Champion Credit Union has seven office locations that serve Western North Carolina and has been part of the community for more than 92 years. “We believe in passionately impacting our community, helping to make lives better today than they were yesterday,” says Lorinda Whaley, director of member experience. Champion Credit Union’s Arden location is conveniently located close to Biltmore Park at 2311 Hendersonville Road.

During a time when businesses were failing across the country, a small paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, was thriving, necessitating a safe place for employees to save their money. In 1932, seven employees of Champion Paper Fiber Company joined together to create Champion Savings and Loan, known today as Champion Credit Union. “Champion Credit Union offers a full range of financial products and services for both personal and business accounts that help our members thrive in today’s economy,” Lorinda says.

“We are a financial institution, but we serve our members beyond their finances and support them in every aspect of their lives,” she continues. “Understanding the profound impact that finances have on overall well-being, we strive to be an integral part of our members’ journeys, allowing them and their families to experience more in life.”

Champion Credit Union offers financial services and financial counseling, and extends a helping hand during difficult times with its Member Relief Fund. “We want members and their families to see us as a resource, as a partner and as friends,” Lorinda says.

Always adding value to the lives of members and the greater WNC community, Champion Credit Union recently held its first Community CONNECT Speaker Series networking event with Harvard law graduate, author and former NFL coach Daron K. Roberts at the Hilton Asheville in Biltmore Park Town Square. “We are about fostering growth and leadership within our team and believe in extending those opportunities to students, business partners, entrepreneurs and other leaders within our community,” Lorinda says. These free community events will happen semiannually.

“Community involvement is at the forefront of our organization, and we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we call home,” she says.

Champion Credit Union contributes to the community and schools by fixing up Little League fields, teaching financial literacy in schools, lending a hand to build a local home, volunteering at animal shelters and much more. “We believe in passionately impacting the communities that we serve,” Lorinda says. “To us that means more than simply writing a check. It means giving back through hands-on service.”

Champion Credit Union was proudly named to the Great Employers to Work For in North Carolina 2024 list and the Best Companies Group for the seventh year in a row. This year Champion Credit Union was ranked as one of the 2024 Best Credit Unions to Work For by American Banker.

“Champion Credit Union is only as good as the team who works for us,” Lorinda says. “We have some amazing employees who truly love our members and who love serving them and going alongside them not only on their financial journeys, but through their lives.” 

Visit championcu.com.