2005 Press Releases

November 2005: BAUERFINANCIAL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm, proudly announces that Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan has earned its highest 5-star superior rating for the 69th consecutive quarter. Having earned this prestigious rating consistently for ten years or longer, Wolverine Bank is positioned into the even more impressive group of Exceptional Performance Banks.

“This award, based on our analysis of current financial data as well as historical data, is an award of merit, pure and simple, and Wolverine Bank has earned it,” stated Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “Unlike some industries in which ratings can be purchased, BAUERFINANCIAL adheres to a strict set of financial standards in assigning its ratings. No bank pays for its rating, nor can any bank elude it,” she continued.

Established in 1933, Wolverine Bank has been committed to the needs of its neighbors and friends for 72 years. It currently operates through four conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth and Midland and can be found on the internet at www.wolverinebank.com.

Wolverine Bank: “Your hometown, independent, community bank offering flexible, accessible, personalized products and services.”

BAUERFINANCIAL Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, is the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. It has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by calling 800.388.6686 or visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.

Midland, Michigan – Joell Anthony has been hired as Controller for Wolverine Bank. A 15-year accounting and finance veteran with 5 years of banking experience, she is now responsible for overseeing many aspects of the Bank’s accounting department. Some of her duties include financial reporting, regulatory reporting, general ledger accounting, investment portfolio coordination and tax planning. Anthony most recently worked as an Assistant Controller in Alpena. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with double majors in Accounting and Finance from the University of Arizona. She now resides in Midland after relocating from Hubbard Lake.

An independent and locally-owned community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low cost and no cost financial products since 1934 including a complete selection of commercial and residential mortgage and lending products and FDIC-protected deposit products and services. Wolverine Bank is among the top 2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time, from independent industry analyst, BauerFinancial Inc.

If you would like to learn more about Wolverine Bank, you may visit the Company’s website at www.wolverinebank.com.

“Wolverine Bank has agreed to lease space on the corner of Main and Ashman Streets – a parcel that is currently part of 101 Bistro,” declared Jim Johnson of J&M Associates, owners of the property. It was Johnson’s brainchild to approach the Bank when it became public this past summer that the Bank had sold its current location at the corner of McDonald and Larkin. “The Bank will become our neighbor with its own private entrance off Ashman,” said Johnson “The Bistro will then be transformed into a stylish and more compact sports bar.”

“It has always been our commitment to stay in Downtown Midland,” commented William (Bill) C. Schmidt, Chairman of Wolverine Bank’s Board of Directors, who was involved in making the lease arrangements. “We started here 72 years ago, and it was only natural that we would remain loyal to our roots. The newest location is perfectly suited for the Bank’s needs in terms of its size, visibility and accessibility.”

Dave Dunn, President/CEO of Wolverine Bank, added: “We will continue operating on McDonald Street right up until we move early next year. It will have minimal impact on our customers because there will be no down-time”

101 Bistro, a popular restaurant/bar previously known as 101 Main Street, has been in operation since the early 1990’s. It will continue to serve as a highly-favored food and beverage destination in the bustling Downtown area. Headquartered on Eastman Avenue in Midland, Wolverine Bank serves many counties throughout Michigan from full-service offices in Midland and Frankenmuth, as well as from a loan center in Saginaw. An independent and locally-owned community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low cost and no cost financial products since 1934 including a complete selection of commercial and residential mortgage and lending products and FDIC-protected deposit products and services including checking, money market, savings, certificates of deposits, VISA Check Cards, free online banking and free bill payment. Wolverine Bank is independently rated among the top 2% of banks nationwide* for financial strength and service quality over time.

Midland, Michigan – Lisa Orlando has been hired as Commercial Lending Officer for Wolverine Bank. In her new position, she is responsible for servicing existing commercial clients as well as developing new business opportunities. Prior to joining Wolverine Bank, Orlando worked in banking as an Internal Auditor, Commercial Loan Processing Manager and Commercial Relationship Officer spanning 11 years. Orlando has a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in Accounting from Central Michigan University. She is an active member of Zonta International and the Rotary Club of Midland as well as the Vice President of the Midland Area Hockey League and Director of Fast Ice.

An independent and locally-owned community bank with a 73 year heritage, Wolverine Bank offers a full array of low cost and no cost financial products such as a complete selection of commercial and residential mortgage and lending products and FDIC-protected deposit products and services. Wolverine Bank has the distinction of being independently rated among the top 2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time, giving customers’ confidence that their funds are protected beyond the scope of federal deposit insurance.

August 2005: Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan has been awarded BAUERFINANCIAL’s 5-Star Superior rating for the 68th consecutive quarter. BAUERFINANCIAL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm, recognizes Wolverine Bank’s past and present superior strength and performance through this prestigious award. (The award is based on an analysis of current financial data as supplied by federal regulators, supplemented by historical data.) Having earned this highest 5-Star rating consistently for at least the last ten years, Wolverine Bank has also earned the right to be called an Exceptional Performance Bank.

“We live in an ownership society,” comments Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “Community bankers are the cornerstone of that ownership. Without community bankers, like Wolverine Bank, reaching out and lending to the families and small business in their area, most people would not have access to that home ownership. Wolverine Bank and other community banks like it are an integral part of the foundation that makes America great.”

Wolverine Bank has been serving the needs of its neighbors and friends for 72 years. Established in 1933, it currently operates through four conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth, Midland, as well as a loan production office in Saginaw, and can be found on the internet at www.wolverinebank.com.

Wolverine Bank: “Your hometown, independent, community bank offering flexible, accessible, personalized products and services.”

BAUERFINANCIAL Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, is the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. It has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by calling 800.388.6686 or visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.

Midland, Michigan – Wolverine Bank recently announced the promotion of Rick A. Rosinski from Treasurer to Chief Operating Officer. In his new position, Mr. Rosinski oversees the Bank’s accounting, internal audit, information systems, operations, loan operations, and credit analysis departments. A member of the Bank’s senior management team, Rosinski’s responsibilities include financial reporting, regulatory reporting, budgeting, investments, deposit pricing, borrowings, capital expenditures planning, core processing, back office operations, deposit and loan maintenance, loan processing/closing, tax planning, communication with auditors/examiners, and more. An employee of the Bank since May of 1982, Rosinski’s previous positions were Customer Service Representative, Consumer/Commercial Loan Clerk, Consumer/Commercial Loan Analyst and Assistant Treasurer. He has been Treasurer of the Bank since 1993. A graduate of Northwood University, he earned his BBA with a major in Accounting, and holds the CMA (“Certified Management Accountant”) and CFM (“Certified in Financial Management”) certifications. He, his wife, Beverly and their children, reside in Bay City.

May 2005: BAUERFINANCIAL Inc. is proud to announce that Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan, has earned a 5-Star Superior rating. This marks the 67th consecutive quarter that Wolverine Bank has achieved this honor, giving it added distinction as an “Exceptional Performance Bank”. The 5-Star rating recognizes Wolverine Bank’s continual Superior performance and strength based on an evaluation of the most recent financial data filed by the bank with federal regulators and analyzed by BAUERFINANCIAL.

“Other banks may be larger, but few can match Wolverine Bank’s superior strength and performance,” said Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “Consider the following quotes, and their sources: Richard Kocaevich, CEO of Wells Fargo, was quoted in Forbes (8/16/04) as saying, ‘I don’t believe in economies of scale. You don’t get better by being bigger. You get worse.’ And that’s coming from one of the nation’s five largest banks. Then listen to what FDIC Chairman Donald Powell had to say at the ICBA National Convention this March, ‘No one is better than community bankers at understanding their customers’ needs, especially the unique needs of small businesses and consumers.’ You can understand how community banks, like Wolverine Bank, continue to come out on top.”

Wolverine Bank has been serving the needs of its neighbors and friends in Mid-Michigan for 72 years. Established in 1933, it currently operates through four conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth and Midland and can be found on the internet at www.wolverinebank.com.

Wolverine Bank: “Your hometown, independent, community bank offering flexible, accessible, personalized products and services.”

BAUERFINANCIAL Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, is the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. It has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by calling 800.388.6686 or visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.

Midland, Michigan – Wolverine Bank and the law firm of Cline Close Dyer & Gambrell PLC have announced the sale of the Bank’s Downtown Midland property. Located at 143 McDonald and Larkin, the property will continue to be a full service bank until 2006 – at which point the Bank will move into another location in Downtown Midland. In making the joint announcement, Wolverine Bank President and CEO Dave Dunn reinforced the Bank’s continuing commitment to the downtown area:

“Since the relocation of our corporate headquarters in 2002, we have been operating with far more space than we needed at our Downtown location. The building has great significance to us because of its historical connection to the bank – having been remodeled by the design firm founded by Alden Dow, who was also one of the Bank’s original board members in 1933. In striking the deal with Cline Close Dyer & Gambrell PLC, we feel that we are passing it along to new owners who will continue to treasure and preserve it and that their presence will truly enhance the Downtown area. Our goals now are to find another Downtown Midland location by the end of 2005 and to execute a seamless transition from one location to the next for the benefit of our customers.”

Stressing the firm’s resolve to contribute to the continuing revitalization of the Downtown area, Cline Close Dyer & Gambrell PLC partner, Jeff Dyer, further stated:

“We will be working with Alden Dow’s legacy architectural design firm, Dow, Howell & Gilmore to make renovations to the building. It is a spectacular piece of our heritage, and we look forward to relocating our firm there sometime in 2006. It will be our platform for bringing a lot of business to the area. Until then, we couldn’t ask for a better partnership than our association with Wolverine Bank.”

According to the deed for the property, the McDonald-Larkin building had several owners before Wolverine Bank took possession of it in 1989. Among its many incarnations, the location was once a meat company long before it was beautifully restored in the distinctive Alden Dow style. Prior to the Bank’s ownership, the building belonged to an advertising agency co-owned by the late John A. Church who was strongly affiliated with the Bank as Director, Chairman of the Board, and President from 1957 through 1990.

Cline Close Dyer & Gambrell PLC is a full service law firm serving the needs of Midland's families, small businesses and non-profit organizations. To learn more about them, visit their website at www.ccdglaw.com. An independent and locally-owned community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low cost and no cost financial products to businesses, individuals and families throughout Michigan since 1934.

Midland, Michigan – Wolverine Bank today announced the addition of Julie Fasone Holder to its board of directors and the re-election of two other esteemed board members.

In making the announcement at the Bank’s 72nd annual meeting, Wolverine Bank Chairman William C. Schmidt praised Holder for her accomplishments as a business and community leader. Schmidt said: “Julie’s appointment represents another strategic move to preserve the depth and breadth of our board of directors at world class proportions. Our board’s guidance is of immeasurable importance as they lead our Bank in our continuing pursuit of growth, quality and prosperity for the benefit of our customers. ”

In addition to the appointment of Holder, two other board members – Chairman Schmidt and Richard M. Reynolds - were re-elected.

Retired from The Dow Chemical Company after 37 years as Assistant Controller and Chief Financial Officer, Schmidt first joined Wolverine Bank’s board in 1982. He served for many years as his job led him back and forth from Michigan to Indiana before returning to Midland for good. He has led the board since 2004. Schmidt received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration from the University of Michigan and attained Certified Management Accountant status in 1973. He has a long history of community involvement including serving as Regent of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, Treasurer of the American Health Council, past chairman of MidMichigan Health and current chairman of MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland, Director and Treasurer of West Midland Family Center; Vice Chairman and Member of Midland County Building Authority and a member of the Midland Beautification Committee.

Reynolds currently serves as President of MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland and Executive Vice President of MidMichigan Health. In his 25 years career in the healthcare financial management field, Reynolds has held positions as Senior Vice President and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as Vice President for Finance. He was also a Senior Audit Manager with Ernst and Young for 8 years. Reynolds received his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Fellow in the Health Care Financial Management Association. Reynolds is active in the community as Director and Financial Vice President and Treasurer of the Strosacker Foundation, Director and Chairman of the Caymich Insurance Company. Reynolds has many past leadership positions with organizations such as the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Midland County, the Credit Bureau of Midland County, and the Midland Area Community Foundation.

The remaining Wolverine Bank board members are: Bobbie N. Arnold, Frank H. Brod, Dr. Herbert L. Camp, David H. Dunn, Burnett S. Kelly, Ron R. Sexton, and Joseph M. VanderKelan.

Headquartered in Midland, Wolverine Bank serves many counties throughout Michigan from full-service offices in Midland and Frankenmuth, as well as from a loan center in Saginaw. An independent and locally-owned community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low cost and no cost financial products since 1934 including a complete selection of commercial and residential mortgage and lending products and FDIC-protected deposit products and services including checking, money market, savings, certificates of deposits, VISA Check Cards, free online banking and free bill payment. Wolverine Bank is rated among only 2% of banks nationwide* for financial strength and service quality over time. The Bank recently closed the books on a banner year for loan activity and deposit growth.

* Wolverine Bank has earned a 5-star rating on 66 consecutive occasions from BauerFinancial, an independent and prestigious rating service. It is a feat rarely equaled or exceeded in banking. Go to www.bauerfinancial.com to learn more.

February 2005: Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan, has earned a 5-star rating by BAUERFINANCIAL Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. Furthermore, the bank sailed through its most recent Community Reinvestment evaluation by federal regulators. In addition to the prestige of being one of the strongest banks in the nation, it is also credited with a reputation of solid investment in its community. (The star-rating is based on an evaluation of the most recent financial data filed with federal regulators and analyzed by BAUERFINANCIAL Inc.) Wolverine Bank has earned BAUERFINANCIAL’s 5-star rating 66 consecutive times which makes it part of an even more elite group of banks considered “Exceptional Performance Banks” by the rating firm.

“The Community Reinvestment Act was originated in 1977 and revised in 1995,” notes Karen Dorway, president of BAUERFINANCIAL Inc. “To score well, Wolverine Bank had to demonstrate that it is responsive to the credit needs of its community, it has a good geographic distribution of loans in its area and it makes a high level of community development loans. Couple the success Wolverine Bank has had reaching out to its community with the financial success it has achieved, and you know you are dealing with a true winner.”

Established in 1934, Wolverine Bank has been serving the needs of its neighbors and friends in Mid-Michigan for 71 years. It operates through five conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth, Midland and Saginaw and can also be found on the internet at www.wolverinebank.com.

Wolverine Bank: “Your hometown, independent, community bank offering flexible, accessible, personalized products and services.”

BAUERFINANCIAL Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, is the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. It has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks, thrifts and credit unions since 1983. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by calling 800.388.6686 or visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.

January 2005: Midland, Michigan – Wolverine Bank honors two employees and a board member for double digit years of service to the company. The honorees are: Kay Meyer, 25 years; Gail Vaillancourt, 15 years and Burnett Kelly 10 years.

As Senior Accounting Clerk, Meyer performs myriad behind-the-scenes tasks at Wolverine Bank’s corporate headquarters in Midland to ensure the bank’s overall operational efficiency. She has an associate’s degree from Delta College. Meyer is heavily involved on the board of directors and as a coach for the Midland Youth Bowling Association.

Currently a twenty-three year banking veteran, Vaillancourt moved quickly from Customer Service Representative at Wolverine Bank to the lending department to become a Loan Processor/Closer. She prepares the documentation required for customers to borrow funds for building, purchasing and improving their homes, and she presides over loan closings. Vaillancourt recently became a licensed title agent.

Kelly, who currently serves on Wolverine Bank’s Board of Directors, is a retired executive from Dow Corning Corporation. He has a part-time faculty position as an Executive in Residence at Saginaw Valley State University and also functions in a consultancy capacity in the Human Resources field. Kelly has numerous other outside interests including serving as director on the boards of the SVSU Foundation and Midland Tomorrow, as well as participating in the Saginaw Valley Torch Club. He is a past member of the State Chamber of Commerce Board.

An independent and locally-owned community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low cost and no cost financial products since 1934 including a complete selection of commercial and residential mortgage and lending products and FDIC-protected deposit products and services including checking, money market, savings, certificates of deposits, VISA Check Cards, free online banking and free bill payment. Wolverine Bank is among only 2% of banks nationwide to receive national acclaim from independent industry analyst, BauerFinancial Inc, for financial strength and service quality over time.

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