Citizens Bank and Lifeplus Partner to Promote Growth and Progress in Downtown Batesville

Citizens Bank is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Lifeplus that will foster economic growth and job creation in the heart of downtown Batesville. This collaboration underscores Citizens Bank’s ongoing commitment to the vitality and development of the community it calls home.

When Citizens Bank opened its state-of-the-art headquarters at 655 St. Louis Street in 2019, it intentionally repurposed its previous location at 3rd & College as an Operations Center—ensuring a continued presence in the downtown district. That commitment to downtown has now taken a bold new step forward.

Lifeplus, a long-standing Batesville employer, is in a state of expansion, both locally and globally. Recognizing a unique opportunity to support this growth while reinforcing its dedication to the city’s economic vitality, Citizens Bank initiated a plan to restructure its internal operations. Employees currently based at 3rd & College will relocate to the new headquarters on St. Louis Street, creating space for Lifeplus to renovate & occupy the downtown facility.

Lifeplus will begin restructuring the space to accommodate up to 60 employees initially, with plans for significant future growth. The updated facility will also include office space for Lifeplus team members visiting from international locations, providing a flexible and professional environment that supports their expanding global footprint. The company expects to be fully operational in the new space by mid-August and plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this milestone.

This initiative aligns with Citizens Bank’s broader efforts through the IMPACT Independence County strategic plan, led by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Launched with input from over 2,500 area residents, the plan focuses on four key areas: Economic Prosperity, Educational Excellence, Placemaking and Healthy Living and Well-being. Citizens Bank has been instrumental in advancing these goals, notably through its IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund, which has provided millions in low-interest loans and grants to stimulate downtown redevelopment and support local businesses. 

“At Citizens Bank, we believe progress begins with partnerships,” said Jeff Teague, CEO of Citizens Bank. 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.”

The partnership between Citizens Bank and Lifeplus stands as a powerful example of how collaboration between businesses can lead to meaningful community impact—bringing new energy, opportunities, and optimism to downtown Batesville.