CANTON, N.C.–Champion Credit Union hosted elected officials, community leaders and partners at its new administrative building as part of a reception it said honored “the strength and resilience of the community following Hurricane Helene.”
The hurricane struck North Carolina in September 2024.
“Champion Credit Union has always been rooted in Canton, and this building is a testament to our commitment to this community and its people,” President and CEO Jake Robinson said in a statement. “We are proud to celebrate how far we’ve come together, and we are honored to share this moment with the leaders and neighbors who continue to make Canton strong.”
According to the $554-million Champion CU, the event brought together leaders and elected officials to “celebrate a milestone investment in Canton, the community where Champion Credit Union first began.”
Attendees included leaders from higher education, the credit union industry and government. Local officials present were Town of Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers, Alderman Ralph Hamlett, Alderwomen Gale Mull and Kristina Proctor, along with Haywood County commissioners Kevin Ensley, Brandon Rogers and Terry Ramey. Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, as well as representatives from the offices of Rep. Chuck Edwards and Gov. Josh Stein, were also in attendance and provided remarks to the group.
Guided Tours Offered
“Guests enjoyed networking opportunities and guided tours of the new facility, a space designed not only to serve the credit union’s growing team but also to symbolize a reinvestment in the town’s future,” the credit union said.
The design/build firm NewGround oversaw the project. Following the tours, attendees viewed a documentary produced by NewGround, “Weathering Every Storm: The Story of Canton,” which the CU said highlighted the remarkable resilience of Canton and its residents in the wake of events that have shaken the town in recent years — Tropical Storm Fred, the closing of the Evergreen Packaging paper mill, and Hurricane Helene in 2024.
