Two important events happened for Centier Bank 52 years ago: First, Mike Schrage joined the bank full-time. Second, the Dyer Branch opened its doors under his leadership. Now as Indiana’s largest private, family-owned bank, Centier is celebrating the new and improved Dyer branch following a complete interior renovation.
In recent years, Centier Bank has renovated a number of its branches to reflect a modern banking experience that also pays homage to the community. Dyer’s exterior has been refreshed and the new interior features a spacious lobby adorned with a gradient of blue hues, clean lines and modern fixtures, as well as a feature wall and contemporary furnishings with a Mid-Century modern flare. CEO Mike Schrage’s journey with Centier Bank is tied with the Dyer Branch. He started with the bank on September 11, 1972, when the bank was still known as the First Bank of Whiting. Expansion was important to Schrage; the Dyer Branch was the bank’s third location and the first of which he oversaw development.
Approved by the Department of Financial Institutions on January 14, 1972, the Dyer Branch held its Grand Opening on April 7, 1973. Giveaway prizes included free tankard mugs and balloons, and attendees could enter a raffle where they could win “One Day’s Interest On A Million Dollars,” a “French Mercier 10-Speed Bicycle,” a “Weber BAR-B-Q Kettle with Utensils,” or a “Live Money Tree.” There were free rides in a “Bell JetRanger Helicopter,” a clown for entertainment, and a vendor serving peanuts and popcorn.
“I always aspired to grow the organization,” said Schrage. “I am extremely proud of the growth we’ve seen these past 52 years. Moreso, I’m proud that we never lost the spirit from the bank’s early marketing campaign: ‘We’re people you can talk to.’ That remains as true today as it was in the early 1970s.”
To commemorate the occasion, Centier’s Dyer location is hosting a Community Appreciation Week to thank the community for its continued support and patronage. The community is invited to stop in each day between November 12 -15 to receive a free treat and see the newly renovated space. The Dyer Branch is located at 1121 Sheffield Avenue and serves customers in Dyer, Hartsdale, Schererville, and western Lake County. Today, Centier Bank has over 60 offices in 11 counties serving 35 communities across Indiana.
For more information about Centier Bank, go to centier.com/locations/dyer.
