Canton, NC (October 6, 2025) |
Champion Credit Union welcomed elected officials, community leaders, and partners to its new administrative building in Canton, North Carolina, on Tuesday, October 2nd for a special reception honoring the strength and resilience of the community following Hurricane Helene.
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. Representative Jennifer Balkcom, as well as representatives from the offices of Congressman Chuck Edwards and Governor Stein, were also in attendance and provided remarks to the group.
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.
In partnership with NewGround, a premier design-build firm for financial institutions, Champion Credit Union transformed the vision for the new headquarters into reality. NewGround’s commitment to seeing the project through was instrumental in creating a space that both meets Champion’s needs and makes a lasting, positive impact on the community.
Following the tours, attendees viewed a documentary produced by NewGround, Weathering Every Storm: The Story of Canton, that 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 Evergreen Packaging paper mill, and Hurricane Helene in 2024. The program concluded with remarks from elected officials, who spoke about the significance of the new facility and the power of collaboration in strengthening Western North Carolina communities.
“Champion Credit Union has always been rooted in Canton, and this building is a testament to our commitment to this community and its people,” said Jake Robinson, President and CEO of Champion Credit Union. “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.”
The new administrative building not only enhances Champion Credit Union’s capacity to serve its members but also reflects the organization’s mission to passionately impact communities and help members Experience More.
