The OTS Central Region is the newest OTS region, formed in 2007 from five states in the upper Midwest that all touch one or more of the Great Lakes. The region encompasses the dairy farms of rural Wisconsin, the beer brewing history of Milwaukee, the transportation hub of Chicago, the automobile industry of Michigan and the farmlands across the flatlands of southern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. It is home to old industrial sites of former “smokestack” industries, but it is also home to a revitalized Cleveland waterfront that contains the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Chicago, the “Windy City” on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, is the bustling financial center of the region and the location of the OTS regional headquarters office.
The goals of the Central Region are to be approachable for the industry, efficient in conducting examinations and supportive of its staff. OTS leaders established the region to improve service by concentrating agency resources and senior decision-makers more closely to the regulated thrift institutions in an important part of the country. OTS officials in Chicago are closely connected to the issues of the region. They are well attuned to the economic challenges in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, as well as regional industries, such as the auto industry and the galaxy of parts suppliers and related businesses throughout the region that it supports.
The region has many small community banks whose business models center on home mortgages, auto loans, commercial real estate and agriculture. The region also includes several large thrifts.
The OTS Central Region is bringing better service and oversight for thrifts in its five-state territory by enhancing the agency’s presence, regulatory relationships and communication.
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![Thomas A. Barnes](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080916064151im_/http://files.ots.treas.gov/upload/images/barnes.jpg)
Thomas A. Barnes
Regional Director
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080916064151im_/http://files.ots.treas.gov/upload/images/central.jpg)
1 South Wacker Dr.
Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 917-5000
(312) 917-5001 - FAX
Applications
Don Gignac
(312) 917-5021
(312) 917-5001 - FAX
Number of thrifts
205 (FY 2007)
Total thrift assets
$131.7 billion (FY 2007)
Regional employees
121 (FY 2007)
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