Mike Clayton and Champion Credit Union have been given the “Standing Award” by the N.C. Community Action Association for their outstanding contributions.

The Canton-based business, with branches in Waynesville and Arden, received the Gloria M. Williams Award. This award is presented annually to a corporation, foundation or other valuable partner that has advanced the cause of the North Carolina Community Action Association or one of its members. The focus of this award is substantial financial, volunteer or political support of the association or one of its members.

Sharon Goodson, executive director of the North Carolina Community Action Association, said the Standing Award recipients are inspiring leaders who have become agents of change in the fight against poverty.

Patsy Dowling, executive director of Mountain Projects, submitted the nomination, writing that Champion Credit Union, under the leadership of Mike Clayton, came to the table with resources and a commitment to help to help meet basic human needs in the area.

“He helped organize and became the sponsor a Share the Warmth benefit concert and has continued his sponsorship for four years,” Dowling said. “This concert has raised a total of more than $30,000.  In addition to sponsoring the event Mike and his staff purchased two large screen TVs and sold raffle tickets to increase the funds raised.  He and his staff volunteer hundreds of man hours to the success of this event by not only selling tickets and organizing but also by working at the event and baking goods to be sold.  They even direct traffic if needed.”

Champion Credit Union is a leader the the “Million Coin Campaign: Cash Conquers Cold” campaign and an active member in the local chamber of commerce.

“Often when I say thank you to Mike, his response is ‘it is the right thing to do,’” Dowling said. “He does not mind to share this view with others in our business community. He has been a voice and reached those who we are more challenged to reach in a different world of business leaders. He does not mind to share the profits of the Credit Union with low income residents of our community."