Horizon Bankers Have Big Hearts

Horizon Bank is a community bank that prides itself on giving back to the people they serve. With locations in Northern and Central Indiana and Southern Michigan, employees at all levels are engaged in community service for a number of different organizations.

“I am extremely proud of all of the Horizon Advisers,” says CEO Craig Dwight. “We are glad to give back to the community.”

Melissa Wood, Loan Collector, has worked at Horizon Bank in Michigan City for three years.

“I love working with the public and dealing with people,” said Wood. “As a collector, I’m behind the scenes, so volunteering gives me a chance to do things I don’t do during my job. It’s like night and day.”

Wood volunteered at the Michigan City Mainstreet Association Shelf Ice BrewFest during the first week of February and had a great time.

“We sold out of 1,000 tickets quickly,” said Wood. “The BrewFest is one of my favorite things to volunteer for. It was right downtown on Franklin. We had a blast.”

Wood also volunteers for United Way, Salvation Army, Grace Learning Center, Michigan City North End Advocacy Team through Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, and is current Chairman of Michigan City Now.

“Michigan City Now advocates certain ideas in the city. We've helped a lot with the arts base. Just the other day we helped get the vote for the last $3 million for the police station in Michigan City. Some people thought there wasn't money in the budget for it, but some things, like police stations, are important and you have to make room for them in your budget.”

Wood is a mother a two with another on the way, due in August.

“My daughter is 14 and my son is 8. They love getting involved. If it’s a 21 and under event, I’ll bring them along with me.”

Melissa Wood explained that the feeling she gets from volunteering makes it worthwhile.

“I love the feeling I get when I walk away from all of these things because I feel proud to be making a difference. I don’t do it for the recognition, it’s about giving back. I do it because at the end of the day, it’s helping the community. It’s more fun that way, too.”

She went on to explain that the Horizon Bank CEO, Craig Dwight, constantly expresses thanks to staff for all that they do in the community.

“That’s just the type of person he is,” said Wood. “He’s just as involved as we are.”

Horizon Bank honors employees at an Awards Dinner each year and recognizes two people; one for excellence on the job and another for community service. Marketing Manager Holly Schoof won the award for community service one year.

“Before I started working at Horizon, I was heavily involved in the community so it was a draw for me to work for them,” said Schoof. “Horizon Bank employees are dedicated to volunteering to serve more than 200 organizations. It’s the whole philosophy of Horizon Bank to give back to the community.”

Schoof explained that one of her favorite organizations to volunteer for is Dunebrook, an organization that provides support and education to families and children who are at risk for abuse or neglect.

“Dunebrook’s mission is near and dear to my heart. I used to work for the prevention of child abuse at the state level, so when I moved to the area I had to get involved with Dunebrook. They have a lot of education for new parents and the community at large. I’ve served on their events committee, volunteered my marketing skills and helped with making sponsorship phone calls.”

Horizon Bank is operated by professionals who live locally and are deeply connected to the communities they serve. Part of their vision states, “With a proud legacy of service, we take seriously our responsibility to assist in the growth and prosperity of the communities we also call home.”

For more information about Horizon Bank visit www.horizonbank.com or call 219-873-2640.