When choosing a workplace, it’s common for interested candidates to have high expectations for their future work environment and job satisfaction. At Horizon Bank, the dedicated team does their best to ensure members’ expectations are fulfilled by offering diverse opportunities for learning, serving, and being rewarded.
Community is Horizon’s cornerstone. Advisors at all levels volunteer their time for many community activities and organizations. Giving to the community gives advisors a better insight into their work and customers’ needs.
“I was most attracted to Horizon by the commitment to the communities they serve. All Advisors are encouraged to volunteer their time where they feel the most connected,” said Kathi Tilling, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “Advisors might volunteer at a homeless shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the Urban League, Jaycees or any organization near and dear to their heart.”
Contributing to the betterment of the community is a deep-rooted value at Horizon. Supporting local events such as golf outings, festivals, parades, and fairs, as well as nonprofit organizations like Urban League, American Legions, and more is something in which Advisors take pride.
“I’m reminded frequently about the impact Horizon has had in our local communities. I recently went to a birthday party at an outdoor pavilion and was commenting to a parent on the beautiful hearth located within it. As I walked closer to the hearth, I saw a dedication plaque –turns out the hearth was donated by Horizon,” Tilling said.
Another Horizon core value is embracing individual, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. Horizon organized a Diversity Council in 2004 to provide outreach efforts to diverse groups within the organization and communities that the company serves. The Horizon Diversity Council is comprised of Horizon Advisors, a diverse group of community representatives, and senior-level officers at Horizon.
“From an employment perspective, we have designated advisors in each market to be involved in the local diversity roundtables. One of the roundtables is developing a formal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) process that leads to certifications for businesses, organizations, and groups. We post diversity moments each month on our intranet and have developed a Civility, Kindness, and Respect course that our leaders will be hosting,” Tilling said.
Horizon’s commitment and appreciation for diversity is recognized by its Advisors.
“My 30-year career with Horizon has been rewarding. It’s great to work for a company that embraces individual and cultural diversity. The Horizon Team has a sincere commitment for the betterment of its customers and the community,” said Yolanda Davis, Vice President Community Reinvestment Act Officer.
In addition, Horizon and its Advisors work tirelessly to ensure that customers feel they are heard, respected, and are receiving honest advice. Finding an advisor who will actually listen to your questions and work to understand your personal goals is extremely important. Horizon Bank takes this human approach to advising.
Focused on individualized guidance, Horizon Bank’s team lets its customers take the reins on the conversation. Horizon Bank’s goal is to fulfill and anticipate customer needs with exceptional service and sensible advice, and both of those strategies derive from listening.
While very much focused on growing its customers and helping them reach their own personal goals, Horizon is also passionate about growing Advisors within the company. From branch sales positions to operational support, Horizon offers diverse roles for all types of skillsets and is committed to supporting Advisors who are looking to expand their skills and knowledge base. There is also an abundance of opportunity to grow into new roles as opportunities arise. To help make these goals a reality, Horizon offers ongoing in-house training and an extensive personal development library.
While Horizon may be a workplace, it also mirrors a home for many of its Advisors.
“Receiving a simple note of appreciation from a senior leader when I’ve had to do something difficult makes me feel valued and appreciated. We’re appreciated for who we are and not judged. We’re allowed to make decisions that matter and impact the company,” Tilling said.
Work/life balance is extremely valued at Horizon, offering flexible work schedules, paid vacation, holidays, sick days, personal time, and a family-friendly work environment.
“We all work well together, and most importantly, we laugh and have fun at work. You should see us when we have our chair races or ping pong tournaments,” Tilling said. “We work hard and are truly cared about when it comes to work/life balance. Horizon encourages overall wellness, offering a confidential employee assistance plan to proactively manage what life may throw at us.”
Rachel Saxon, President and Senior Trust Officer, Horizon Trust & Investment Management, loves Horizon’s close-knit team and commitment to bettering its surrounding community.
“Horizon has felt like family to me for the past 31 years. I have been given the opportunity to grow professionally and have had wonderful mentors. I cherish Horizon’s values, especially contributing to the betterment of the communities in which we serve,” Saxon said.
All in all, you want to feel excited to come to work and live your passion every day. At Horizon Bank, this standard holds true for Advisors.
“I love coming to work. Every day is a new adventure or challenge. At Horizon, I have had opportunities to build relationships so that we are more diverse and inclusive, participate in acquisitions, project planning, and implementing new software,” Tilling said.
Interested in learning more about joining the Horizon team? Visit https://www.horizonbank.com/careers/.