CommunityONE Bank recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly opened office in the Seven Lakes Plaza in Seven Lakes.

The new office is the bank's third location in Moore County and 45th in North Carolina.

Scott Kittrell, regional president for CommunityONE, served as master of ceremonies, while the invocation was given by Kenneth Hankins, senior pastor of Seven Lakes Baptist Church.

Michael C. Miller, president and CEO of CommunityONE, also spoke during the event.

"We're excited to open our third location in Moore County and are pleased to be a part of this outstanding community," Miller said. "Our new office is evidence that great things are happening at CommunityONE and in Seven Lakes as well."

Constructed of 10 $50 bills, a unique money ribbon was used for the ceremony. The ribbon represented the bank's $500 donation to West End Elementary School. Sherri Adams, manager of the new office, presented the gift to Johnnye Waller, president of West End Elementary School.

The new office differs from traditional branch banks, with extra emphasis on comfort and convenience, including gourmet coffees, free Internet access, children's play area and flat-panel television, just to name a few.

As a part of its grand opening, CommunityONE is giving away $1,000 to three lucky winners in its "PIN to Win" Sweepstakes. Anyone who visits the bank's new office on or before Feb. 18 can pick up a PIN that may open one of the three safes.

Anyone who opens a safe is an instant winner, with a drawing to be held at the end of the promotion for any unopened prizes.

The new office is in the Seven Lakes Plaza on Grant Street, and the phone number is 400-5182.

CommunityONE Bank is a subsidiary of FNB United Corp. and operates 45 offices in 38 communities throughout central, southern and western North Carolina. It opened in 1907 as the First National Bank of Asheboro. The bank has one subsidiary, Dover Mortgage Co., with headquarters in Charlotte.