Written by Stacey A. Shannon—
MUNCIE, Ind.—As the world becomes increasingly digital, First Merchants Bank is keeping pace with digital product offerings while not neglecting the most important aspect of banking: the customer. .
The bank has 116 locations in four Midwestern states, but its headquarters remain in Muncie.
polite banking
“We use the word caring a lot,” said Market President Jeff Parsons. “In today’s environment where everything is digital, that can easily mean being impersonal. But we believe that thoughtful banking is what sets us apart. I believe this is what people want.”
Comprehensive banking means that First Merchants employees go beyond transactional demands to support customers and provide financial health throughout their financial journey.
“Having an attentive banker means they are working with you to improve your financial situation. You have more than just the amount of money in your account,” East Jackson of Muncie Bank Center Manager Stephanie Clark said. “I see you guys. And we’re here to help you reach your destination.”
For example, a grandmother was recently looking to buy a house to house herself and the grandchildren she was raising. She was having trouble making that happen, so a First Merchants Bank employee intervened. He walked her through the process and helped her apply for and receive several grants for new homeowners. She finally had the funds she needed to buy a home for her family.
“It goes deeper than just a personalized touch,” Parsons says. “Sometimes magic happens.”
Another employee, Caroline Prettyman, noticed an elderly customer who had fallen victim to a scammer and had large credit card debts. Ms. Prettyman worked with clients to obtain mortgages and consolidate debt.
But her attentiveness didn’t end there. Prettyman continues to work with customers who frequently bring in their laptops and scrutinize their statements and budgets.
“This is one way we can track her payments and debts so we can make sure she is on the right path to get out of debt and move forward with confidence,” Prettyman said. spoke.
Award-winning banking
At First Merchants Bank, we’re proud to have local bankers available to help you with every financial decision from major to minor. Not only are customers benefiting and gaining attention, but so are various national organizations.
This year, First Merchants Bank was ranked 48th out of the nation’s top 50 public banks by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Forbes magazine ranked us 31st among the world’s best banks in 2024, and we were recently awarded America’s Best Companies by Time magazine.
Regionally First Merchants Bank is also recognized. Named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
“While we are grateful for the recognition, we are most proud of the stories these honors tell about how we enhance the economic health of the diverse communities we serve,” Parsons said. said. “These prove that we can be trusted to provide the type of service our customers want.”
Community-oriented banking
While First Merchants Bank employees care about their customers, they also care about the communities in which they live. Last year, 521 employees volunteered 13,580 hours with 645 different organizations. Overall, employees donated more than $2 million in philanthropy.
“It’s not about the breadth of services or technology we offer, it’s about the depth of our relationships,” Parsons said. “This is what we are most proud of: the work we do to make banking accessible to everyone.”
First Merchants Bank is an Equal Housing Finance Corporation and member FDIC.