ChoiceOne Expands Two Locations
SPARTA, Mich.,— ChoiceOne Bank has expanded its Holland Loan Office in Ottawa County and completed a remodel of its Capac Branch in St. Clair County, The Holland office, located downtown, has moved to a larger space within the same building. A ribbon cutting and open house were held June 25, with a $1,500 donation presented…
Portage Community Bank Mourns Loss of CFO Don Herman
RAVENNA, Ohio,— Portage Community Bank announced the passing of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Donald D. “Don” Herman, who passed Thursday, July 3, 2025. Herman joined the bank in 1999 as senior financial officer and was promoted to CFO in 2009. Over his long tenure, he played a key role in the institution’s…
1st State Bank Adds Two to Mortgage Lending Team
SAGINAW, Mich.,—1st State Bank has added Ashley Kubacki and Paige LaPeen as mortgage loan officers, expanding its mortgage lending team. Kubacki began her mortgage lending career in 2022 following five years in the insurance industry. She most recently served as mortgage lending officer at Jolt Credit Union. A resident of Saginaw County, she is active…
First State Bank Promotes Marc Reneau
ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.,— First State Bank has promoted Marc Reneau to Chief Mortgage and Consumer Lending Officer. Reneau brings more than 30 years of experience in banking and mortgage finance. Since joining the bank in 2011, he has played a key role in the growth of its lending operations. “Marc has demonstrated exceptional leadership…
M&T Appoints Woodrow Regional President
BUFFALO, N.Y.,—M&T Bank has appointed Tracy S. Woodrow as Regional President for Western New York, expanding her responsibilities while she continues to serve as Chief Administrative Officer. As Regional President, Woodrow will lead M&T’s community bank leadership team across an eight-county region, including its retail, business, commercial, wealth management, government banking, and charitable divisions. Woodrow…
Consumers to Add Branch
MINERVA, Ohio,— Consumers National Bank announced it has received approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to open a new full-service branch office on South Avenue in Boardman, Ohio. The branch will be the bank’s first in Mahoning County and its 24th overall. Operations at the new office are expected to begin…
Digital Lessons from Across the Pond: Reimagining U.S. Banking Through the UK Model
By Mark Van Horn The UK’s digital banking sector today is viewed as a global leader for customer-centric innovation and streamlined digital services. In 2025, nearly 40% of UK adults now have a digital-only bank account—nearly triple the figure from just four years earlier.¹ This shift reflects not only the growing trust in digital banking…
How Community Banks Can Use AI to Win Back Younger Customers
By Todd P. Michaud Bankers have become fascinated with AI, and that fascination only intensified since late 2022 as tools like ChatGPT have become both powerful and widespread. Bankers are interested in utilizing safe, secure AI tools that increase efficiency in the broadest sense. This is for good reason. In an environment of growing economic…
Preparing Teens for Fall 2025: A Financial Launchpad for College and Beyond
By Kevin O’Keefe As families prepare for the fall 2025 semester, one persistent challenge looms large: helping teens achieve financial independence without falling into the student debt trap. Young adults leave home learning to manage class schedules, meet deadlines, work part-time, and develop basic money management skills. This period can significantly affect future credit opportunities…
Citizens National Elects Chairman, Adds Governance Role
CHEBOYGAN, Mich.,—The board of directors of Citizens National Bank has unanimously elected Dana F. Andrews, President of Sturgeon River Pottery, Inc., as its Chairman, effective immediately. Rick Tromble, owner of Tromble Bay Farms, has stepped down as chairman of the board however, he remains a director. To further enhance its governance and strategic oversight, while…