At Merchants, our commitment to the community has been at the core of our banking and financial services since our co-founders, Michael Petrie and Randall Rogers, founded the organization in 1990.
In 2018, Merchants' leadership sought to articulate this commitment more clearly with the launch of our MPACT program – Merchants employees Positively Advancing Communities Together. This program allows employees to share their talents, time, and passions with others in their communities, while honoring our co-founders' longstanding commitment to Merchants’ strong local presence and neighborly service.
Throughout the years, our team has gone above and beyond here in Indiana and throughout the country. From individual volunteer efforts in their free time to joint efforts across Merchants Bank, Merchants Capital, and Merchants Foundation, we’ve seen how the hours, food and item collections, and financial contributions have supported spaces and organizations located just around the corner and several states away.
The impact generated through these efforts could not have been possible without the enthusiasm of Merchants’ staff, who have built relationships with local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations on their own. While our goals and program initiatives center on services that support the advancement of affordable housing, promote and improve financial literacy education, and stimulate community and economic development, Merchants employees are encouraged to pursue opportunities that inspire and energize their spirits.
Over the years, our team has logged roughly hours of service and support for organizations such as DREAM Alive, Gleaners Food Bank, Coburn Place, Dove Recovery House, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Million Meal Movement, Horizon House, Teachers’ Treasures, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, and more.
Earlier this year, we celebrated several individuals for the volunteer work they participated in throughout the 2024 calendar year. Honored during a ceremony with a plaque and , the following individuals received our 2024 MPACT Catalyst Winner recognition.
We also celebrate one individual who has fully embodied the MPACT mission for the year, setting an example and making a clear difference in their community. The 2024 Volunteer of the Year honor was awarded to Merchants Bank employee Matt Simpson for his contributions to the Indianapolis and Carmel communities. Matt received an engraved, golden M award and $1,000 reward for his commitment and efforts.
As our organization continues to grow, adapting to meet changing financial needs and landscapes, our MPACT initiative remains the same – to go beyond banking in our support of friends, neighbors, and strangers.