Horizon Bank Invests in Internet Technology for the Town of Westville

horizon-building-laporteHorizon Bank is helping to bring fiber optics to the town of Westville, Indiana, making it possible for the local bank branch — as well as other businesses and individuals — to take advantage of high speed internet connections.

The technology is being installed by Automated Data Systems, Inc. (ADS), via an extension from the existing fiber optic network in LaPorte, with services provided by Acme Communications. The upgrade is being done as part of the merger between Horizon Bank and LaPorte Savings Bank. With enhanced internet services, the Westville location will now have speeds of up to 40 GB both up and down.

Horizon has made a capital investment of about $250,000 to help bring these services to the town, for the benefit of the branch and the community as a whole.

“At the new Horizon Bank site, it’s about getting higher speed connections for the branch operations,” says Joe Henrich, Vice President of Technology for the bank. “We’ll have the ability to conduct training sessions online. And if a customer needs to speak with an expert from another Horizon location, we can get them connected right away. It allows us to make live, real-time communication possible. Without this, they have to talk on the phone, and they can’t see the same things at the same time.”

Horizon’s role in getting the technology to town is part of its ongoing commitment to serving the local communities in which it works. It’s a similar philosophy to that of LaPorte Savings Bank, and Horizon is pleased to bring this same dedication to the area as the banks become one.

The technology is expected to be up and running at the Westville Horizon branch in October. Once the new network is completed to the town, Richey says additional buildouts will begin on the north side, and continue throughout town, based on demand and logistics. “Acme will provide information on availability and pricing,” he adds.

William Richey of ADS notes that the total cost is about $1,000,000, including contributions from Acme. “The investment will bring Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) technology to Westville residences, businesses, local government, and schools,” he says.

Horizon Bancorp is a locally owned, independent, commercial bank holding company serving Northern and Central Indiana and Southwest and Central Michigan through its commercial banking subsidiary Horizon Bank, NA. Horizon also offers mortgage-banking services throughout the Midwest. Horizon Bancorp may be reached online at www.horizonbank.com. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HBNC.