Why do you value working at Lake City Bank?
I genuinely enjoy working here because of the people. There’s a strong, authentic focus on helping individuals grow and thrive—both professionally and personally. Being part of an organization that prioritizes development and creates an environment where people feel valued and find meaning in their work is incredibly fulfilling.

How does Lake City Bank exemplify its core value of inclusivity?
Lake City Bank believes inclusivity means more than representation—it means belonging, opportunity, and voice. From day one, every team member is welcomed into a culture where they are seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s learning directly from executive leaders, accessing meaningful development opportunities, or knowing their voice shapes our future, Lake City Bank employees know they belong here.

What have Lake City Bank’s diversity and inclusion efforts taught you so far?
Lake City Bank’s Inclusivity Initiatives have taught me to listen more deeply and to let go of assumptions. I’ve come to realize that every person brings a unique lens shaped by their experiences, and when we truly listen, we uncover insights we might have missed. There is real strength in differing views—we are stronger together. Read more employee experiences here.

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome Lynn C. Baker as Vice President, Loan Application Manager.

In this position, Baker leads implementation of new loan products and services as well as manages the Loan Systems Application team. She is also responsible for providing support for loan systems and creating and maintaining data-based reports and files. She has 13 years of experience in financial services.

Baker earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • Gather and reconcile records, then review key financial reports.
                  
                • Set clear goals and block focused time for your review.
                  
                • Compare results to expectations and note major trends.
                  
                • Use your insights to set goals and build next year’s budget.
                  

    ---

  • Year-end is an ideal time to review your business finances. Follow these steps to set yourself up for a strong start in the new year.
    

    Gather Your Records

    Your year-end records accurately show how your company performed, revealing areas where the business excels and those that need improvement. Start by pulling together financial records, including up-to-date and reconciled bank account, accounts payable and accounts receivable records.

    Next, pull reports that will help you analyze how your business fared this year. Use your accounting software to produce reports including:

    • Income statement – breaks down income and expenses to show profit
    • Balance sheet – lists assets, liabilities, and equity
    • Cash flow statement – shows cash moving in and out over the year

    Set Aside Time and Set Expectations

    Decide what you want to achieve with your review. Consider questions like:

    • Did we earn a profit this year? What areas were most successful?
    • Was cash flow sufficient to handle fluctuations?
    • How did actual results compare to budget projections? Were we able to handle unanticipated expenses?
    • Where did we deviate from plans?

    Set aside dedicated time, either in one session or several blocks, to conduct your review without distractions.

    Conduct your review

    Follow your agenda, review the numbers, and bring in a trusted advisor if helpful. Consider the results in the context of decisions made, the broader economy, and local market conditions. Understanding why your business performed as it did will guide future planning.

    What’s Next?

    Now that you have a clear understanding of your company’s financial health, you can set plans for next year and beyond. Start with overall goals, then create a budget based on your analysis. At Lake City Bank, we’re here to help. Drop in to one of our branch offices or call our One Call Center at (888) 522-2265.

     

     

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome Christine E. Miller as Retail Banking Officer of the Pierceton branch.

In this position, Miller leads sales and service efforts in the branch, manages the daily operations of the office and supports office staff in their efforts to provide quality service and build customer relationships. She has 20 years of experience in financial services, including eight years of previous experience with Lake City Bank.

Miller is a Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce ambassador and volunteers with Junior Achievement.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

Why do you value working at Lake City Bank?
After more than 30 years in financial services, I’ve found that culture, community, and people matter most. At Lake City Bank, we’re heard, encouraged to grow, and connected to our communities—working together as servant-minded leaders to create a better company and client experience.

How does Lake City Bank exemplify its core value of inclusivity?
Lake City Bank values every person’s voice and encourages us to make a difference for our coworkers, clients, and communities. It’s an environment where everyone’s perspective matters, creating a workplace that feels like more than just a job—it feels like being part of the solution.

What have Lake City Bank’s diversity and inclusion efforts taught you so far?
That everyone brings unique value. We’re all connected, yet different—and that’s what makes our discussions richer, our teamwork stronger, and our workplace healthier. Read more employee experiences here.

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Marissa Rico has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Talent Management Officer.

In this position, Rico is responsible for identifying, hiring and retaining quality employees for positions across the bank. She has been with the bank for seven years.

Rico earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • A financial review helps you start the new year with confidence.
                • Looking back at this year makes planning for next year easier.
                  
                • If you don’t have a plan, now’s the time to make one.

    ---

    Investment products are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by Lake City Bank or any other bank, are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any governmental agency and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

    As the new year approaches, review your financial year with the checklist below. You’ll be glad you did!

    Review your budget

    Take a hard look at your budget compared to your spending. Identify areas that worked well and adjust for areas where you overspent.

    • No budget? Now is the time to create one.
    • With the holidays just around the corner, plan your spending so you don’t start the new year with increased debt.

     Speaking of debt

    Review your progress on paying down debt, especially on credit cards. Make sure your budget allows for debt reduction (and elimination).

    Know the score

    Get your free credit score and mark your calendar to review it at least twice a year. Learn more about credit scores here: https://www.lakecitybank.com/how-to-understand-and-improve-your-credit-score/

    Review savings

    Take a look back at your savings progress this year and plan accordingly.

    • Ensure your emergency fund covers 3–6 months of expenses.
    • Contribute to your employer’s 401(k) plan at least up to the company match.
    • Consider an IRA or Roth IRA to help with retirement savings and tax planning.

    Don’t leave money on the table

    If you have a flexible spending account, spend down your balance before the deadline.

    Review your benefits

    Make sure you’ve made selections for your company’s benefit program before the open enrollment deadline.

    Look to the future

    Be sure your longer-term planning is up to date as well.

    • Review the asset allocation in your retirement plan and other investments and update if needed to reflect current conditions and your goals.
    • Check beneficiaries on your retirement plans and insurance policies and adjust for any changes that happened this year.

    As the year winds down, Lake City Bank is here to help you make smart plans and strengthen your financial future. Drop in to one of our branches or call our One Call Center at (888) 522-2265.

     

    Investment products are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by Lake City Bank or any other bank, are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any governmental agency and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Eric D. Wagoner has been promoted to First Vice President, Executive Operations Officer.

“Eric consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of our operational priorities,” said Kristin L. Pruitt, President. “His promotion reflects the confidence we have in his ability to drive innovation and efficiency across our core banking functions and operational systems. We’re excited to see the continued impact he’ll have in this expanded role.”

In this position, Wagoner oversees operations for all core banking products and services, including loans, deposits, and transaction processing. He plays a key role in product and service initiatives, regulatory implementations and operational system enhancements. He has reporting responsibility for Electronic Banking, Electronic Document Services, Trust Operations, Deposit Operations, Loan Operations, Item Processing and the One Call Center.

Wagoner has been with the bank for 22 years. He serves as board chair of the Warsaw Salvation Army Advisory Board and volunteers with the Warsaw Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

Why do you value working at Lake City Bank?
I value working at Lake City Bank because of its commitment to community involvement and focus on building strong relationships with customers, local agencies and initiatives targeted to the varied communities in our footprint.

How does Lake City Bank exemplify its core value of inclusivity?
Departments across the bank demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity. In addition, the bank offers a variety of loan products and continuously works to improve them to benefit populations that are traditionally underserved.

What have Lake City Bank’s diversity and inclusion efforts taught you so far?
I’ve learned that diversity and inclusion are not just about race, but include gender, age, religion and anything that may make us different. Being inclusive and allowing variety at the table makes Lake City Bank a better organization overall, as we benefit from a variety of perspectives and can make more informed decisions. The concept of diversity and inclusion is not about allowing unqualified people opportunities; it is about affording qualified people opportunities that may not have been available because they don’t fit the status quo. Read more employee experiences here.

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Amanda J. Simpson has been promoted to Electronic Banking ACH & Reconcilement Assistant Manager & Officer.

In this position, Simpson oversees the ACH and payment reconcilement teams, providing leadership, guidance, and expertise in electronic payments. She ensures compliance with ACH operations and manages related risk programs. She has been with the bank for six years and has 11 years of experience in financial services.

Simpson volunteers with Junior Achievement and the bank’s Reality Store.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).