MUNCIE, Ind. — July 29, 2026 — First Merchants Bank (NASDAQ: FRME) is expanding its investment in the Southern Indiana market with a new Floyds Knobs banking branch and expanded local leadership, reinforcing its commitment to helping local businesses, families and communities prosper.
New Floyds Knobs Branch Opens August 13
First Merchants recently opened a new branch in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, located at 4909 Old Vincennes Road. This new banking center is committed to customer convenience through a team that values relationships and understanding the customer’s needs in the Southern Indiana market. The branch will host a grand opening event Thursday, August 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate with Southern Indiana residents, businesses and community leaders.
“We are excited to become part of the Southern Indiana community and build on the relationships our team has established throughout the region,” said Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank. “As a community-focused bank, First Merchants is committed to providing the convenience of neighborhood banking, local expertise and comprehensive financial solutions. This new banking center strengthens our ability to support homeownership, economic development and the long-term financial success of the communities we serve.”
The opening of the Floyds Knobs branch is part of First Merchants’ broader $6 million investment in Southern Indiana. Built by Floyds Knobs-based AML Construction and designed by Indianapolis architecture firm Schmidt Associates, the new branch reflects First Merchants’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in the region while providing modern, welcoming spaces for clients and the communities it serves.
In addition to the new $2.5 million, 2,500-square-foot Floyds Knobs location, the bank has invested $3.5 million to refresh its 14 Southern Indiana branches with updated interiors, new furniture, signage, paint and other facility enhancements.
Expanded Southern Indiana Leadership
As part of First Merchants’ commitment to growth in southern Indiana, the bank recently appointed Paul Fultz, retired Audit and Business Unit Professional Practice Partner for KPMG LLP, to its Boards of Directors. Fultz brings more than 30 years of experience working at KPMG’s Louisville office, advising public company boards through complex financial and regulatory matters – expertise that aligns with First Merchants’ focus on supporting sustainable growth in the region.
Fultz joins First Merchants’ Southern Indiana leaders Eric Howard, Market President; Jamie Matthews, Managing Director, Corporate Banking; Tony Schoen, CPA, President of Specialty Lending; Derrick Jackson, Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer and Larry Myers, Board Member.
Together, these leaders combined have 140 years of experience in the industry, were raised in the Kentuckiana community and are passionate about serving local businesses and residents. Beyond being active with several national and local banking trade associations, they also serve their local communities in leadership positions with Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, Boy Scouts of America, Fund for the Arts – Louisville, One Southern Indiana and the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.
“Southern Indiana isn’t just a market we serve — it’s our home,” said Eric Howard, Market President, First Merchants Bank. “Our leadership team has spent decades building relationships with local businesses, families and community organizations, and we’re committed to helping this region continue to grow and thrive. By combining deep local knowledge with the resources of a strong Indiana-based bank, we’re able to deliver thoughtful financial solutions while remaining actively invested in the community where we live and work.”
For more information on First Merchants and to find a local Southern Indiana branch, visit https://www.firstmerchants.com/.
About First Merchants Corporation
With approximately $21 billion in assets1, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through employee empowerment, philanthropy, charitable giving, financial wellness, and community home and business lending. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Time Magazine, American Banker, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants is making a difference, go to https://www.firstmerchants.com/.
1 Includes the assets from the acquisition of First Saving Financial Group on February 1, 2026.
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