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PEOPLES BANK EARNS TITLE OF BANK OF THE YEAR BY THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (RDC)
01.14.2025
Munster, Indiana—Peoples Bank is proud to announce that it has been named Bank of the Year for 2024 by the Regional Development Company (RDC). This prestigious award recognizes top-referring lenders across Indiana and Illinois who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 Loan Program. Peoples Bank referred four loans in 2024, with a combined value of $3,507,000. The award was presented in November during the RDC’s Annual Membership Meeting, held at Byway Brewing in Hammond, Indiana.
The RDC is a non-profit organization that partners with financial institutions to support local economies by promoting business growth and job creation through the SBA 504 Loan Program. The program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major capital projects. In 2024, the RDC funded 16 loans, helping generate $38 million in capital investments and creating 16 jobs across Indiana and Illinois. Peoples Bank's contributions were instrumental in achieving these milestones, highlighting its commitment to fostering economic development in the communities it serves.
Peoples Bank also celebrated the achievements of its team members at the awards ceremony. Dan Duncan, Vice President, Business Banking Team Leader at Peoples Bank, was recognized as the second-highest individual lender for 2024, referring $1,749,000 in loans. Additionally, Ron Knestrict, Vice President, Business Banking Team Leader, was inducted into the RDC's exclusive Millionaires Club for referring over $1 million in loans. These accomplishments showcase the unique value of Peoples Bank’s Business Bankers, who combine their deep knowledge of the communities they live in with local connections to provide exceptional service. Their hometown insight allows them to understand the needs of local businesses and guide them toward growth and success.
Since its founding 30 years ago, the RDC has facilitated 800 loans, spurred $900 million in capital investment, and created 16,000 jobs. Peoples Bank is honored to have played a role in these achievements, contributing to a thriving local economy alongside the RDC and other community partners.
"Being recognized as Bank of the Year by the RDC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Peoples Bank," said Greg Bracco, Chief Business Banking Officer at Peoples Bank. "We are proud to partner with the RDC to provide innovative financial solutions that empower small businesses and drive economic growth in our communities. Together, we look forward to building on this success in 2025 and beyond."
The RDC is a non-profit organization that partners with financial institutions to support local economies by promoting business growth and job creation through the SBA 504 Loan Program. The program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major capital projects. In 2024, the RDC funded 16 loans, helping generate $38 million in capital investments and creating 16 jobs across Indiana and Illinois. Peoples Bank's contributions were instrumental in achieving these milestones, highlighting its commitment to fostering economic development in the communities it serves.
Peoples Bank also celebrated the achievements of its team members at the awards ceremony. Dan Duncan, Vice President, Business Banking Team Leader at Peoples Bank, was recognized as the second-highest individual lender for 2024, referring $1,749,000 in loans. Additionally, Ron Knestrict, Vice President, Business Banking Team Leader, was inducted into the RDC's exclusive Millionaires Club for referring over $1 million in loans. These accomplishments showcase the unique value of Peoples Bank’s Business Bankers, who combine their deep knowledge of the communities they live in with local connections to provide exceptional service. Their hometown insight allows them to understand the needs of local businesses and guide them toward growth and success.
Since its founding 30 years ago, the RDC has facilitated 800 loans, spurred $900 million in capital investment, and created 16,000 jobs. Peoples Bank is honored to have played a role in these achievements, contributing to a thriving local economy alongside the RDC and other community partners.
"Being recognized as Bank of the Year by the RDC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Peoples Bank," said Greg Bracco, Chief Business Banking Officer at Peoples Bank. "We are proud to partner with the RDC to provide innovative financial solutions that empower small businesses and drive economic growth in our communities. Together, we look forward to building on this success in 2025 and beyond."
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