2008 Press Releases
WOLVERINE BANK ANNOUNCES NEW BRANCH SERVICE SUPERVISOR
Julia Jodoin
Deposit Sales & Service Supervisor
November 2008 – Julia Jodoin has been named the new Deposit Sales & Service Supervisor of the South Saginaw Road branch of Wolverine Bank. She attended Michigan State University and holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Northwood University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002.
Jodoin has been with Wolverine Bank since October of 2007. Directly prior to the promotion, she was Lead Deposit Sales and Service Representative at the Eastman branch. She has also been instrumental serving as Public Funds Coordinator. Jodoin is excited to join the staff at the South Saginaw branch and is looking forward to assisting individuals and businesses with all financial needs.
Jodoin is a life long resident of Beaverton, Michigan where she lives with her husband Kurt and three year old son Lucas.
An independent community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low and no cost financial products since 1933, including a complete selection of commercial, residential and consumer lending products. Wolverine Bank is rated in the top 1.2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time by independent industry analyst, BauerFinancial, Inc. FDIC insured and Equal Housing Lender.
Wolverine Bank Has 20 Years of Top Ratings
by Cheryl Wade
of the Midland Daily News
Published: Monday, September 29, 2008 11:37 AM EDT
For the past 20 years, Wolverine Bank has received the highest possible rating from a leading bank rating and research firm.
This makes the 80th quarter in a row that the Midland-based bank has received the 5-Star Superior rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc., an independent company that rates banks based on their overall performance. The bank is sending letters to its customers telling them of the good news -- that Wolverine is one of the strongest banks in the nation.
The bank is called an "exceptional performance bank."
Bank President David Dunn said the consistently highest rating puts Wolverine's performance in the top 1.2 percent out of more than 8,000 U.S. banks.
"We just think the timing is really good because of all the negative news that people hear," Dunn said, referring to U.S. financial sector woes.
Dunn said the ratings should open up new business opportunities for his small but growing bank. Because of electronic banking, Wolverine continues to serve customers after they move away from the local area.
"We've stopped referring them to other banks as long as we can take care of them," he said. "So basically we are now doing business throughout the United States."
Tom Alexander, a career banker who now is associate professor and chairperson of Northwood University's banking and finance department, called the 20 years of highest ratings "a very, very good record." To achieve such a rating, Wolverine must have excellent capital, good ratings and good management, he said. He praised Dunn for providing that kind of leadership.
Bank rating agencies examine reporting documents banks file every quarter. These rating agencies analyze banks' income statements, balance sheets, safety and soundness. Banks cannot solicit these ratings.
"They're just making it known, patting themselves on the back," Alexander said of Wolverine. "I don't blame them."
In the current banking climate, banks that "stay closer to home, that aren't real big," have a better chance of making top ratings, Alexander said.
"If you get really big, you can't sit there with a huge amount of capital on your balance sheet," he said. That's because shareholders generally want that capital working for them, earning the kind of return they require.
"As you get bigger and as you are more largely publicly held ... you have shareholders across the country and you're no longer just a local institution," Alexander added.
Wolverine has kept the strategy of staying "very closely held and very, very local," he said.
In addition, the bank has "been managed fantastically" over the years, Alexander said.
"They've got their niche and they do it as well as anybody," he said. "I'm glad to see it."
Dunn said the bank staff is not content to let Wolverine rest on its past 75 years of performance.
"We continue to grow," he said. "I think that's one of the messages we want our customers to be aware of."
Reporter Cheryl Wade may be reached at cwade@mdn.net or (989) 839-4272.
Through Increasingly Difficult Environment,
Wolverine Bank Boasts Top Safety Rating
August 2008: Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan stands strong in the current environment while many financial institutions are faltering. You don’t have to take their word for it, though; Wolverine Bank has earned a 5-Star Superior rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc. of Coral Gables, FL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. The 5-Star rating is based on the overall financial picture of the bank and indicates that Wolverine Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. What’s more, this represents the 80th consecutive quarter that Wolverine Bank has earned this highest honor giving it the added distinction of being an “Exceptional Performance Bank”. Only institutions that have achieved this highest 5-Star rating for ten years or longer can claim this distinction.
“In a climate where it is increasingly difficult to shine, Wolverine Bank proves it can be done,” remarks Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm. “In fact, local residents should be proud that their community bank is one of the elite financial institutions in the nation. They can rest assured that their deposits are well-placed in this 5-Star bank.”
Established in 1933, Wolverine Bank has been pleased to fulfill the financial needs of its neighbors and friends for 75 years. It currently operates through four conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth and Midland and a loan office in 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, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for its rating, nor can they elude it. Consumers may obtain star-ratings by visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.
For more information on Wolverine Bank, or any other U.S. bank or credit union, contact Karen Dorway directly at 800.388.6686 or e-mail her at kdorway@bauerfinancial.com.
BAUERFINANCIAL, INC. 2655 LeJeune Road, Penthouse One, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
Local Bank Earns Highest Rating for Safety and Soundness
April 2008: BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc. of Coral Gables, FL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, is proud to announce that Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan has once again achieved its highest 5-Star rating. The 5-Star rating is based on the overall financial picture of the bank and indicates that Wolverine Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. This quarter represents the 79th consecutive time that Wolverine Bank has earned this highest honor. Institutions like Wolverine Bank, that have achieved a 5-Star rating for ten years or longer, have yet another distinction: “Exceptional Performance Bank”. Only 15% of the nation’s banks are branded as such.
“The times are changing and fewer banks are qualifying for this top rating, but our rigorous standards remain,” boasts Karen L. Dorway, president of BAUERFINANCIAL. “You should be proud to know your local bank, Wolverine Bank, can claim this highest honor and be confident to call it your bank.”
Wolverine Bank was established in 1933 and has been steadfastly serving the financial needs of its neighbors and friends for 75 years. It operates through four conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth and Midland as well as a loan office in Saginaw. Wolverine Bank 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, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for its rating, nor can they elude it. Consumers may obtain star-ratings by visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.
For more information on Wolverine Bank, or any other U.S. bank or credit union, contact Karen Dorway directly at 800.388.6686 or e-mail her at kdorway@bauerfinancial.com.
HARVEY NOW SERVING BAY COUNTY
Kim Harvey
Business Development Officer
in Residential Mortgage Lending
July 2008: Wolverine Bank is pleased to announce the newest addition to it’s residential lending team. Kim Harvey of Essexville recently joined Wolverine Bank as a Business Development Officer, specializing in residential mortgage lending. Kim’s most recent experience was as a realtor for Harris Bush Realty in Bay City. Earning her Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education at Indiana University, Harvey is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration in Strategic Management. She is an active member of the Bay City Toastmasters and the Bay Area Realtor’s Association. She is also involved with Leader Dogs for the Blind, Junior Achievement and Hospice.
An independent community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low and no cost financial products since 1933, including a complete selection of commercial, residential and consumer lending products. Wolverine Bank is ranked in the top 2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time by independent industry analyst, BauerFinancial Inc. FDIC insured and Equal Housing Lender.
NEW FACES THE SAGINAW AREA
|
Maria Fernette |
Kris Scherzer |
June 2008: In an effort to better serve the Saginaw area Wolverine Bank is excited to announce the relocation of Maria Fernette, Business Development Officer and Kris Scherzer, Loan Processor/Closing Specialist, to its Saginaw Loan Office located at 3200 Tittabawassee.
Maria Fernette joined the Wolverine Bank lending team in November 2006 and has been in the financial industry since April of 2005. Along with a Finance degree from Saginaw Valley State University she also has over 12 years in customer service. She and her husband have been residents in the Tri-City area for over 25 years and are the proud parents of three children.
In October 2006, Kris Scherzer joined the Wolverine Bank loan processing team in Midland. Kris brings with her over 20 years of experience in the lending field. Lifetime residents of Freeland, she, her husband and two children enjoy spending time in the great Michigan outdoors.
An independent community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low and no cost financial products since 1933, including a complete selection of commercial, residential and consumer lending products. Wolverine Bank is ranked in the top 2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time by independent industry analyst, BauerFinancial Inc. FDIC insured and Equal Housing Lender.
WOLVERINE WELCOMES HOLMES TO LENDING TEAM
Shannon Holmes
Business Development Officer
May 2008: Shannon Holmes has recently joined the Wolverine Bank Lending Team as a Business Development Officer specializing in Residential Mortgage Lending. Holmes has worked as a Mortgage Professional in the Midland area since 2002. She is certified as a Mortgage Planning Specialist with the CMPS Institute, graduated from the prestigious XINNIX Mortgage Edge Academy and The High Trust Sales Academy with the Duncan Group. She moved to Midland upon graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Since graduating, she has helped many individuals achieve the dream of home ownership.
An independent and locally-owned community bank, Wolverine Bank has been providing low cost and no cost financial products since 1933 including a complete selection of commercial and residential mortgage and lending products and FDIC-protected deposit products and services. Wolverine Bank is ranked in the top 2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time, from independent industry analyst, Bauer Financial Inc.
Wolverine Bank Proudly Announces its 78th Consecutive 5-Star Safety Rating
February 2008: Wolverine Bank, Midland, Michigan is proud to announce it has once again achieved a 5-Star rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc. of Coral Gables, FL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. Based on the financial condition of the bank, the 5-Star rating indicates that Wolverine Bank is one of the strongest banks in the country. This quarter represents the 78th consecutive time that Wolverine Bank has earned this highest rating which earns it the added prestige of being an “Exceptional Performance Bank” (for earning this highest honor for ten years or longer). Fewer than 16% of the nation’s banks can claim this distinction.
“We are all aware of the problems in the banking industry these days,” says Karen L. Dorway, president of BAUERFINANCIAL. “Consumers need to know there are still well-run banks, like Wolverine Bank, that continue to shine even when times are tough. Wolverine Bank puts safety and soundness ahead of all else, making it an ideal place to put your deposits.”
Established in 1933, Wolverine Bank has been serving the financial needs of its neighbors and friends for 75 years. It operates through four conveniently located offices in Frankenmuth and Midland, a loan 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, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for its rating, nor can they elude it. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by calling 800.388.6686 or visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.
For more information on Wolverine Bank, or any other U.S. bank, contact Karen Dorway directly at 800.388.6686 or e-mail her at kdorway@bauerfinancial.com.
New Faces at Wolverine Bank
|
Stephanie Hauman |
Carrie Ketchum Personal Banker |
January 2008: Stephanie Hauman, CPA, has recently been hired as a Commercial Loan Officer for Wolverine Bank. Her focus will be working with new and existing customers to develop sound commercial loan strategies. Hauman most recently worked as a Staff Accountant at Yeo & Yeo, Saginaw, Michigan. She has also held the position of Staff Accountant at Andrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C., in Saginaw, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Professional Accountancy degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She is also a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts.
Carrie E. (Mantle) Ketchum has joined the Wolverine Bank Deposit team as a Personal Banker. She will be responsible for assisting new and existing customers in optimizing their banking services. Her role will also include presenting customers with the latest products and technologies. Ketchum, a Midland native, recently relocated to the tri-city area after living in Cincinnati, Ohio where she was a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for The Upjohn Company. Carrie was born in Saginaw, Michigan, graduated from Midland High School and attained her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University.
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 ranked in the top 2% of banks nationwide for exceptional financial strength and service quality over time, from independent industry analyst, Bauer Financial Inc.
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