Powerful & Haywood EMC Craft a Modern Website With a Rural Heart
WAYNESVILLE, NC– Western North Carolina’s population is shifting, and Haywood EMC is meeting the moment. With a growing membership that now includes many newcomers to the area, the cooperative collaborated with Powerful to launch a website that welcomes this diversity while staying rooted in the local spirit that defines the community.
The redesign comes at a key time for Haywood EMC, which has served the region for more than 85 years. As new residents discover cooperative membership for the first time, the organization set out to create a digital experience that is modern, intuitive, and reflective of the landscapes and values that set Western North Carolina apart. Powerful Project Manager, Stacey Horton, shared that “the community that Haywood EMC serves has seen rapid growth over the past year and needed a website that was bold, welcoming, and shared their unique story with their new members.”
To achieve this, Haywood EMC chose Powerful’s premium design option, giving them the flexibility to create a site that feels both fresh and familiar. Horton noted that “by going the premium design route, they had the flexibility to cater to their site visitors in a way that made them feel at home.” The new website incorporates a natural color palette inspired by the region’s temperate rainforest, along with playful dot textures that add warmth and personality throughout the layout.
One of the most distinctive features is the illustrated footer, which showcases dairy farms, elk, waterfalls, forests, lakes, and recognizable mountain peaks. These visual elements reflect the cooperative’s service area across both districts and serve as a reminder that Haywood EMC is grounded in the land and the people it serves. Horton explained that highlighting these landmarks “provided the depth and community connection that the team was looking for.” She added that “this was such a fun project and the Haywood team was a true pleasure to work with.”
With its new website, Haywood EMC embraces growth while preserving the rural character and cooperative values that define its history. The result is a digital experience that welcomes every member, new or familiar, with a sense of place, pride, and belonging.
- RELATED: Haywood EMC Web Design Case Study
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered website designs for utility companies, enhancing digital interactions through innovative design and advanced technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences. Specializing in functionality, visitor experience, and accessibility, Powerful tailors each project to the unique needs of their clients, ensuring websites are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing websites, their team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of each client, crafting solutions that foster meaningful connections and drive engagement. Through a meticulous design process and commitment to excellence, Powerful helps utilities connect more effectively with their communities, providing websites that both inform and inspire.
About Haywood EMC
Haywood Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving members across Western North Carolina. For more than 85 years, the cooperative has focused on delivering dependable service and supporting the communities it calls home.
