As a family-owned bank since 1895, Centier Bank stands firmly behind its promise, pledging to the families, businesses, and communities of Indiana that it will continue to preserve independent, hometown banking in Indiana for generations to come.
The foundation for this legacy in Indiana business began in Northwest Indiana, when Henry Schrage opened the Bank of Whiting. One of Lake County’s pioneers, Henry was Whiting’s first postmaster and was instrumental in building much of Northwest Indiana’s economic development. Henry conducted business during a time of settlement in Whiting, when streets did not exist, cars did not exist, and it took more than a day to travel into Chicago by horse and carriage.
“Our company started with a dream and hard work. We are living the American dream as much as the next person, it just took 121 years to get here,” stated Michael E. Schrage, Centier Bank President and CEO.
Over the years, Henry’s son, grandson, and great-grandson, have built the bank to be what it is today: A $3.5 billion dollar bank, with 54 locations (and growing) in 11 counties across the state. Most recently, Centier Bank opened a Zionsville branch this fall and has already made a significant impression on the community.
“Centier represents exactly what Zionsville stands for which is a community focused family business. In my years in banking I find that some have lost touch with those that they serve, whereas Centier makes clients and the community a priority every day,” stated Brad Duncan, Zionsville Branch Manager.
Centier Bank entered the Greater Indianapolis region in 2011 with a commercial loan production office in Carmel. Since then, Centier has expanded full service banking in the Central Indiana region, with banking centers in Carmel, Downtown Indianapolis, Westfield, and Whitestown.
“We’ve been in business since before there was government regulation and the FDIC. Some people recall the days of getting a loan with just a handshake. It’s the way we used to do business,” said Schrage. Although banking has changed over time and regulations require much more than just a handshake, it’s still the way that Centier likes to do business. Centier frequently stands apart from its competition by providing personalized customer service and a friendly, neighborly banking environment where everyone knows your name.
Many clients value the bank’s independence and unique corporate culture, which is inclusive to all Centier associates. Over the last decade, Centier has invested numerous efforts to produce an award-winning corporate culture, which includes health and wellness programs, and numerous family-friendly resources for associates and their families. Associates have found these incentives and benefits to be rewarding and because of this, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named Centier among the state’s “Best Places to Work” for 10 consecutive years.
“All along, we value our associates’ families just as much as our own,” stated Schrage. “Because family is key to rounding out your personal success. They are our support system and we work hardest to provide them with everything that keeps them healthy and safe.”
Centier’s team of community bankers includes a local team of financial experts who take great strides to keep a pulse on the heartbeat of our community. Our respected team of bankers can assist with lending needs up to $50 million to a single borrower, with service that is streamlined and flexible, and banking conveniences that meet the demands of your busy schedule.
Further underscoring the company’s commitment to independent community banking is its 5th generation of family owners now working in the bank, continuing the Schrage family legacy and providing both stability and longevity to Centier Bank’s position as Indiana’s Largest, Private, Family-Owned Bank.
“We want to be remembered for the contributions that we make in our lifetime,” stated Schrage. With Centier’s rich family history, you can be sure that you are forging a true partnership with an organization that cares about creating and nurturing relationships that last for generations to come.
