Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance (LCEA) board member and investor, Paul Beneturski says that Old National Bank is here to support its local communities. First Midwest Bank and Old National Bank first announced their merger in June 2021 which had bankers feeling uneasy.
Old National Bank is now the sixth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest. With approximately $46 billion of assets and $28 billion of assets under management, Old National ranks among the top 35 banking companies based in the U.S. and has been recognized as the World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute for 11 consecutive years. With nearly 270 combined years of service and a shared commitment to Midwestern values, Old National and First Midwest are both driven by a customer-centric approach to banking and an unwavering commitment to the community.
“This partnership is, at its core, a growth strategy, and as a combined organization, we will be in an even stronger position to invest, grow, and innovate in talent, capabilities, and services that will further set us apart as a market leader across the Midwest,” Beneturski said.
In addition to providing extensive services in retail and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management, investment, and capital market services. First Midwest and Old National customers can expect the same things they always have: local knowledge, expertise, greater resources, and capabilities.
“We are a powerful combination that truly is better together,” Beneturski said.
Nothing makes Beneturski happier than several entities working together toward one common goal. LCEA is included in this success. LCEA makes itself a one-stop shop for all of Lake County and there is no comparison.
“Lake County/Indiana as a whole understands much better how to attract business to Lake County and this state. LCEA will become involved from the start and help all the way. LCEA will provide guidance for all of Lake County and works with the various cities and towns to help local businesses expand while bringing new businesses to Indiana. It’s a one-stop shop. Frankly, the county is lucky to have LCEA,” Benturski said.
As someone who deals primarily with people and numbers, Beneturski sees the LCEA’s involvement not only as accomplishing but engaging as well.
“LCEA has helped Lake County by attracting over $6 billion of initial capital investment,” Beneturski said.
Beneturski celebrated 40 years in banking in November 2021. Beneturski started in a small bank as a management trainee out of college. Prior to his career with First Midwest Bank, he was with Standard Bank, which became First Midwest Bank and it’s been quite the journey.
Beneturski grew up in the South Chicago area and moved to the Region, Calumet City more specifically, at the age of 12. Thornwood High School graduate transitioned to Governors State University graduate who knew that he wanted to work hard.
“It sounds like a cliché, but just plain old hard work really got me to where I am today. Perhaps as important, my will to learn the details of my job and how it can be improved are what makes the bank perform more efficiently for its customers. My wife, Cheryl, has always supported me in my endeavors. To this day she carries my business cards with her in case I don’t have any.
Beyond the scope of working hard, Beneturski enjoys the commercial side of banking because he gets the chance to meet business owners from several different industries and feels fulfilled by meeting local business owners, learning about that business, and figuring out ways to help them meet their goals.
“My job changes a bit with everyone I meet and that’s one of the best parts,” Beneturski said.
Full-time commercial banker and part-time philanthropist, Paul Beneturski fills his days helping business owners make their dreams come true while also helping the community stay strong and connected. In addition to being the Vice Chairman of the LCEA, Beneturski is on the board of the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT). Beneturski is involved in the Education Committee at the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and has been the President of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois and served as a Board Member and Treasurer for 20 years of the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, which provides low-fee legal representation specifically for domestic violence victims and immigration legal matters.
To learn more about Paul Beneturski and the LCEA, please visit: http://lcea.us/
