Beneath the success of Horizon Bank is a foundation comprised of its core values, which serve as the platform for its accomplishments. This foundation guides both its day-to-day and long-term operations, and Horizon Chairman & CEO Craig Dwight believes that holding staff members accountable for their actions through these values elevates Horizon as a whole, making it the successful bank it is.
As a bank, naturally, one of Horizon’s core values is understanding the value of profit. Comprehending this ensures that staff members are expertly able to compel Horizon and its customers toward growth.
“Horizon continues to prosper with solid earnings for the past 17 years. This has been accomplished through consistent performance and a strong, strategic growth plan,” said Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Mark Secor.
As an independent bank, Horizon's dedication to the preservation of independent banking ensures its success through the implementation of high ethical standards. These ethical standards allow the staff to build trust with customers and maintain professionalism.
Building trust, of course, also requires kindness, understanding, and respect. Embracing diversity and inclusivity is key to ensuring that every staff member and customer feels welcome at Horizon.
“We respect, value, appreciate the individual differences that our employees and customers bring to our company,” said Vice President & Senior Community Development Officer Lewis Scott. “We honor the similarities and differences inherent in diversity, equality, and inclusion: all are contributing factors to a flourishing environment that benefits everyone.”
Ensuring that all employees are included in the workplace allows space for progressive learning and creative thinking to better tackle the challenges that come Horizon’s way. Expressing these unique voices strengthens the diversity of Horizon’s solutions and grows the staff as a team. This team mentality is crucial to providing the best service and advice possible, allowing Horizon to cultivate life-long relationships with customers and make customers its highest focus.
“We have a very strong team environment here at Horizon, and our customer focus philosophy is what keeps us operating strong,” said Executive Vice President & Service Operations Officer Kathie DeRuiter.
While customers are the main focus, Horizon also branches out into the community. Horizon has previously pledged money to COVID-19 relief efforts and provided financial assistance to
schools and non-profits such as United Way, Stepping Stone Shelter for Women, and Urban League.
“We have a very strong commitment within the communities we serve whether it’s supporting local schools or non-profit organizations, Horizon commits financial support that contributes to community well-being,” said President, Trust & Investment Management Rachel Saxon.
This advocation of well-being is reflected in the way Horizon strives for its staff to find a positive work-life balance and find pleasure in work.
Keeping true to all these values, Horizon is able to accomplish its goals. To ensure Horizon meets these goals, Dwight shared that he seeks to hire great advisors who will take pride in their work and be able to follow Horizon’s values both inside and outside of the office.
“We want our Advisors to follow these values to guide them not only at work but also in their community,” Dwight said.
To learn more about Horizon Bank and its core values, visit www.horizonbank.com/about-us/meet-horizon/get-to-know-us.