Great Lake Banker Magazine

CBM Announces Succession Plan

LANSING, Mich., — Michael Tierney the President and CEO of the Community Bankers of Michigan will retire at the end of 2024. He has been at the helm of the organization representing the interests of Michigan banks for over eight years. His banking career spanned 47 years. He led the outstanding team at the CBM…

MCDC Adds Shannon Gordon

EAST LANSING, Mich., -— Shannon Gordon has joined the Michigan Certified Development Corporation as Loan Officer for the Macomb, northeast Oakland, eastern Detroit and the Thumb region. Gordon will oversee marketing efforts for MCDC’s Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program by collaborating with lenders, small business owners and other stakeholders to help drive economic development…

Consumers Breaks Ground in Massillon

MINERVA, Ohio, — Consumers National Bank has broken ground on construction of its new branch in Massillon, Ohio, which will become the 22nd branch location in the bank’s five-county northeast Ohio network. In his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, President and CEO Ralph J. Lober II, noted that “the groundbreaking was a symbolic first step…

Peoples Opens New Location in Milwaukee

WAUSAU, Wis., — Peoples State Bank has opened a new location in downtown Milwaukee. The new branch and offices, located. near Cathedral Square, is the bank’s third location in southeastern Wisconsin. “We are excited about the future of Peoples in metro Milwaukee,” said Scott Cattanach, Peoples State Bank president and CEO. “The new location will…

Why Digital Transformation is Essential for Account Opening

Why Digital Transformation is Essential for Account Opening

By Glenn Bolstad Discover the importance of digital transformation for account opening in the banking industry. Learn how automation, AI and customer experience drive growth and efficiency. In the ever-changing banking industry, where customer loyalty is paramount and competition is fierce, banks are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences….

How Positive Pay  Helps Fight Check Fraud

How Positive Pay Helps Fight Check Fraud

By Jason Young Check use has declined for years as consumers gravitate toward faster, more digital transactions. Yet despite the slow and steady phasing out of checks, the financial sector has seen a recent uptick in check fraud. FinCEN reported 680,000 instances of known check fraud in 2022, and those trends continued into 2023, with…

BETTER TOGETHER—Preparing for the Coming Crisis

BETTER TOGETHER—Preparing for the Coming Crisis

By Bill Pilkington “Bill, what are we going to do?” On the phone was my friend, mentor and icon in the industry Donald Mann. With over 50 years in the industry, he has seen it all from Director of Banking in Michigan to frequently sought after consultant. After 40 years of his direction, I instantly…

Painting a Beautiful Workplace Culture

Painting a Beautiful Workplace Culture

By Paul Nunn During the past few, I have created about 30 paintings. Mostly from watching video tutorials and painting along with the artist. I’ve watched hundreds of painting tutorials from several artists. Starting with the GOAT, Bob Ross. The way artists create beautiful paintings is very similar to how great leaders create a beautiful…

Dart Bank Adds Two New Board Members

MASON, Mich., — Dart Bank has announced the election of John Truscott and John Gilkey to its board of directors. “John Truscott and John Gilkey bring invaluable perspectives to our Board of Directors,” said William J. Hufnagel, President and CEO of Dart Bank. “John Truscott’s expertise in developing innovative communication strategies and fostering robust relationships,…

Genesee Regional Bank Names New Board Leadership    

E. Philip Saunders steps down as Chairman ROCHESTER, N.Y., — Genesee Regional Bank has announced that, after 23 years in the role, E. Philip Saunders has stepped down as Chairman of the Board. Saunders will remain a Director of the GRB Board and continue to serve as Chairman of the bank’s holding company, Greater Rochester…