1. A New Venture 1908-1924
  2. Standing Firm 1925-1945
  3. Post-War Prosperity 1946-1965
  4. Adapting to Change 1966-1985
  5. A New Economy 1986-2008
                                                                               


CIT Centennial

As pioneers and innovators in the finance industry, CIT has unparalleled experience, creating a solid foundation for the future.


CIT Centennial - February 11, 2008

One hundred years ago, CIT founder Henry Ittelson set up shop in St. Louis, Missouri to fulfill a vision – to provide comprehensive financing solutions and services to individuals and businesses. Ten decades later, CIT employees work to fulfill this mission with clients across multiple industries in 50 countries.

This centennial not only allows us to celebrate our heritage, but to prepare for our future. We celebrate our relationship with each of you and look forward to establishing new ones.

Please continue to visit our centennial.cit.com to watch the celebration unfold.

The CIT Story

In 1908, Commercial Credit & Investment Company was born. Learn more about the challenges and key milestones that led to CIT's success today.

Centennial Perspectives: Story Pods

CIT explores how the world in which we do business has changed, and what these changes mean for the future. The second essay, "Our Transportation Future" by Eric Hagerman of Wired Magazine, looks at the future of transportation.

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A New Venture 1908-1924

1908 First Office
The Commercial Credit & Investment Company opens its first office in St. Louis, Missouri with three small rooms and three people.
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Standing Firm 1925-1945

The Talkies
"The talkies" – the first feature length motion pictures with sound – were popular around the world in 1927. CIT arranged for RCA to lease their RCA-Photophone equipment to theaters and "The talkies" blossomed.
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Post-War Prosperity 1946-1965

Picker Progress
In 1963 Picker X-ray Corporation, a CIT manufacturing operations, introduced a major innovation with x-ray video tape recording equipment that enabled hospitals to recreate fluoroscopic examinations on closed-circuit television.
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Adapting To Change 1966-1985

Sale of CIT Building
A year after RCA acquired CIT, CIT sold its landmark, black-granite building at 650 Madison Avenue to the Prudential Insurance Corporation of America for $90 million.
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A New Economy 1986-2008

The Toll Collector
In 1999 CIT finds a novel way to fund the state of New Jersey's EZpass highway toll system – levying a $25 fine on drivers who pass through without paying the toll.