It is, and shall be, the policy of Horizon Bank to make its loan products available to all qualified applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, familial status, age (over that of majority), disability, receipt of public assistance, or good faith exercise of rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, or the Fair Housing Act. Horizon also complies with state and local laws that apply to lending transactions. It is and shall be, the Bank’s policy to encourage the completion or submission of an application for credit by any applicant on any of these bases and to ensure equitable treatment of all customers in making loans available. Horizon’s policy equally applies to non-credit banking products, including deposit accounts.
We expect that Horizon’s employees will demonstrate to its customers that they value, respect, embrace, and champion diversity in all aspects of Horizon’s activities; that they will not engage in or tolerate any form or act of discrimination or harassment toward customers or potential customers; and that they will be vigilant against any such conduct, remain open and accessible to all, and treat those that the Bank serves with respect and dignity. Our employees are asked to demonstrate and deliver fair and equitable treatment for all.
Horizon will actively seek to market its products and services to diverse communities, including people and communities of color, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, people with varying socioeconomic statuses, and other underserved populations. We will be proactive in our efforts for community outreach to ensure that all areas of the communities where Horizon does business are represented in its endeavors. These efforts will include developing organized partnerships with organizations serving various underserved groups, supporting financial literacy and homeownership counseling programs, and making money available to support homeownership assistance initiatives tailored to first-time homebuyers in underserved communities.
Horizon commits to a process through which customer complaints about inequitable treatment will be addressed promptly, comprehensively, and by considering how similarly situated persons of a different race, national origin, or other status have been or would be treated by Horizon.
Horizon will devote special attention to the credit needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods within the communities in which it does business. Consistent with safe and sound banking practices, Horizon will provide financial services to all income segments of its market.
The advertising of the Bank and all of its communications to the public shall be designed to make the Bank’s current and potential customers aware that Horizon makes its products and services available without discrimination and that Horizon welcomes the opportunity to do business with every member of the community. Horizon will undertake specific activities to encourage a wide range of customers to approach its offices and to consider it as a financial service resource.
The success of Horizon’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is the responsibility of the entire organization. Horizon’s fair lending practices apply across all aspects of its operations, including marketing, loan origination, processing, underwriting, servicing, and collection activities. Horizon’s commitment to equity and diversity is demonstrated in terms of its structure and
organization, employee accountability, monitoring and auditing programs, training, and technology. Horizon’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Management team are responsible for establishing practices designed to ensure that the Bank’s operations reflect its strong commitment to treat everyone it serves with respect and dignity and to demonstrate and deliver fair and equal treatment for all.
Horizon will continue to look for objective ways to support and evaluate employees as they advance diversity and inclusion in all of the Bank’s business operations.
