The former downtown home offices of a longtime Batesville financial institution will now be space for an expanding local employer.
In a joint release on Monday, Citizens Bank and Lifeplus announced a strategic partnership that aims to boost economic growth and create jobs in downtown Batesville.
The collaboration will see Citizens Bank relocate its operations center from its current location at 3rd and College (pictured above) to its headquarters at 655 St. Louis Street (pictured below).
The move will free up space for Lifeplus, a Batesville employer, to renovate and occupy the bank’s downtown offices.
Lifeplus plans to initially accommodate up to 60 employees in the renovated space, with expectations for future growth. The release said the facility will also include office space for international Lifeplus team members visiting Batesville, providing “a flexible and professional environment that supports their expanding global footprint.” The company anticipates being fully operational in the new location by mid-August and plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
According to the release, Citizens Bank repurposed its former 3rd and College location as an operations center in 2019 after opening its new headquarters on St. Louis Street. The current partnership is described as a further step in the bank’s commitment to the downtown area.
The initiative aligns with Citizens Bank’s involvement in the IMPACT Independence County strategic plan, led by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. The plan, informed by over 2,500 area residents, focuses on economic prosperity, educational excellence, placemaking, and healthy living and well-being. The release noted Citizens Bank’s role in advancing these goals through its IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund.
“At Citizens Bank, we believe progress begins with partnerships,” said Jeff Teague, CEO of Citizens Bank, in the release. “By joining forces with Lifeplus, we’re not only creating room for growth, we continue to invest in the future of downtown Batesville. This move allows us to support a thriving local employer while continuing to anchor our presence in Independence County. It’s about doing what’s right for Batesville today and building momentum for tomorrow.”
“We are incredibly excited about this opportunity to expand right here in the heart of Batesville,” said Scott Lancaster, general counsel for Lifeplus. “This expansion is a major milestone for Lifeplus, and we’re proud to grow right here in downtown Batesville. Citizens Bank’s willingness to collaborate and create space for our team speaks volumes about their commitment to progress and community. Together, we’re not just adding jobs—we’re investing in people, opportunity, and the long-term success of this city.”
Images: White River Now
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