Horizon Completes Integration and Announces New Market Leader

horizon-building-laporteHorizon Bancorp, the parent of Horizon Bank, N.A., announced the completion of the integration of the business and operations of the former SCB Bancorp, parent of Summit Community Bank. Horizon executed its integration plan the weekend of April 26th that included a systems conversion and new signage. As a result, the customers of both banks can now conduct their banking business at any Horizon Bank branch throughout Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana.

“This operational integration provides our customers expanded access, additional products and services together with our continued commitment to the communities we now jointly serve,” said Craig M. Dwight, Horizon Bank’s Chairman and CEO. “Our integration team worked hard to ensure that the customers of the former Summit Community Bank have a smooth transition to Horizon,” stated Dwight. “The staff and leadership that have remained with Horizon at their neighborhood branches in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan have been vital to making this integration a success,” continued Dwight.

Upon completion of the integration, John Abbott, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Community Bank, announced his retirement after many years in the banking industry. Mr. Abbott will be turning over the reins to local native Chris Nugent who has been named Market President. “After more than 40 very enjoyable and rewarding years of working in the financial institution marketplace, I’ve decided to step down to enjoy other pursuits. The reason why I’ve enjoyed my career so much is the many people I’ve met and worked with along the way. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside everyone at Summit Community Bank – without this team we would never have achieved the level of success we’ve achieved. I am pleased Chris Nugent has been promoted to the position of Market President for the Lansing market,” stated John Abbott.

Chris Nugent has been with Summit Community Bank since its inception and most recently held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “As a life-long resident of the area with over 25-years of banking experience, I couldn’t be more pleased to be given the opportunity to lead our team here in the Lansing area,” stated newly appointed Market President Chris Nugent. “Horizon understands the need to have experienced, local professionals with their hearts in the communities they serve, guiding the financial decisions that will have the most impact for our community – our hometown – I’m proud to be a part of this team,” continued Nugent.

“We truly appreciate the legacy of leadership and stewardship to the community John Abbott has instilled and are confident Chris Nugent will continue to lead the ongoing success of our companies in this area,” stated Dwight.

Horizon Bancorp is a locally owned, independent, commercial bank holding company serving Northern and Central Indiana and Southern Michigan through its commercial banking subsidiary Horizon Bank, NA. Horizon also offers mortgage-banking services throughout the Midwest. Horizon Bancorp may be reached online at www.horizonbank.com. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol HBNC.