MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., February 28th, 2023 — Horizon Bank is honored to announce the celebration of 150 years of service as a leading community bank in Indiana and Michigan. This milestone provides a clear point for reflection on the Banks last century and a half of service. 

Horizon received its first charter under the name of First National Bank in April 1873. The pillars outside the Bank’s headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana still stand from the original location 150 years ago. During the last 150 years, Horizon has grown from a single location in northwest Indiana to over 70 locations, in 40 counties throughout Indiana and Michigan with over $7 billion in assets.

The celebratory mantra “150 Years Strong” planned by the Bank is a direct affirmation of its remarkable legacy. Not only has the Bank survived significant moments like the great depression, world wars and the great recession; the Bank has also been instrumental in ensuring generations of families and communities continue to thrive. 

“It’s been the privilege of my lifetime to lead this great organization for the last 25 years – continuing a legacy of community banking that has stood the test of time. We will use this milestone to thank our talented Advisors who make this an exceptional place to work, our customers and shareholders for continuing to put their trust in us, and the communities we call home for being a part of our story,” remarked Craig M. Dwight, Chairman and CEO of Horizon Bank.

Celebrating Customers and Communities

Horizon is a community bank at its core which means its offerings, from first time homebuyer options to business loans and financial wellness programs are all designed to help customers and communities grow stronger.  To celebrate being 150 Years Strong, the bank will participate in many community events and offer several promotional products and giveaways throughout the year.

Celebrating our People

Horizon prides itself on a people-first culture and recognizes their employees are the backbone and inspiration behind the Banks success. The Bank launched their 150 Year Strong celebration with a company-wide employee recognition dinner in February. To show their appreciation, Horizon gave each employee their birthday off as a paid vacation day in 2023.

Celebrating Innovation

Horizon has always been dedicated to innovation that enhances the lives and experiences of customers. The Banks commitment to innovation was evident in 1955 when they established the first drive-up banking and ATM in Indiana and is still clear in recent years as the Bank adopted video banking, digital wallets, and other innovative technologies designed to make banking more convenient.

Celebrating Diversity

Horizon will launch its third annual Corporate Social Responsibility report in early March. This report summarizes and celebrates Horizon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. By example, this year Horizon will launch two of three employee resource groups designed to promote inclusion throughout the company. These voluntary groups foster an affirming environment within the company, encourage community outreach while identifying unique opportunities to support the communities served by the Bank.

Thomas Prame, Horizon’s current President and future CEO shared his passion for the future of Horizon Bank. “I am inspired by the culture Horizon has created, and I look forward to joining the talent team of leaders that have created an organization focused on value creation for our clients, communities and shareholders. Our people-first culture, highly engaged advisors and local relationship banking model is what differentiates Horizon in the market. I look forward to the positive future in front of Horizon and congratulate and thank Craig for his outstanding accomplishments and leadership at Horizon and within our local communities.” 

About Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

Celebrating 150 years, Horizon Bancorp, Inc. is an independent, commercial bank holding company serving Indiana and Michigan through its commercial banking subsidiary, Horizon Bank. Horizon Bancorp, Inc. may be reached online at www.horizonbank.com. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HBNC