CANTON, Ohio – The Greater Stark County Urban League and 717 Credit Union have launched a co-branded Affinity Credit Card that gives back to the community with every use.
The new card will help fund programs led by the Urban League that support education, economic empowerment and community advancement throughout Stark County. A portion of every transaction will be reinvested directly into initiatives that build stronger, more equitable futures, a news release states.
“This Affinity Urban League card is more than a financial tool – it’s a symbol of shared purpose,” said Thomas West, president and CEO of the Greater Stark County Urban League. “Each transaction represents an investment in equity, access and opportunity for our community. We’re proud to partner with 717 Credit Union to turn everyday spending into lasting impact.
John Demmler, president and CEO of 717 Credit Union, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the initiative.
“At 717, we believe that banking should be about more than transactions – it should be about transformation,” he said. “Partnering with the Urban League on this Affinity Card reflects our mission to serve with purpose. When you bank local, you build local. This is one more way we’re investing in the people and places that make our communities strong.”
Pictured at top: From left are Meryleen Lightfoot, financial literacy coordinator for the Greater Stark County Urban League; Ralph Lee, Urban League board president; Thomas West, Urban League CEO and president; John Demmler, 717 Credit Union CEO and president; and Dorian Smith, 717 senior vice president of business development.