Paid for by Community First Bank of Indiana
When Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) was founded in Kokomo in 2003, it was in response to the efforts of a small group of local bankers and businesspeople with a clear vision; Howard County needed a local bank that understood its responsibility to help the community thrive. This same vision would soon grow to resonate in Hamilton County as well.
Most people know someone who has experienced a frustrating interaction at a big-box bank, at times finding they can be impersonal and even disappointing. However, at CFB, they make it a point to create an environment that feels like home, with helpful staff, solutions to financial challenges and an overall love for their community.
“Our definition of a community bank is one that is predominantly locally owned, led by a management team and board of directors who deeply understand and care about the community, and operated by employees who have a vested interest in its well-being,” said Robb Blume, president and CEO.
In 2015 they brought the same concept to Hamilton County when they opened a loan production office in Noblesville. As CFB celebrates its 10th anniversary serving Hamilton County and the five local branches it has opened since then, the staff is grateful for their partnerships, support, and the relationships formed as members of the community.
One defining moment of CFB’s community-first approach was during the 2020 pandemic. When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was introduced to support small businesses facing financial challenges, primarily helping them to keep workers employed, CFB extended its services to both existing customers and new relationships. Blume himself set up a cubicle alongside the commercial lending team, personally processing PPP loans around the clock with the team.
“I vividly recall a conversation with a customer who was stunned to receive an email about his PPP loan approval at 3:30 a.m. from someone named Robb,” said Scott Hammersley, commercial loan group manager. “When I told him Robb was the bank president, his reaction was a mix of shock and gratitude. It was a moment that underscored Robb’s dedication and left a lasting impression.”
CFB also took its commitment a step further by donating over $96,000 – equivalent to the fees earned from processing PPP loans – to every Hoosier nonprofit organization that worked with CFB, rounding up each contribution to the nearest $25.
In addition to supporting the community when faced with unprecedented impact, locally and across the globe, CFB offers personal and business accounts, personal loans, student loans and more. They take pride in fostering a warm, people-first atmosphere.
For Bonnie Riley, executive banker, joining CFB, originally as a branch manager in 2019, felt like a homecoming.
“The culture reminded me of where my banking career began and I wanted to return to that culture of true community banking,” Riley said. “Our roles are richer because of the ways we’re encouraged to serve, both in the office and out in the community. At CFB we genuinely believe in those around us: in their businesses, in their comeback stories and in the bright future of our community.”
Not only are they making a trip to the bank positive for customers, but it’s also likely that residents will run into a CFB staff member in the grocery store, at the movies, or hosting a booth at the next community event.
CFB participates in more than 100 local events each year and supports more than 100 local nonprofit organizations.
Employees get paid for time serving on various boards and hosting branch events for the community, such as Community Shred Days in Noblesville and Westfield, Stuff the Bus, and Trunk or Treat.
They also support community initiatives and projects meant to enrich the lives of residents. For example, CFB has been a major donor to the new Westfield library and the new Westfield YMCA. The company stays responsive to local needs, like funding necessary renovations for the splash pad at Forest Park Aquatic Center in Noblesville. In 2024, CFB donated a total of $159,000 to its communities.
Being a relationship-centric bank and working within the community are important to the entire staff, and Blume has supported this culture of servant leadership from day one.
“When we put others first and support them to do their best, we create a place where everyone can thrive,” said Blume. “This way, we work together, innovate and build a strong sense of community, which leads to our shared success.”
Janelle Campbell, director of consumer banking, was one of the first leaders to work in the Noblesville office. Her grandmother was the first client of the bank in Howard County in 2003, and she recalls bringing in her own card table and chairs to set up shop while the team prepared for opening day at their new location in 2015.
“We’ve certainly come a long way in 10 years, but our core values remain unchanged,” Campbell said. “I’m grateful that employees are encouraged to serve and to develop relationships.”
Adrienne Riddle, treasury management manager, echoed that sentiment. “Unless you experience it, it’s hard to understand just how special it is,” Riddle said of the bank experience.
They don’t plan to stop any time soon.
CFB was named New Business of the Year by the Westfield Chamber in 2019. Since then, they’ve also received the Indiana Bankers Association’s Commitment to Community Award (2021), Large Business of the Year Award (2023), and Community Volunteer Award of Distinction (2025).
They actively collaborate with organizations such as Noblesville, Westfield, and OneZone chambers, local education foundations, and the Hamilton County nonprofit Executive Directors group. The bank extends its gratitude to Dr. Stacy Atkinson, Monica Peck, Pete Smith and Matt Murphy, who have provided valuable local guidance as members of the board of directors.
While every new customer receives a gift when opening a checking account, this spring they have something extra special up their sleeve. In April and May they’ll celebrate Community Banking Month by giving customers the option to either receive a gift card from a local business or have the bank donate to a local nonprofit on their behalf.*
Member FDIC. *Free gift may be reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-MISC. Free gift provided at the time of account opening.
