TMCnet News
PUBLISHERS COLUMN [Michigan Banker](Michigan Banker Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Capitol Bancorp Ltd. has announced completion of the sale of its interest in Texas-based Bank of Las Colinas. The completion of this transaction, coupled with the prior divestiture of Bank of Fort Bend, constitutes Capitol's exit from the Texas market and the collective divestitures of nearly $84 million within the state. "Under the direction of President Gerold Hooker, the Bank of Las Colinas team has developed a community banking niche in the Irving market. On behalf of Capitol, I wish the bank continued success for years to come." This is our third successful divestiture this month, and twenty-first overall, furthering our continued dele veraging and capital reallocation initiatives," said Capitol's Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid. Honor Bank recently held their fall "Food N' Things" drive to help raise money and gather donations of non-perishable food for area food pantries. Some of the branches had a partnership with a school or business to help in collecting food and raising funds. They were able to collect 6,318 pounds of food and raise $6,858.33 for local food pantries this fall. Since 2004, the Honor Bank has collected 49,941 pounds of food and has raised $46,580.44. Community members and organizers joined forces for Independent Bank's Chili-Dawg Challenge on Thursday, October 27. The annual event, which raises money for Big Brother Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region featured a record 16 chili dog vendors. It's held in conjunction with the Autumn Celebration where local businesses host trick or treating for children as well as a costume contest for children and pets. This year's event drew in thousands of people and raised nearly $6,850. "Independent Bank is proud to support the Chili-Dawg Challenge," said Brian Talbot, SVP. "We look forward to the event each year and enjoy seeing so many members of the community come out to support such a great cause." The event brings local restaurants and community groups together in a mission to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters' local mentoring programs. Vendors create and sell their own unique chili dogs, donating ingrethents and supplies. In a friendly competition, vendors race to sell the first 400 dogs and be named "People's Choice." This year, Independent Bank was recognized as the People's Choice winner and Big Boy received the Best Judged Dog award. Independent Bank associate, Karen Shannon, prepared the awardwinning chili for the event. The Independent Bank team Peter Kubacki, president/CEO of the Dart Bank, has announced the promotion of Devin Lavengood to AVP-office manager of its Grand Ledge office. Lavengood is a lifelong Grand Ledge resident. He has been working in the banking and mortgage industries since 1994, and came to Dart Bank in 2006 as the Grand Ledge office manager. Lavengood is a graduate of Alma College with a degree in business administration. He is a recent graduate of the Perry School of Banking, where he won the prestigious "Outstanding Student Award." Independent Bank is partnering with Curtis Cleaners of Lowell to collect coats for local children, this winter. Last year, the Coats for Kids drive collected 1,601 coats for children, well over their goal of 1,000. This year, Curtis Cleaners is working to collect more coats than last year so that they can deliver them to additional locations throughout West Michigan. The coats will be collected through November 30, and will be cleaned and delivered just in time to keep local children warm for the winter. Independent Bank has several West Michigan offices available as drop off locations through the end of the year. Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. has announced the winner of its "eStatement Nook Color eReader" Contest. Congratulations go to bank customer, Laura Clayton, of Metamora, who was randomly selected to win a Nook Color eReader from over 3, 100 entries. The contest was designed to increase awareness of the benefits of eStatements, which include improved security, faster delivery, and reduced clutter as compared to paper statements. eStatements are also environmentally friendly. Crestmark provides working capital solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Financing solutions include asset-based lending, accounts receivable financing and factoring. Headquartered in Troy, Crestmark provided $15.5 million in working capital to companies nationwide. In Michigan, Crestmark's Troy office provided: * $950,000 working capital line of credit to a Michigan technology manufacturer * $250,000 accounts receivable purchase facility to a Michigan IT consulting firm * $500,000 working capital line of credit to a Michigan steel hauler * $750,000 working capital line of credit to a Michigan provider of promotional products * $500,000 working capital line of credit to a Missouri provider of IT services * $750,000 accounts receivable purchase facility to an Ohio IT staffing company Century Bank and Trust announced a contribution of $ 1 ,000 towards new uniforms for the Coldwater High School marching band. The band is currently in need of $50,000 for new marching uniforms. Their current uniforms were purchased in 1986 and are in need of replacing. "There's something special- magical, even, about band and music. It has meant so much to me because it doesn't matter the social status or background; we're all a family that makes music for everyone to enjoy. It's a beautiful thing!" said Jocelyn Sammons, 2011 Senior Drum Major, who thanked Century Bank and Trust for their contribution Sincerely, Greg O'Neil Owner/Publisher (c) 2011 Public Relation Enterprises, Inc. |