Consumers to Add Canton Branch
MINERVA, Ohio,—Consumers National Bank has received approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for its application to operate a new full-service branch office the Millenium Building in downtown Canton, Ohio. The approval marks the bank’s tenth branch in Stark County and its 23rd in the bank’s six county market. Consumers National…
AI in Banking: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
By Raj Patel “Only 25% of financial institutions use AI to reinforce their competitive position. The remainder are stuck in isolated pilots rather than pursuing comprehensive strategies.” — Boston Consulting Group Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept for banks—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the financial industry at breakneck speed. But like any…
Timely Financial Considerations for New Small Business Ownership
By Michael Stodolak Changes in career fields and the economy may encourage more people to pursue a new path. Whether driven by corporate layoffs, burnout, or a simple desire for greater independence, many individuals are considering starting their own business. Across the Great Lakes region, states are experiencing a steady stream of new business applications;…
Balancing AI-Driven AML With Human Control
By Jessica Tirado Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for big banks anymore. One compelling use case for community financial institutions: reducing the cost, effort, and headache of AML compliance. An AI-powered AML solution can automatically review millions of transactions overnight, surface unusual activity, and even draft a suspicious activity report (SAR) while your analysts sleep….
Exploring the Intersection of Community Banking and Cutting-Edge Lending Technology
An Interview with Cynthia Miller, Cync Software Great Lakes Banker Publisher Greg O’Neil sat down with Cynthia Miller of Cync Software on the subject of how the latest technology is shaping community banking. Q: Cynthia, you started your career as a community banker. How did that journey evolve into building lending technology products? A: I…
Oxford CEO David Lamb Named to ICBA Innovations and Solutions Committee
OXFORD, Mich.,—The ICBA has appointed David Lamb, CEO of Oxford Bank to serve on ICBA’s Bank Innovations and Solutions Committee. As the nation’s voice for community banks, ICBA’s sole focus is ensuring community banks and the customers they serve continue to flourish. “To lend my voice in policy discussions for the nation’s community banks as…
ChoiceOne Leaders Retire
SPARTA, Mich.,—ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank has announced the retirements of Heather Brolick, EVP Human Resources Officer; Lee Braford, SVP Chief Credit Officer; Shelly Childers, SVP Chief Information Officer; Steven DeVolder, SVP Senior Trust Officer and Robert Michel, SVP Operations Officer. “It is with sincere appreciation that we announce the retirements of Heather,…
F&M Bank Honors Jeff Johnson: 50 Years in Banking
GALESBURG , Ill.,—F&M Bank has congratulated Jeff Johnson on his 50th service anniversary on June 2nd. Johnson joined F&M Bank in 1975 as a Teller and currently serves as an Assistant Vice President, Support Specialist in Galesburg. Over the years, Jeff has held many positions including Personal Banker, Financial Assistant, Cashier, Service Manager I, Operations…
Northwest Transitions Board Leadership
COLUMBUS, Ohio,—Northwest Bancshares, Inc. has made changes to its board of directors as part of a leadership transition. As a result of his impending retirement from the board of directors in 2026, Timothy B. Fannin has stepped down as Board Chair, and has been succeeded by Vice Chair Timothy M. Hunter. Mr. Fannin joined the…
Starr, Creighton Truex Named to Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank Boards
WARSAW, Ind.,—Lakeland Financial Corporation and Lake City Bank have appointed Dan Starr and Mindy Creighton Truex have been appointed to their respective Boards of Directors. “Our boards represent the foundational building blocks of stable corporate governance, leadership and engagement in our Indiana communities and provide balanced and thoughtful feedback to our leadership team. The addition…