The Regional Development Company (RDC) recently held its annual awards ceremony and has named Centier Bank as “Most Active Bank Partner” in 2019 for its efforts in community business lending. Centier referred eight loans totaling $9.254 million in debenture dollars.
Additionally, three Vice Presidents of Business Banking were recognized at the ceremony. Tim Spoelman was named “Lender of the Year,” and Bill Winterhaler was recognized among six others, receiving the “Most Active Lender” award; and Spoelman, along with Paul Thiel, were inducted into the Millionaire’s Club, which is reserved for lenders who have referred loans for $1 million or more.
“The RDC is an important Centier partner, as we look to help small, local businesses obtain the capital they need to grow and expand,” Spoelman said. “The programs they offer are critical tools we often use to help our local economy, support area businesses, and spur job growth in northern Indiana.”
The Valparaiso-based nonprofit is a Certified Development Company that administers the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program for small business growth. The RDC partners with local financial institutions to provide business financing for large capital projects. In 2019, Centier's lending efforts helped create 216 jobs in the states of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan,
The RDC had 40 loans approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2019, which brought a total of $23 million in U.S. Small Business Administration funding to local companies. Of those 40 loans, nine were to women-owned businesses, two were to minority-owned businesses and six were to rural businesses, according to the RDC.
“Centier has been one of our top financial partners throughout the RDC’s 25-year history,” explained Erica Dombey, President and Executive Director of the RDC. “Their lenders are well-versed in the 504 program and help to make the process very smooth for their borrowers. We are excited to work with Centier Bank in the future.”
For more information about Centier’s business banking services, or to contact a community business banker, visit www.centier.com.
