ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc.

11/29/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/29/2021 08:49

ChoiceOne Bank Named Best Small Bank in Michigan for 2022 - Great Lakes Banker Magazine

Newsweek Selects ChoiceOne as Best Small Bank in Michigan for Two Consecutive Years

For the second year in a row, Newsweek Magazine has recognized ChoiceOne Bank as "America's Best Banks" winner in the small bank category for Michigan. Best Bank winners were selected from among 2,508 financial institutions and assessed on more than 30 separate factors, covering the overall health of the bank, customer service performance and features, digital and branch presence, account and loan options, interest rate offerings and fees. The Best Small Bank in each state needed less than $10 billion in assets and had to be among the five banks with the most branches in the state.

ChoiceOne is an approximately $2.1 billion-asset bank holding company making it the 10th largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan based on asset size. The Bank successfully integrated two acquisitions in the last two years, bringing together Lakestone Bank & Trust and Community Shores Bank to become the bank it is today. ChoiceOne now operates 35 offices in parts of Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo, Lapeer, St. Clair, and Macomb counties.

"We are extremely honored to once again stand out across the country as Michigan's Best Small Bank," said ChoiceOne CEO Kelly J. Potes.

"Our vision for ChoiceOne Bank is to be the best bank in Michigan. Newsweek defines a small bank as having less than $10 billion in assets. Basically all the 80 or so banks headquartered in Michigan fit this definition of a small bank. All other banks operating in Michigan are out-of-state, regional banks. So we are truly seeing our vision unfold as we are recognized as the Best Bank in Michigan!"

LEADING TECHNOLOGY

Over the years, ChoiceOne Bank has taken the lead in presenting customers with the financial technology they require, offering mobile banking, mobile deposits, innovative payroll solutions, online loan applications, online account openings, Zelle®, and Plinqit, a digital mobile savings tool. These innovative strategies continue to offer ChoiceOne clients the best technology while still maintaining a personal approach to banking with a full- service branch network and Customer Service Center.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

While the bank has always been a strong consumer, mortgage and commercial lender, the ChoiceOne Wealth Management Group is one area that will help the bank continue to grow and provide full service to its clients. Wealth Management offers clients the advantages of working with knowledgeable financial planners and trust advisors who provide a wide range of comprehensive financial services and a personal level of support. As a result, this team is able to take a detailed approach to a client's unique banking and credit needs, including real estate financing and cash management.

Steven DeVolder, ChoiceOne SVP, Senior Trust Officer and Robert Jamula, ChoiceOne SVP, Wealth Management

"Because we have always had a nimble mindset, our new scale allows us to leverage our strength and seek opportunities that will meet the needs of our growing client base in both our East and West markets," said Potes. "One example is in our ChoiceOne Wealth Management Group. We have now added Private Banking to this division, allowing us to offer these services to our retail and business clients. We can offer a more personal connection to clients as well as more competitive rates and services. The fact that we are one of the few banks in Michigan that have trust powers also will ensure we can handle all of our clients' needs."

Keith Brophy, ChoiceOne Board of Director, Kelly Potes, ChoiceOne CEO, and Paul Johnson, ChoiceOne Chairman of the Board

A ChoiceOne private banking experience is as high-tech and high-touch as desired, making it complete and customized to individual tax, financial and personal circumstances.

EXPANDED FOOTPRINT

"Living through a pandemic makes it abundantly clear how important financial planning becomes for the families and businesses in our communities," said ChoiceOne President Michael J. Burke, Jr. "As we have expanded our footprint across Michigan, our scale allows us to offer many more diverse services to meet our clients' needs for financial planning and wellbeing. We are excited to expand our Wealth Management Group to include private banking, trust services, and many other financial solutions to keep up with our changing lives."

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

As ChoiceOne continues to grow their community bank franchise, they remain focused on their mission which is to provide superior service, quality advice and show utmost respect to everyone they meet. New loan offices, remodeled branch offices, along with new and expanded products and services, all point to offering ChoiceOne Bank clients a more personal banking experience while realizing a vision to be the best bank in Michigan.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Metamora Grand Re-Opening.

"While capturing the opportunities to grow our Bank, we continue to leverage our scale, and serve our clients and communities based on their individual needs," said Burke. "I have been extremely proud of our ChoiceOne teams working across the state. They continue to show up everyday with compassion and confidence to offer financial solutions to the families, farmers, and businesses in our communities. They live our mission and make it possible to be honored as the Best Small Bank in Michigan."

ABOUT CHOICEONE

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "COFS." For more information, please visit Investor Relations at ChoiceOne's website choiceone.com. Securities are not FDIC insured, not guaranteed, and may lose value.

Article originally sourced and published in: Great Lakes Banker Magazine.