Champion Credit Union Puts Mobile Banking Under the Holiday Tree

Champion is one of NC’s oldest credit unions. It was chartered with the assistance of a fellow named Roy Bergengren in 1932. For many years, it has served the employees of the paper mill in Canton, which is nestled in the mountains west of Asheville.

The future of the paper mill, like many manufacturing sites, is uncertain. And so in the past several years, the credit union has begun to diversify its membership. But old ways of doing things can sometimes impede future progress, and make competing in an open marketplace all the more difficult.

Kudos are due the team at Champion for taking the credit union in a new direction this year. CEO Mike Clayton and Marketing Director Jeremy Cook realized that Champion’s lack of convenience (technology) was not only preventing potential members from joining, but was the primary reason people were leaving the credit union.

As part of the “catch-up game” as Jeremy put it, Champion added online bill pay to their service mix in August, and nearly 300 members have signed up so far. Bill pay is one of the latest service enhancements the credit union has rolled out to make banking with Champion more flexible.

In 2008, the credit union is not about to slow down! Champion is beta-testing mobile banking through the end of the year, and plans to roll it out to members right after New Year’s Day. They’ve signed on with Symitar to provide the service. According to Jeremy, they’re the very first US credit union to sign on with Symitar to provide mobile banking.

Mobile banking is just getting its legs in the US marketplace. The Symitar product will allow Champion’s members to check balances, pay bills and move money using their cell phones. There is no charge to the member for using the service.

The credit union opened a branch in Arden in 2006, which is located near Asheville - a mecca for younger people. It will be interesting to follow the rollout and see how mobile banking, along with the other service enhancements, helps to attract new members.

At a minimum the tech enhancements should help to make banking more convenient for current members, while presenting a modern face to prospective members. Kudos to the team at Champion - as it celebrates 75 years helping members succeed financially, they’re laying a solid foundation for the next 75!