Catching up with old friends, charitable giving, introducing new faces, celebrating milestones, and revealing big news: these were the highlights of the Horizon Bank Chamber Christmas party on Thursday, December 15. The Horizon Bank Chamber Christmas party was the perfect dose of positivity the community needed heading into the holidays.
So many things made the party special, but what probably made it the most special is the fact that it was the first Christmas party Horizon has been able to host since the COVID-19 pandemic. Community members eagerly greeted and embraced one another, grateful to be reunited.
“This is the event I look forward to hosting for the bank every year. We haven’t been able to have it since 2019 because of COVID, so this year is like breaking the ice and bringing everyone back together again,” said Business Banker Cara Jones.
People walked in bearing cheery smiles and all kinds of toys to donate to Toys for Tots. By the end of the night, there was a massive tower of toys that will go towards supporting over 1000 kids in the area.
“I just love seeing how big the toy table gets. Horizon Bank is really big on giving back to the community, so if we can throw a party that allows us to give back to the community we’re all for that. That’s what we’re all about. This is our hometown and we love sharing with our hometown,” said Jones.
After everyone got the opportunity to mingle, Craig Dwight, Horizon Bank’s CEO, shared how proud he is of how far Horizon Bank has come as a company, and how he’s even more proud of the employees and people who have helped make it so successful. Horizon Bank’s 150th anniversary won’t be until next year, but it was clear everyone is incredibly excited about what’s been accomplished.
“We have a great legacy here in Michigan City. We’re fortunate to have an outstanding employee base--25 years ago we were worth 400 million in total assets, and now we’re 7.7 billion, and you can’t grow like that unless you have talent. Some people may look down on Northwest Indiana but I think it’s the best-hidden secret,” said Dwight.
Not only was the event a great way to give back to the community and let people catch up, and reflect--it was also a great opportunity to introduce Horizon’s new president, Thomas Prame. People applauded and cheered as Prame introduced himself to the community and gave a few words about how grateful he is to be a part of the Horizon Bank community.
“I’m very humbled and blessed to be here. I want to thank all of our clients and small business owners who let us be on their path to financial success. We don’t take that lightly and we’re thankful to be your partner. I’m looking forward to getting engaged here in Michigan City and getting to know each one of you a little better,” said Prame.
As if all that wasn’t exciting enough, the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce also shared a big announcement that left everyone feeling thankful and eager for the future.
Each year the Lakefront Career Network, a young professionals committee of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, chooses one nonprofit organization to partner with to help raise awareness for them and shed some light on all the good things they do. At the event, the Michigan City Chamber announced that Interfaith Community PADS, a faith-based nonprofit that provides emergency shelter to homeless men, women, and children, would be 2023’s new spotlight organization.
President of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce Katie Eaton was excited that her fellow chamber members were given such a perfect opportunity to announce this great news.
“We’re so grateful to be a part of this great event and that they allow our young professionals' committee to announce their 2023 spotlight organization. The introduction of the new president, Thomas Prame was also great--it was really exciting to be a part of that announcement and see his introduction to the community as well. We’re just really fortunate to have such a great partner with Horizon Bank here in Michigan City,” said Eaton.
There were ultimately so many wonderful things that happened at Horizon Bank’s Chamber Christmas party, but perhaps what is even more wonderful is that people came together as individuals and left as an even stronger community.
To learn more about Horizon Bank, visit horizonbank.com.