

Why is BankPAC important to me?
Since you are affiliated with a business whose welfare depends largely on governmental decisions, it becomes important that the business in general supports candidates who share our ideals of a strong and effective government which responds to the needs of the business community. Other organizations including credit unions and non-bank competitors sponsor extremely influential political action committees which support candidates sympathetic to their point to view.

SCBA BankPAC ensures that your individual political contribution works harder and goes further by pooling it with the contributions of other bankers.

Why was BankPAC formed?
It was established to serve as a political education and action arm of the banking business in South Carolina to promote and directly support, both financially and otherwise, legislators and elected governmental officials who are likewise concerned with legislation and/or regulations affecting the future welfare of the banking business.

Is BankPAC affiliated with any political party?
BankPAC is totally non-partisan. It is not affiliated with any political party. The programs and platforms of the individual candidate determine who BankPAC supports.

Will BankPAC participate in national and/or state elections?
BankPAC will provide support to individual candidates for the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate and other state offices. It will also provide funds to the South Carolina Congressional candidates. BankPAC is affiliated with the National BankPAC Committee of the American Bankers Association.

How will worthy candidates be selected?
Shortly before each election, the SCBA BankPAC Committee will meet and determine those candidates who will receive contributions based on their interest in the problems of the banking industry. The Committee receives suggestions from those persons within the industry prior to making these decisions and no party affiliation is considered.

A complete statement of contributions to candidates is available upon request to any person who has contributed to BankPAC.

Who serves on the SCBA BankPAC Board of
Directors and Selection Subcommittee?
The BankPAC Board of Directors is composed of the six (6) South Carolina Bankers Association Group Directors.

The Selection Subcommittee which determines the recipients as well as the amount to be contributed, consists of The SCBA Chairman, Chairman-Elect, First Vice Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman, the six (6) Group Directors and the Chairmen of the State and Federal Legislative Committees.

Why a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A PAC is the only proven, legal method for a group of individuals, representing a particular business, to successfully raise funds for the purpose of making significant campaign contributions to persons running for office who are known to be interested in the problems of that industry. The key words here are “proven”…PACs do work as those in other states and the one administered nationally on behalf of our industry have excellent records of success; “legal” …a PAC, if set up properly such as this one is in compliance with both federal and state statutes.

Is there a goal or formula for giving?
The amount you give is up to you. Your voluntary contribution will be appreciated and used effectively. Therefore you are free to contribute more or less.

Below are suggested contribution amount based on annual income. You may use them as a guide when deciding how much to contribute but your decision and the amount you contribute are strictly voluntary. You will not suffer any reprisals, receive any favors or disadvantages due to the amount you contribute or your decision not to contribute.

Contributions of any amount – no matter how small – are welcomed and appreciated. The BankPAC Board has suggested goals for directors, officers, and employees, a schedule of which follows:

Annual                 Suggested
Income                 Amount

$10,000 - $15,000 - $25.00
$15,000 - $20,000 - $30.00
$20,000 - $30,000 - $50.00
$30,000 - $50,000 - $75.00
$50,000 and above - $100.00

Can there be PAC-to-PAC contributions?
The SCBA State BankPAC may accept a contribution from another PAC.