By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
Westfield Chamber of Commerce partners, community leaders, bank staff, and customers gathered on Wednesday for a ceremony at 14611 N. Gray Road in the Bridgewater Marketplace Shopping Center for the ribbon cutting of the first Indiana branch of American Bank of Freedom.
American Bank President and CEO Tim Nash spoke about the past and future of the bank. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Courtney Albright, director of partner and member engagement for the Westfield Chamber, welcomed everyone to the event. Westfield Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Steve Rupp introduced American Bank President and CEO Tim Nash who traveled from Missouri for the grand opening.
Nash spoke about the history of the bank which goes back to 1880 as the American Bank of Missouri and has eight branches in Missouri. The bank operates as American Bank of Freedom at its location in Rochester, Ill., near Springfield, and now in Westfield.
He also spoke of the future of the bank and how it fits the Westfield community as it is also growing quickly.
“We close about $350 million a year,” Nash said. “And we will close even more now that we are in Westfield.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Westfield is the sixth-fastest-growing city in the nation and the fastest growing city in Indiana, and it was the only Midwestern city to appear in the Top 15. In addition to area growth, the central location will allow the bank to meet the needs of customers from Noblesville and Carmel, as well.
Mayor-elect Scott Willis said he is looking forward to American Bank of Freedom being a part of the Westfield community. As a former U.S. Marine colonel, Willis also expressed his love for the bank’s colors of red, white, and blue and showed off his socks that matched the decor, saying that he wears patriotic socks every day.
Mayor-elect Scott Willis (right) was on hand to welcome American Bank of Freedom to Westfield. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Regional President Peter Dunbar will lead all aspects of American Bank of Freedom for the Indiana market.
“This community has just welcomed us,” Dunbar said. “Everyone has been positive and proactive. They want businesses here. I can’t say that for every community where I’ve been, but they do, they want business to be successful.”
Dunbar has 35 years of leadership experience in commercial banking and wealth management in Chicago and Miami as well as in Indianapolis.
Born and raised in Terre Haute, Dunbar and his family moved back to the state in 2007.
American Bank Vice President and CFO David Shores visited with customers at the reception. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
“After a couple of decades of living away, we thought Indiana would be a great place to raise our children,” Dunbar said.
Dunbar is part of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy Class of 2024 and is on the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre Board of Directors. He is also involved with the IU Student Foundation, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Carmel.
“For me, to be able to live and work in my community and offer real value to the people here is fantastic,” Dunbar said.
Branch Manager John Whitaker comes from Forum Credit Union in Westfield and has more than 10 years of banking experience. Assistant Branch Manager Beth Michalak worked with Chase Bank for about five years before taking a year off to work in the floral industry. They both say they are excited to help launch a new bank branch.
Check out American Bank of Freedom online at AmericanBankOfMissouri.bank/Locations-Contacts#Westfield.
American Bank of Freedom Branch Manager John Whitaker and Assistant Manager Beth Michalak welcomed the community into the new bank. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)