About Us /

Our History

Behind every great success story is a great beginning.

Mercantile Bank

Mercantile Bank was founded in 1997 by Directors and Bankers who firmly believe that the customers, employees, and the communities they live in, are best served by financial institutions with local ties. Mercantile has a strong and extensive commercial and retail banking presence in Michigan, offering innovative technology products that are second to none.

And today, as we look into the future, our belief in mutually beneficial relationship banking on both the consumer and corporate levels is key to strengthening the communities we live and serve. This personal focus will enable us to deliver our services in a way that truly sets us apart from our competitors.


Experienced Leadership

Mercantile Bank Board of Directors

 
  • Michael S. Davenport (Jireh Metal Products, Inc.)
  • Thomas D. Dickinson (Biggs, Hausserman, Thompson & Dickinson P.C.)
  • Michelle L. Eldridge (Clear Ridge Wealth Management)
  • Joseph D. Jones (The Hekima Group)
  • Robert B. Kaminski (Mercantile Bank)
  • Richard D. MacDonald (The Hinman Company)
  •  
  • David B. Ramaker (Retired - Banking Executive)
  • Michael H. Price (Retired - Mercantile Bank)
  • Raymond E. Reitsma (Mercantile Bank)
  • Nelson F. Sanchez (RoMan Manufacturing)
  • Sara A. Schmidt (US Foods)
  • Amy L. Sparks (Nuvar, Inc.)
  • Shoran Reid Williams (Attorney)
  •  

History of Community Banking Excellence

In 2014, Mercantile Bank and Firstbank Corporation completed a merger of equals to form, at the time, the fourth largest Michigan-based bank by deposit market share. Our combined roots go deep into each of the local communities we serve. Both organizations brought together a history of local decision-making, unparalleled customer service and the ability to create premier community banks throughout Michigan. Today, Mercantile Bank is the largest bank by deposit market share headquartered in Michigan. We are proud of our history and are working hard to ensure that our organization continues to serve the needs of all our markets for generations to come.


Firstbank Corporation

In 1985, the Bank of Alma, with roots dating back into the 1800's, formed a holding company known as Firstbank Corporation. Firstbank quickly grew in the coming years with the addition of banks in Mt. Pleasant, Lakeview, and West Branch. The holding company founded a newly chartered bank for the St. Johns market in 2000, and Keystone Community Bank was added to the organization in 2005. Ionia County National Bank was added in 2007 to complete a wide-reaching branch network, using the names Firstbank and Keystone Community Bank, stretching from southwest Michigan through central and northern Michigan.


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