The deal is done, and Horizon Bank says "two great banks have become one." The union of two of the largest community banks in LaPorte County has been completed, expanding Horizon Bank’s branch network to fifty-four offices throughout northern and central Indiana and southern Michigan, including several offices in St. Joseph.
Effective today, Monday, October 24th, all LaPorte Savings Bank signs have been changed to Horizon and systems integration is complete. All LaPorte Savings Bank customer accounts have been transferred to Horizon with no action required on the part of the customer. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible for LaPorte Savings’ customers their checks, direct deposits, payments, and account numbers have also remained unchanged.
Craig Dwight is Chairman of the Board & CEO at Horizon Bank. He says, “We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to continuing the proud legacy of service and commitment to the community by The LaPorte Savings Bank.” He adds, “To continue to show our support to the community, Horizon has pledged $50,000 in annual contributions to the greater LaPorte nonprofit organizations over the next five years.”
Due to the shared markets that were served by both banks, three offices have been consolidated into nearby branches – most less than a mile away. The offices consolidated were The LaPorte Savings Bank’s branches in Michigan City, Chesterton, and LaPorte’s west side location on State Road 2. As part of this office consolidation, Horizon has retained all the retail branch personnel so former LaPorte Savings customers will still have familiar and friendly faces available to assist them with their banking needs.
CEO Dwight says, “Our shared customers can now do their banking at any Horizon branch they choose – giving them greater access and convenience.” He concludes, “Horizon is truly fortunate to have a tremendous team of advisors that worked very hard to complete this integration. Together, we look forward to continued growth and success from our home base right here in LaPorte County.”
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, N.A. Horizon also offers mortgage-banking services throughout the Midwest. Horizon may be reached online at www.horizonbank.com.
