Farmers CAO Joseph Sabat to Retire
CANFIELD, Ohio—Farmers National Bank chief accounting officer Joseph Sabat has announced his retirement according to President and CEO Kevin Helmick. Sabat, who was promoted to Chief Accounting Officer in 2021, has been with Farmers since 2006. He previously served as the Bank’s Controller. and has enjoyed a highly successful 25 year career in accounting, finance…
Michael S. Zahn Named Northeast Indiana Bancorp Chairman
HUNTINGTON, Ind.,—Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. has named Michael S. Zahn Chairman of the Board of First Federal Savings Bank. This role was previously held by Stephen E. Zahn, who remains Chairman of the board of Directors of Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc.
Melanie Squires Returns to Dart Bank
MASON, Mich.,— Melanie Squires has returned to Dart Bank as Vice President/Office Manager and Treasury Management Officer, where she will oversee operations at Grand Ledge and support business clients through treasury management services. With more than 23 years of experience in banking, Squires brings a well-rounded background in consumer lending, commercial loan support, business banking,…
The CFPB is on Life Support —But Compliance Shouldn’t Be
By Tom Oscherwitz In recent weeks, the Trump administration has significantly reduced funding for federal financial regulators. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is struggling to operate, with its staff unable to access their headquarters, supervisory exams suspended, and enforcement cases being abandoned. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) fired 700 employees on the last…
A Night of Hope: Michigan Banks Support Families Facing Blood Cancer
By Greg O’Neil On the evening of April 25, 2025, the historic Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, transformed into a beacon of compassion and community. I had the honor of attending a fundraising gala for the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM), an event that drew powerful support from across the banking and legal…
Is There a Playbook for Romance Scams? Often YES.
By Stuart Best and Sara Costanzo An attractive stranger with a fake name and profile photo reaches out online and strikes up a connection. He/she sends messages daily. The stranger quickly profess his/her love for you. The stranger builds up a sense of trust. Then, the trap is set. The stranger start asking for money…
The M&A Landscape: Don’t Get Burned by Your Technology Contract
By Rich Carty Contracts and Bank Sales: Key Negotiation Insights for Executives What should boards of directors and executives consider when negotiating with their major technology vendors if they are considering an acquisition, or planning to sell their bank in the next several years? Recently, a CEO client approached us to manage her technology contract…
Portage Community Bank Names Hauch to Board
RAVENNA, Ohio,—Portage Community Bank, the wholly-owned bank subsidiary of Portage Bancshares, Inc., has named James V. Hauch to PCB’s board of directors. With an extensive background in law, accounting, and real estate, Hauch brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to the organization. Hauch’s appointment took effect on January 1, 2025….
Thompson Phelan Strengthens Leadership
ANCHORVILLE, Mich., — Thompson Phelan Group, a design/build architectural firm, has made key changes to its ownership structure. This restructuring marks a significant milestone as the organization strengthens its leadership to build on its success and drive continued growth within the company. Kelly A. Watson, formerly Chief Architectural/Interior Designer, has accepted an ownership position within…
First National Announces Board Succession Plan
KALAMAZOO, Mich.,—The First National Bank of Michigan board of directors has executed a comprehensive succession plan designed to ensure a continued commitment of growth in Kalamazoo, Portage, Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, and Traverse City. Effective May 2025, Larry Lueth, Chairman, will retire after 19 years of leadership. Daniel Bitzer, President & CEO, will assume the…