By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Blue and gold balloons floated about the lobby of Old National Bank’s main office Tuesday, as the largest financial institution headquartered in Indiana celebrated its 175th birthday.
Region CEO Don Schroeder celebrated with a lobby full of associates and visitors in the Seventh Street and Wabash Avenue bank, a day in advance of the official birthday it shares with Veterans Day.
“This is a great celebration,” Schroeder said as visitors shared brownies, punch and cookies.
In a trip down memory lane, he explained that the company first opened with two employees in 1834. Originally the Branch Bank of Evansville, today the company is the oldest business in that town. With more than 3,000 employees at 182 banking and insurance branches in Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, it is the largest financial institution headquartered in Indiana and one of the largest independent commercial insurance agencies in the state, he said.
Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett noted he opened his first bank account as a child at a local branch, then called Merchants Bank, adding the company has grown considerably since then.
Bennett read a proclamation naming Old National Bank “a true community bank” and declaring Nov. 11 through 19 as Old National Bank Week in Terre Haute.
Schroeder said Gov. Mitch Daniels has declared Nov. 11 Old National Bank Day across Indiana. “That is really exciting,” Schroeder said.
The anniversary celebration has been year-long, he noted, describing the company’s $175,000 community donation on June 24, 2009, the 175th day of the bank’s 175th year.
According to a media release, each branch manager designated a community charity to receive a $175 donation, and the company made additional contributions, such as $15,000 to Ivy Tech Community College, to reach the $175,000 total.
Today, the bank begins a community service project where each employee is granted up to two hours of paid time to volunteer at the charity of their choice.
“Old National has always, as a community bank, encouraged its employees to be active within the community,” Schroeder said, noting Terre Haute residents will see the workers throughout town.
Employee Patty Phillips said the birthday plans were going well. “It’s been a great day,” she said amid the celebration, noting her colleagues will be at local agencies ranging from the Terre Haute Humane Shelter to food banks. “It’s been a fun day.”
Old National Bank (NYSE:ONB) CEO Bob Jones will lead a group of employees today in ringing the bell to close the New York Stock Exchange.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
