Peoples Bank, Munster FINALIST Peoples Bank is deeply committed to strengthening communities in northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. In 2024, 108 employees volunteered 3,800 hours, supporting 177 organizations. The bank partners with local nonprofits, offering financial literacy programs, hosting events like Shred Day for fraud prevention and participating in initiatives like VITA and Revive Home Repair Grants. Additionally, the bank’s Community First Committee raised over $29,000 for local nonprofits in 2024. Success is measured by volunteer hours, community engagement and employee feedback. Peoples Bank’s long-standing focus on building relationships, fostering trust and driving local economic growth reflects the core values of community banking since its founding in 1910. STAR Bank, Fort Wayne STAR Bank is deeply committed to community service, focusing on education, the arts and economic redevelopment. In 2024, employees volunteered nearly 700 hours, and the bank donated over $400,000 to more than 90 nonprofits. STAR supports local youth development through programs like “STARs of Tomorrow” and the “Future of Agriculture” scholarship. The bank also helps with affordable housing via its Home Hope Mortgage. Engaging employees with eight hours of volunteer time off annually fosters team-building and community impact. STAR evaluates success through monthly committee decisions and the stories of those positively impacted by their philanthropy, emphasizing meaningful change. Asset Size: $3 Billion and Above 1st Source Bank, South Bend 1st Source Bank is deeply committed to community support through financial wellness education and volunteerism. The bank helps individuals overcome financial challenges by providing personalized guidance and resources to help them achieve their financial goals. In 2024, the bank taught over 200 financial classes, assisting individuals in budgeting, saving and homeownership. Staff actively engage in outreach, logging 14,535 volunteer hours and participating in community drives. The bank tracks its impact through a new reporting platform, reinforcing its mission to help individuals achieve financial security and success and exemplifying its core value of community leadership in all its actions. Centier Bank, Merrillville FINALIST Centier Bank is committed to community service through its CentierGives initiative, supporting local organizations in areas like health, education and food insecurity. In COVER STORY CONT. WINNER 14 HOOSIER BANKER
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