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Centier Bank, Merrillville, IN

Entry Year: 2018
Entry Category: Volunteerism
Asset Size: Small
Program Name: Community Relations Division

Program Summary:

In 2017, Centier Bank created a new division, Community Relations and Business Development, solely dedicated to
three areas: Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), Philanthropy, and Financial Wellness. Highlights:

- Launching a proprietary, branded volunteer portal, through which associates can learn about volunteer
opportunities, register to volunteer, and track their volunteerism. These events include walks, C.A.R.E. events,
culture events, corporate events, and bank-wide volunteer opportunities.

- Hosting a Volunteer Fair, in concert with the Lake Area United Way, which featured dozens of nonprofit
organizations in an expo-style event at Centier’s Corporate Center that allowed associates to learn about volunteer
opportunities, sponsorship, and missions of these nonprofits.

- Hosting a "Board Member Boot Camp" in which associates had the chance to learn about various nonprofit Board
Member opportunities available to them, along with learning about what kind of responsibilities go into being a Board
Member.

- Creating Break Through!, a free small business seminar series in concert with The Times of Northwest Indiana,
focusing on how to Protect, Grow, Manage, and Transition small businesses across all types of industries.

- A St. Jude House Financial Empowerment Video Series – Centier’s CRBD team teamed up with the St. Jude
House, the Allstate Foundation, and Lakeshore Public Media to create a video series designed to support victims of
domestic abuse.