Centier Reports First Quarter Financial Results

Centier Bank reported its first quarter financial results, ending March 31, 2013. Total Assets ended the first quarter at $2.23 billion, a growth of $23 million or 1% for the quarter. Earnings for the first quarter were $7.1 million, which was a 1.32% Return on Average Assets and an improvement over the $5.7 million earned in the first quarter of the prior year. Total capital increased to $216 million and the Bank remains well capitalized by the regulatory standards. Deposits increased $68 million, nearly 4% from the 2012 year end level of $1.89 billion.

Mortgage banking revenues were $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2013, a 105% increase over revenues for the same period last year. “The mortgage market is steadily showing signs of recovery,” stated Michael E. Schrage, President and CEO of Centier Bank. “Our mortgage lending division is working with local realtors and developers to get families into new homes and to help refinance existing homes.”

In addition to its strong financial performance, Centier was named among the top “Best Places to Work in Indiana” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for the seventh consecutive year and was named “Best Bank for Business” by the Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly magazine for the eleventh straight year. Centier was also voted “Neighbor’s Choice Best Bank” in Lake and Porter Counties by the Post-Tribune and The Times’ Best of the Region, sweeping the #1 spot for Best Bank, Best Place to Work, Best Customer Service, and Best Financial Advisor.

“We are honored to be so highly regarded in the communities we serve,” stated Schrage. “We appreciate the faith and loyalty of our clients as Centier’s brand and reputation for excellence increases.”

In the first quarter of 2013, Centier Bank opened its first retail banking establishment in Fort Wayne inside of Kroger Marketplace on DuPont Road. The full-service retail branch complements Centier’s Business Banking Center that has been servicing business clients since opening in 2008.

This month, as Centier celebrates its 118th anniversary as an independently owned and operated community bank, the bank is looking forward to continued growth in 2013. Centier Bank will soon open a branch inside of the new Merrillville Ultra branch, which is moving across the street from its current location on Broadway. Next, the bank will open an in-store branch inside of the new Cedar Lake Strack & Van Til’s, and this summer will open a branch inside of Hammond Van Til’s. Renovations of the Crown Point Downtown branch, located at 117 E. Joliet Street, will be completed this June, and shortly thereafter, the branch will open its new Valparaiso South branch.

“It looks to be an exciting year ahead,” stated Schrage. “I appreciate the loyalty and support of our clients and the communities we continue to serve.”

Centier is now the largest privately-owned independent bank in Indiana and remains committed to being owned and operated by the Schrage family in the future. Centier has 46 branch locations throughout Northern Indiana, including business banking centers in Mishawaka and Fort Wayne, and a loan production office serving Carmel/Indianapolis.

{ 0 comments }

Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel to Host Third Health and Wellness Fair

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel, in effort to help create a healthier Hammond,will host its third Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 13, 2013.  This is the third health fair in a series that focuses on distinct lifestyle lessons:  Physical Exercise, Healthy Eating, and Community Gardening.  The event is scheduled to take place at Morton High School from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Health and Wellness Fair is free and open to the public.  The event will showcase local businesses, civic groups, and agencies that promote healthy eating, physical exercise, and other activities that promote the quality of health for children and adults. Previous health fairs featured vendors from Walgreens, Staggers Chiropractic, and students from Purdue University’s Nutrition program.

Licensed representatives from Franciscan Alliance Group will be onsite to provide blood pressure testing and glucose screenings, free ofcharge.  All attendees may enter to win raffle prizes donated by sponsors.

The focus of the fair is to engage people of all ages in healthy practices for their day-to-day well being.  The previous fairs, held at Harding and Morton Elementary schools, drew hundreds of parents and students from the greater Hammond community.

Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel has joined in partnership with Grow NWI to sponsor a community garden at Morton High School.  The garden, which will harvest vegetables during the year, will be housed in the center courtyard of the school.  The high school environmental class, as well as the PTA will maintain the garden throughout the year.  Students from Purdue University, the Hammond Community Advisory Panel, and Grow NWI, will plant vegetables during Saturday’s event.

“We expect that this garden will produce hundreds of pounds of fresh, health vegetables for families,” stated Art Russell, Hammond Community Advisory Panel member and Director of Community Lending at Centier Bank.  “Our plan is to return to the school once all of the vegetables are harvested and host a seminar on how to prepare fresh foods for a healthy meal.  We want to teach families how to care for their food and how to care for themselves,” Russell continued.  “We are engaging families in learning healthier eating habits that will pass from generation to generation.”

{ 0 comments }

Financial Literacy Fair for Educators

Centier held  its’ 7th annual FREE Financial Literacy Fair for Educators on March 20, 2013 at the Centier Centre in Merrillville.  The fair was open to educators in school systems and those working with non-profit organizations.  This year’s presenters included representatives from Centier, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Indiana Council for Economic Education, Indiana University Northwest, Junior Achievement and the Northwest Indiana Education Service Center.

Recognizing the importance of financial education, Centier Bank continues to promote financial wellness through a myriad of efforts and annually offers their findings to all educators in the area.  Dian Reyome, Centier Financial Capabilities Coordinator, stated “Increasing one’s financial understanding increases one’s financial capability which, in turn, increases one’s quality of  life.  Centier is proud to offer this event and be involved in many others, including Bank On Northwest Indiana and Money Smart Week.”

Educators came from many different walks of life.  Earline Williams, West Side Leadership Academy teacher, noted “The presentations and resources were excellent.  As an educator, the information was superior.  I received personal benefits, as well.”  Penny Triezenberg, Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity, commented “It was only my first year; but I loved it.”  Haneefah Abdul, Sylvan Learning Center, stated “I received a ton of information and enlightenment not only for my students, but also for myself.”  And, John Lopez, McColly Real Estate, said that “The presentations and materials absolutely filled my needs; was very happy I came!”

For more information contact Dian Reyome, Centier Financial Capabilities Coordinator, at dreyome@centier.com or 219-755-6140 x 1832.

{ 0 comments }

Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel to Host Health and Wellness Fairs

Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel, in effort to help create a healthier Hammond, will host its second Health and Wellness Fairs this week. This is the second health fair in a series that focuses on distinct lifestyle lessons: Physical Exercise, Healthy Eating, and Community Gardening. The event is scheduled to take place at Morton Elementary School on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Health and Wellness Fairs are free and open to the public. Each event will showcase local businesses, civic groups, and agencies that promote healthy eating, physical exercise, and other activities that promote the quality of health for children and adults.

The first fair, which took place at Harding Elementary, was a great success. Hundreds of students and their parents joined in lessons on heart health, exercise, and gardening.

A licensed nutritionist will be present at each of the events. In addition, students from Purdue Calumet will be conducting presentations on nutrition and diabetes at each fair. Licensed representatives from Franciscan Alliance Group will be onsite to provide blood pressure testing and glucose screenings, free of charge. All attendees may enter to win raffle prizes donated by sponsors.

“Our mission is to provide an event that is accessible to all ages, because we are teaching lifestyle lessons for the entire family,” stated Art Russell, Hammond Community Advisory Panel member and Director of Community Lending at Centier Bank. “We are offering student activities at these fairs so that parents will bring their children along to see healthy role models in action.”

The next health and wellness fair will take place:

Morton High School

Saturday, April 13, 2013

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Community Gardening

About Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel

Established in 2012, the Hammond Community Advisory Panel is comprised of business and community leaders who have dedicated their lives to improving the economy, quality of life, education, and overall progress of the Hammond community. Centier Bank developed the panel in part to aid in Hammond’s consolidated plan and analysis of impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The seven-member panel is comprised of community leaders who have made a distinct impression on the citizens of Hammond.

{ 0 comments }

Traylor Joins Centier

Bryan Traylor2Michael E. Schrage, President and CEO of Centier Bank, announced that Bryan Traylor has joined Centier Bank as Vice President and Sales Manager of Residential Mortgage Lending. Traylor’s office is located at 11611 Meridian Street – Suite 175, Carmel, Indiana.

Traylor joins Centier as a seasoned mortgage loan officer with years of experience serving Indiana residents. As sales manager, Traylor will oversee Centier Bank’s growing team of mortgage loan originators in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka, Lafayette, and Carmel, Indiana.

Traylor is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a major in Finance. He serves as president of the board of directors for the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Lindsay, reside in Zionsville with their two children.

{ 1 comment }

Fairbanks Joins Centier

Mark FairbanksMichael E. Schrage, President and CEO of Centier Bank, announced that Mark Fairbanks has joined Centier Bank as Mortgage Loan Officer.  Fairbanks’ office is located at Centier’s Mishawaka Business Banking Center, 4215 Edison Lakes Parkway, Suite 100.  He can be reached at (574) 243-2922.

Fairbanks joins Centier with more than 25 years in the financial services industry. He is an experienced mortgage lender and is a key member of Centier’s growing Mortgage Lending division in Mishawaka and the greater South Bend area.

“Mark Fairbanks is a great addition to our residential lending division in Mishawaka,” stated Jack Barkley, Vice President and Director of Centier’s Residential Division.  “We are looking forward to a very productive relationship with the Mishawaka real estate community, and are eager to partner with residents who are obtaining the American dream of home ownership.”

{ 0 comments }

Flint-Sieradzki Joins Centier

Sheila_Sieradzki1Michael E. Schrage, President and CEO of Centier Bank, announced that Sheila Flint-Sieradzki has joined Centier Bank as Vice President.  Flint-Sieradzki will serve as business banker at Centier’s Mishawaka Business Banking Center 4215 Edison Lakes Parkway, Suite 100.  She can be reached at (574) 243-2822.

Flint-Sieradzki joins Centier Bank with more than 25 years of experience in banking and finance.  Her knowledge of the local business environment in St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, and Marshall Counties make her a trusted financial advisor among her clients.

Flint-Sieradzki holds her Series 6/63 Investment License and Indiana Life Insurance License.

{ 0 comments }

Hammond Community Advisory Panel To Host Health And Wellness Fairs

The Hammond Community Advisory Panel, in effort to help create a healthier Hammond, will host three Health and Wellness Fairs this spring. Each fair will feature a distinct lifestyle focus: Physical Exercise, Healthy Eating, and Community Gardening. The first event is scheduled to take place at Harding Elementary School on Thursday, March 21, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Health and Wellness Fairs are free and open to the public. Each event will showcase local businesses, civic groups, and agencies that promote healthy eating, physical exercise, and other activities that promote the quality of health for children and adults.

A licensed nutritionist will be present at each of the events. In addition, students from Purdue Calumet will be conducting presentations on nutrition and diabetes at each fair. Licensed representatives from Franciscan Alliance Group will be onsite to provide blood pressure testing and glucose screenings, free of charge. All attendees may enter to win raffle prizes donated by sponsors.

“Our mission is to provide an event that is accessible to all ages, because we are teaching lifestyle lessons for the entire family,” stated Art Russell, Hammond Community Advisory Panel member and Director of Community Lending at Centier Bank. “We are offering student activities at these fairs so that parents will bring their children along to see healthy role models in action.”

Additional Health and Wellness Fairs will take place:

  • Morton Elementary School – Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Healthy Eating
  • Morton High School – Saturday, April 13, 2013 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Community Gardening

About Centier Bank’s Hammond Community Advisory Panel

Established in 2012, the Hammond Community Advisory Panel is comprised of business and community leaders who have dedicated their lives to improving the economy, quality of life, education, and overall progress of the Hammond community. Centier Bank developed the panel in part to aid in Hammond’s consolidated plan and analysis of impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The seven-member panel is comprised of community leaders who have made a distinct impression on the citizens of Hammond.

{ 0 comments }

Centier Plans For New Fort Wayne Branch

Michael E. Schrage, President and CEO of Centier Bank, announced plans to open a new branch inside of Kroger Marketplace, 601 E. DuPont Road. The new grocery store branch is planned to open in April 2013, following the remodel of a space formerly occupied by Salin Bank.

This is Centier Bank’s first retail branch establishment in Fort Wayne. Founded in 1895, Centier Bank is the largest privately-owned independent bank in Indiana, with more than 45 banking locations across Northwest and Northern Indiana. In 2008, Centier entered the Fort Wayne market by opening a commercial loan production office on DuPont Road. Since then, business lending services have expanded along with the bank’s team of lenders. The bank is currently expanding its mortgage lending team in Fort Wayne and is now hiring mortgage loan originators for its DuPont loan production office. Consumer interest in a retail establishment led to plans to grow the bank within Fort Wayne market.

“We’re pleased to expand our personal banking services to the great community of Fort Wayne,” stated Schrage. “Now, both businesses and consumers will come to know the Centier experience. As a community bank, Centier continues a legacy that is committed to the principals of hometown banking and building relationships, while offering clients the convenience and services associated with electronic banking…I believe we offer a banking experience that many Fort Wayne citizens are searching for.”

Scheduled renovations will begin in March. The 609 square foot office will feature four teller windows, a new accounts office, a night drop, and a 24-hour ATM.

Centier Bank has convenient banking services in counties across Indiana, including Allen, Hamilton, Lake, La Porte, Marshall, Porter, St. Joseph, and Tippecanoe.

{ 0 comments }

Centier Reports Year End Results

Centier Bank reported earnings of $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This is a 48% increase over the $16.7 million earned in 2011. The Bank continued to bolster its well-capitalized position with total equity capital increasing to $201 million, an 11% increase over 2011. Total Assets increased 3.7% to $2.203 billion. Business loans showed an increase of $81 million to $1.264 billion; a 6.8% increase.

The Bank continues to see an extremely active residential mortgage market and has helped 1,364customers purchase or refinance their mortgages on more than $207 million of home loans in 2012. Loan delinquencies continue to improve significantly and loan losses have been reduced by over $10 million from the prior year. This has been the largest contributing factor to the earnings improvement in 2012. The Bank remains well capitalized by all regulatory standards.

With a continued eye on technological advancement, Centier introduced mobile banking to its line of services in 2012, accommodating the growing needs of its clients. “We’ve identified a growing shift in the number of people who are banking on the go,” stated Mike Schrage, Centier Bank President and CEO. “More than 20% of our current client base utilize mobile or tablet banking devices on a regular basis – and that number is growing.”

“Clients want responsive and ready access to services and our support teams at all times, which is why we’ve improved communication tools to help with that process,” Schrage continued. “Our social networking efforts have resulted in last year’s milestone achievement of reaching more than 10,000 Likes on Facebook.”

In addition to enhancing communication channels, in 2012 Centier joined a new partnership with the MoneyPass ATM network, offering Centier clients free nationwide access to more than 23,000 ATMs with no surcharges. This added banking convenience is ideal for commuters, frequent travelers, and students living out of Centier’s retail service area.

“Centier turned the corner as a community bank that offers nationwide services – by becoming an anchor partner in the Indiana MoneyPass network,” stated Schrage. “As such, we are able to give our clients free ATM access to more than 23,000 ATMs across the nation. This is a great convenience to many of our clients who travel outside of our service area and need to access their funds from a non-Centier ATM location.”

In 2013, Centier will continue to grow its physical service network with six planned grand openings during the late spring and early summer months. Centier is in the process of rebuilding its Crown Point Downtown and Valparaiso South branches. The new Crown Point Downtown branch opened this week, with outside construction on a commons area and landscaping to be completed later this year. Centier is also looking forward to opening three new grocery store branch locations in the new Cedar Lake Strack & Van Til store, Hammond Van Til’s store, and the Fort Wayne Kroger this spring.

In addition to retail expansion, Centier Bank is expanding service teams at its loan production offices in Mishawaka, Fort Wayne, and Carmel.  Schrage notes that the bank has already hired many seasoned mortgage loan originators at these locations to join Centier’s expanding team.

“We’ve had an outstanding year in mortgage lending and are looking forward to growing and making more loans in our communities,” stated Schrage.

For the sixth year in a row, Centier was listed among the top 10 employers in the state of Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Centier Bank has been named “Best Bank for Business” for the past ten years by the Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly publication and was listed on the Indiana Chamber’s “Best Places to Work” top ten list for the past six years.

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries