COLLINS FILES TO RUN FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 25 SEAT Jeff Collins 2.11.2010

ROCKY MOUNT, NC: Today, Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Collins (R-Rocky Mount) filed for the N.C. House of Representatives District 25 seat. His primary concern is to make North Carolina a more attractive state for potential employers to locate their businesses. Collins is a lifelong resident of Nash County. He graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1974 and from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1978. He is a financial consultant with AXA Advisors, LLC, a global financial services firm. In his work, he helps individuals and small businesses with insurance and investment decisions and placements. In announcing his candidacy, Collins said, “I am concerned that our state tax policy is making it increasingly difficult for any community in North Carolina to attract businesses. I am also appalled that in a recession, when citizens are asked to tighten their belts, the General Assembly has responded with increased spending and higher taxes.” Collins serves on the Rocky Mount Human Relations Commission and just completed a two-year stint as interim pastor of Rocky Mount Bible Church. In the late 1980s, he served for several years as volunteer pastor for a church comprised of Haitian migrant workers that lived in Nash County from May-October. In 1992, he helped found Faith Christian School, a nondenominational school in Rocky Mount, and served on its board for five years. Collins has also served in a number of capacities, both on a local and state level, with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He has served twice as NAIFA-Rocky Mount president, and in 2002 he was named Advisor of the Year for that association. Last year, Collins chaired the NAIFA-NC Political Action Committee. He also served NAIFA-NC as its Northeast Area Vice President. “I’ve never entertained any ambitions for political office,” Collins said. “But for the last dozen years I have gone to Washington and to Raleigh to meet with our legislators and speak on behalf of my financial clients. I have worked hard to convince legislators to keep the tax man out of our life insurance, annuities, pensions, and other savings vehicles.” “When I was asked to consider running for the state house, it was similar to when I was asked to serve my church as interim pastor. Rather than asking why I should do it, I asked, ‘Why shouldn’t I do it?’ I believe God prepares each of us to serve in particular ways at specific times in our lives. I believe my experiences as a laborer, an educator, a pastor, a businessman, a husband, and a father have prepared me to help the people of Nash County and North Carolina as a whole.” Collins has been married to his wife, Beanie, for 28 years. Their three grown children live in Rocky Mount, Raleigh, and Hartselle, Alabama.

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