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
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
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…
West Bank Cuts Ribbon At New Headquarters
DES MOINES, Iowa, — West Bank held a ceremonial ribbon cutting in early May to celebrate the opening of its new headquarters building in West Des Moines. Dave Nelson, Chair and CEO of West Bank, opened the ceremony by mentioning West Bank as being the oldest business of any kind to be founded in West…
Jim Milroy Retires from 1st State Bank Presidency
Todd Gregory to succeed Milroy SAGINAW, Mich., — Jim Milroy has retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of 1st State Bank. Milroy joined 1st State Bank in 2007 as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2014 and ultimately to President and Chief Executive Officer in April…
Dart Bank Mortgage Bankers Recognized
MASON, Mich., — Six Dart Bank Mortgage Bankers were recognized by Experience.com as top performers for customer satisfaction in the Mortgage Industry. Experience.com, a provider of Customer Experience Management Software, announced its 2023 Top Performers in the Mortgage Industry. This marks the sixth year of recognizing top mortgage professionals that have shown exceptional customer service…
Mercantile Implements Succession Plan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., — Mercantile Bank Corporation has furthered its previously announced management succession plan. Robert B. Kaminski, Jr. has retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile and as CEO of Mercantile’s wholly owned subsidiary, Mercantile Bank. Kaminski remains a Director of both Mercantile and the Bank. Raymond E. Reitsma has resigned as…
Lindenfelser Celebrates 30 Years of Financial Leadership at The Bank of Elk River
ELK RIVER, Minn., — LeRoy Lindenfelser, the Chief Financial Officer of The Bank of Elk River, celebrated his 30th anniversary with the institution in June, according to chairman, president and CEO John Babcock. LeRoy joined The Bank of Elk River in 1994 as a consumer lender for the yet-to-be-built Otsego branch. His dedication and expertise…