New leadership, branches, and milestones prove Who You Bank With Matters
Centier Bank, Indiana’s largest private, family-owned bank in Indiana, is proud to announce its growth and expansion efforts in 2023. Throughout the first half of the year, Centier has welcomed new leaders, announced plans for new branches, achieved significant financial milestones, and enhanced its purpose-driven mission to bring even greater value to its clients and associates.
“Our continued investment in leadership and our communities has provided extraordinary momentum to continue our strong, 128-year legacy of serving hometown banking across the state,” explained Mike Schrage, CEO and Chairman of Centier Bank. “Building a strong network of experienced bankers who understand their clients and the needs of their communities has sustained our growth and has demonstrated that who you bank with matters.”
New Leadership Drives Innovation and Collaboration
Centier Bank is thrilled to introduce its newest leaders, banking professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. On Jan. 1, Chris Campbell was appointed by the Board of Directors as Centier Bank President, along with Anthony Contrucci who was named as the President of First Bancshares, Inc., Centier’s holding company.
Among the talented professionals who have joined Centier Bank in the past year are Tanya Leetz, Director of Deposit Operations; Armon Curd, Client Contact Center Director; and Donald Rome, Chief Information Officer. New market presidents have also joined the organization: Doug Wood in Fort Wayne and Timothy Schooler in Lafayette. These exceptional individuals, in key roles within Centier Bank's expanding markets, are ready to make a positive impact and uphold the bank's commitment to exceptional customer service, innovation, and community engagement.
Investing in Indiana Communities
Centier Bank recently announced the groundbreaking of a new branch in Cedar Lake, Ind. This new branch will be the Cedar Lake home to Centier Bank, which currently has an in-store branch at Strack and Van Til. It will serve as a testament to Centier Bank's commitment to expanding its footprint and providing convenient access to exceptional financial services.
In response to the growing needs of the community and changes in the way people bank, Centier Bank has focused on renovating several banking centers to modernize amenities and spaces, elevating the banking experience for clients and lifestyles. Remodels at several banking centers, including Lowell, Schererville, and Valparaiso East, have been completed, with plans for additional branches to receive updated interiors.
At a time in which other banks are merging or abandoning communities, Centier is investing in Indiana and reaffirming its Not For Sale promise to remain independent and family-owned for generations to come.
Financial Milestones and Accolades
Centier Bank is delighted to have achieved several notable financial milestones in 2023, surpassing $7.5 billion in assets, increasing total deposits by 14 percent year over year and loans by 24 percent year over year. The bank's continued success is a testament to its commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing banking landscape.
“This remarkable growth not only demonstrates Centier Bank's robust financial strength but also reflects the unwavering trust and support of Centier’s valued clients, reaffirming our ability to continue delivering exceptional banking services to its communities,” Schrage explained.
Forbes ranked Centier as #3 on the Indiana Best-in-State Banks list, making Centier the only bank to appear on the list for the last six consecutive years. The Indiana Chamber also recognized Centier Bank as #3 out of 17 large companies at its annual Best Places to Work Awards for the 17th consecutive year. Centier also received the Community Lender and Third Party Lender awards from the Indiana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Northwest Indiana Times Readers voted Centier the #1 Best Bank and Mike Schrage the #1 Best CEO in the Region in its annual Best of The Region Awards, while Northwest Indiana Business Magazine’s readers helped place Centier in the #1 spot as the best bank for business, customer service, business loan, investment firm, and best company to work for in Northwest Indiana.
These accolades validate the bank's commitment to serving as a leading example for financial services, customer service, and employee satisfaction, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for individuals, families, and businesses.
In a world where personal connections and community support are valued more than ever, Centier Bank firmly believes that who you bank with matters. Centier’s legacy of trust, reliability, and unwavering commitment to its clients and communities reinforces the importance of choosing a bank that truly understands and invests in a better tomorrow. For more information about Centier Bank, go to centier.com.
About Centier Bank
Centier Bank is Indiana’s largest private, family-owned bank, having served hometown banking across communities since 1895. With a purpose of enriching lives through financial guidance for an even better tomorrow, Centier Bank currently has over 60 offices, serving in 35 communities across 11 counties with over 1,000 associates.
