New bank coming to Manchester

Rick Northrup, president and CEO of Bank Michigan, standing in front of the future location of the newest branch of Bank Michigan in Manchester. Photo Courtesy Rick Northrup.

by Marsha Chartrand

Bank Michigan has been a cornerstone of community banking for over a century. With locations in Onsted, Brooklyn, and Ann Arbor, Bank Michigan, founded in 1907 as Onsted State Bank (subsequently OSB Community Bank, and now “Bank Michigan” to better reflect its roots and its focus), is excited to announce the opening of its newest location in Manchester, bringing its legacy of personal service and community commitment to the historic hometown.

“We’re not just opening a new location,” said Rick Northrup, president and CEO of Bank Michigan, “we’re planting new roots. Our success has always been measured by the strength and vitality of our customers and the communities we serve—and we can’t wait to grow together with Manchester.”

Bank Michigan has remained committed to providing better banking solutions backed by a personal touch. With a small bank feel and big bank offerings, Bank Michigan offers a full suite of services for personal and business needs—ranging from everyday checking and savings options to mortgages and small business loans—delivered with a common-sense banking approach and personalized service that only a locally owned and -managed bank can deliver. Every product and every service is backed by a team of employees who are not only committed professionals, but trusted neighbors living and working in the communities they serve.

“Our local focus comes through being a locally owned and -managed institution and the empowerment that allows for us to bring to our customers,” Northrup said. “This means we value and support the communities we serve with common-sense products that work for our neighbors and friends. For example, our Clearly Free checking is easy to open and easy to use, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. With our business loans, we focus on making a difference for people, families, and the businesses they own and depend on for their livelihood. We have local loan officers and managers, not 800 numbers and computer approvers.”

Asked about a target date for opening, Northrup responded that they want to open as soon as possible, but there are key factors that are out of their control. The opening is targeted for midsummer, as long as those supporting pieces come together.

Northrup adds, though, that the bank is ready to serve Manchester now. People can stop over to the Brooklyn office and open an account today. “We actually already have a number of folks from Manchester doing that now,” he said. “If folks let us know they are from and/or want to be served out of the Manchester office once open, we will take care of all that. Our checking accounts don’t have the maintenance and what I call nuisance fees that Comerica does. Also, our savings and CD rates compare favorably to Comerica’s. People can start saving money and earning a little more on savings with us right away.”

The bank is currently reviewing applications for employment but final decisions about staffing have yet to be made.

“We know regular America, and are eager to serve,” Northrup said. “Bank Michigan is not only offering access to trusted financial resources but also investing in the town’s future. Local prosperity begins with strong partnerships and smart financial tools. As a top Small Business Administration lender in the county, Bank Michigan understands the unique needs of small businesses and offers tailored financial solutions designed to help them succeed. We are honored to come to this community.”

“My family and I have worked with Bank Michigan for decades,” said Jeff Hubbard, owner of Hubbard Auto Parts and Repair Centers based in Onsted and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank Michigan. “The bank has been an important partner for us, and years ago, we became shareholders, too. I understand firsthand how important our bank is to our communities and am very pleased to be bringing our bank and its local focus to Manchester.”

For more information, visit www.bankmichigan.bank or contact Tara Charles at 517-592-1065.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.