A Message from Mike

Letter from the President

In April, Centier celebrates its 115th anniversary as a Schrage family-owned and operated, independent community bank.  This longevity is attributable to four-generations of continued Schrage family ownership, value-driven service, and a promise to remain an independent community bank.

Unlike other area banks, Centier truly values its independence and did not accept Government Bailout Money (TARP) to increase the Bank’s capital and give the government an ownership interest in the Bank.  Instead, Centier raised its own capital to be well capitalized without resorting to the inclusion of government funds. As of December 31, 2009, Centier remained “well-capitalized” by all regulatory standards.

This decision fulfills our promise to the families, businesses, and communities of North/Northwest Indiana to remain independently owned and operated.  The decision not to accept government bailout money was made in the best interest of our bank, our clients, and our community – Centier proudly remains “Not for Sale”.

In 2009, Centier continued to meet the needs of its communities by lending out record levels of money to businesses and families.  Centier, experienced a milestone year, with record business loan growth of over 31% ($254 million) to $1.07 billion, and consumer loan growth of 14% ($30 million). 

Centier was recognized and awarded with many local and statewide honors in 2009, including:

• #4 “Best Places to Work” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce
• “Best Bank for Business” by Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly (seven years in a row)
• “Most Active Partner” for 504 SBA Loans by the Regional Development Company
• “Best of the Region” by The Times newsreaders

 As a community bank, our outreach was critical during a challenging economic year.  In addition to hosting a number of financial literacy presentations throughout the region, our team of lenders worked side-by-side with clients, businesses, and consumer credit counseling agencies to assist families and businesses in need of loans.  By following sound business practices and remaining true to our vision “to be the bank of choice preserving independent community banking in N/NW Indiana”, Centier is on a solid path toward continued success.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Schrage
President