Centier Bank: Generations of Family Bankers

Centier Bank: Generations of Family Bankers. . , As the saying goes,"You cannot have a great building on a weak foundation." The same thought applies to building a business, and for the Schrage Family and Centier Bank, the same applies to building a culture as well. While Henry and Walter Sr. had laid the framework for Centier's successful legacy, it was Walter Jr. who helped fill the foundation that allowed the family and business to grow in the years to come. Upon taking the reins as President of the Bank in 1941, the bank continued to grow both in terms of familial and community involvement, two cultural pillars that continue today. The bank also experienced a period of substantial growth financially through 1972, when Mike Schrage took over as President., The bank began branching out in communities throughout the region, and soon, the state. Branches began opening in Dyer, Schererville, Merrillville, and Crown Point, eventually moving into Porter County in 1987, La Porte County in 2004, with an expansion in the Michiana, Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis regions in the years to follow. During times when many banks and financial instructions were closing, like in the late 19805 and late 2000s, Centier was able to grow and expand because of the strong foundation - both culturally and financially - set forth and continued by the Schrage Family leadership., Today, the Schrage family has committed to remaining independently owned and operated, with a "Not for Sale" promise to remain family-owned for generations to come.