It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies. Regulation and Supervision Banks and bank holding companies, like many other financial institutions, are regulated under a variety of federal and state statutes and the regulations that implement those statutes.
It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies. Regulation and Supervision Bank holding companies and banks, like many other financial institutions, are regulated under a variety of federal and state statutes and the regulations that implement those statutes.
During the third quarter of 2013, we filed an election to become a financial holding company, which election became effective April 14, 2014. Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), a subsidiary of our bank, commenced operations during 2002 to offer insurance products.
During the third quarter of 2013, we filed an election to become a financial holding company, which election became effective April 14, 2014. Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), a subsidiary of Mercantile Bank, commenced operations during 2002 to offer insurance products.
The permitted non-banking activities generally include those limited activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined, by order or regulation as of the day prior to enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to banking.
The permitted non-banking activities generally include limited activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined, by order or regulation as of the day prior to enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to banking.
We hire people who connect with, listen to and deliver the best solutions to customers and team members. Through a personalized and systematic recruiting process, our experienced team of Human Resources Business Partners are devoted to working with Hiring Managers and matching candidate skills and experience to a position where they can thrive.
We hire people who connect with, listen to and deliver the best solutions to customers and team members. Through a personalized and systematic recruiting process, our experienced team of Human Resources Business Partners is devoted to working with Hiring Managers and matching candidate skills and experience to a position where they can thrive.
In addition, the policy provides general guidelines as to environmental analysis, loans to employees, executive officers and directors, problem loan identification, maintenance of an allowance for credit losses, loan review and grading, mortgage and consumer lending, and other matters relating to our lending practices. The Board of Directors has delegated significant lending authority to officers of our bank.
In addition, the policy provides general guidelines as to environmental analysis, loans to employees, executive officers and directors, problem loan identification, maintenance of an allowance for credit losses, loan review and grading, mortgage and consumer lending, and other matters relating to our lending practices. The Board of Directors has delegated significant lending authority to officers of our banks.
Approximately 87% of our eligible employees participate in our medical benefit plans, which include a health savings account plan in which we pay the full monthly premiums. We offer our employees generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time and bereavement, along with pay-it-forward initiatives and paid volunteer time.
Approximately 82% of our eligible employees participate in our medical benefit plans, which include a health savings account plan in which we pay the full monthly premiums. We offer our employees generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time and bereavement, along with pay-it-forward initiatives and paid volunteer time.
However, on May 24, 2018, EGRRCPA amended certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act to tailor them to the specific circumstances of various categories of financial institutions and transactions. Many of the statutes and regulations under which we and our bank operate may change in the future, which may significantly impact our business.
However, on May 24, 2018, EGRRCPA amended certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act to tailor them to the specific circumstances of various categories of financial institutions and transactions. Many of the statutes and regulations under which we and our banks operate may change in the future, which may significantly impact our business.
Among the equity investments permitted for our bank under various conditions and subject in some instances to amount limitations, are shares of a subsidiary insurance agency, mortgage company, real estate company, or Michigan business and industrial development company, such as our insurance company.
Among the equity investments permitted for our banks under various conditions and subject in some instances to amount limitations, are shares of a subsidiary insurance agency, mortgage company, real estate company, or Michigan business and industrial development company, such as our insurance company.
Subject to the limitations of the Bank Holding Company Act, we are also permitted to make portfolio investments in equity securities and to make equity investments in subsidiaries engaged in a variety of non-banking activities, which include real estate-related activities such as community development, real estate appraisals, arranging equity financing for commercial real estate, and owning and operating real estate used substantially by our bank or acquired for its future use.
Subject to the limitations of the Bank Holding Company Act, we are also permitted to make portfolio investments in equity securities and to make equity investments in subsidiaries engaged in a variety of non-banking activities, which include real estate-related activities such as community development, real estate appraisals, arranging equity financing for commercial real estate, and owning and operating real estate used substantially by our banks or acquired for their future use.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the floating rate notes were used for a variety of purposes, including contributions to our bank as capital to provide support for asset growth and the funding of stock repurchase programs and certain acquisitions.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the floating rate notes were used for a variety of purposes, including contributions to Mercantile Bank as capital to provide support for asset growth and the funding of stock repurchase programs and certain acquisitions.
Hiring long-term successful team members is critical to our success. We believe our successful hiring practices are reflected in our annual turnover rate of 10%, which is consistently below our peers. 4 Table of Contents Employee Safety and Health.
Hiring long-term successful team members is critical to our success. We believe our successful hiring practices are reflected in our annual turnover rate of 12%, which is consistently below our peers. 4 Table of Contents Employee Safety and Health.
Federal law restricts our ability to borrow from our bank by limiting the aggregate amount we may borrow and by requiring that all loans to us be secured in designated amounts by specified forms of collateral.
Federal law restricts our ability to borrow from our banks by limiting the aggregate amount we may borrow and by requiring that all loans to us be secured in designated amounts by specified forms of collateral.
Our growth and earnings performance may be impacted by the statutes administered by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. Those regulatory authorities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Our growth and earnings performance may be impacted by the statutes administered by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. Those regulatory authorities include, but are not limited to, the FDIC, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
These permitted non-banking activities include, among other things: operating a mortgage company, finance company, or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, nonoperating basis; and providing discount securities brokerage services for customers.
These permitted non-banking activities include, among other things: operating a mortgage company (engaged in certain limited functions), finance company, or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, nonoperating basis; and providing discount securities brokerage services for customers.
We were organized on July 15, 1997, under the laws of the State of Michigan, primarily for the purpose of holding all of the stock of Mercantile Bank (“our bank”), and of such other subsidiaries as we may acquire or establish. Our bank commenced business on December 15, 1997.
We were organized on July 15, 1997, under the laws of the State of Michigan, primarily for the purpose of holding all of the stock of Mercantile Bank, and of such other subsidiaries as we may acquire or establish. Mercantile Bank commenced business on December 15, 1997.
Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates and usually involve more credit risk than single-family residential real estate loans because of the type and nature of the collateral. Our bank has a home equity line of credit program.
Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates and usually involve more credit risk than single-family residential real estate loans because of the type and nature of the collateral. Our banks have a home equity line of credit program.
Under another such exception, in certain circumstances and with prior notice to or approval of the FDIC, our bank could invest up to 10% of its total assets in the equity securities of a subsidiary corporation engaged in the acquisition and development of real property for sale or the improvement of real property by construction or rehabilitation of residential or commercial units for sale or lease.
Under another such exception, in certain circumstances and with prior notice to or approval of the FDIC, our banks could invest up to 10% of their total assets in the equity securities of a subsidiary corporation engaged in the acquisition and development of real property for sale or the improvement of real property by construction or rehabilitation of residential or commercial units for sale or lease.
The principal investments of our bank holding company are the investments in the common stock of our bank, the common securities of our trusts, and the community development tax credit investments made by MCP. Other funds of our bank holding company may be invested from time to time in various debt instruments.
The principal investments of our bank holding company are the investments in the common stocks of our banks, the common securities of our trusts, and the community development tax credit investments made by MCP. Other funds of our bank holding company may be invested from time to time in various debt instruments.
While our insurance company is permitted to engage in the insurance agency activities described above by virtue of our financial holding company status, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries currently engage in these expanded activities. 3 Table of Contents Our bank is subject to restrictions imposed by federal and state laws and regulations.
While our insurance company is permitted to engage in the insurance agency activities described above by virtue of our financial holding company status, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries currently engage in these expanded activities. 3 Table of Contents Mercantile Bank and Eastern Michigan Bank are subject to restrictions imposed by federal and state laws and regulations.
These lending authorities, however, are typically used only in rare circumstances where timing is of the essence. Loan requests exceeding $5.0 million require approval by the Officers Loan Committee, and loan requests exceeding $15.0 million, up to the legal lending limit of $101.4 million, require approval by our bank’s Board of Directors.
These lending authorities, however, are typically used only in rare circumstances where timing is of the essence. At Mercantile Bank, loan requests exceeding $5.0 million require approval by the Officers Loan Committee, and loan requests exceeding $15.0 million, up to Mercantile Bank's legal lending limit of $101.4 million, require approval by Mercantile Bank's Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors believes this empowerment, supported by our strong credit culture and the significant experience of our commercial lending staff, enables us to be responsive to our customers. The loan policy specifies lending authority for our lending officers with amounts based on the experience level and ability of each lender.
The Board of Directors believes this empowerment, supported by our strong credit culture and the significant experience of our commercial lending staff, enables us to be responsive to our customers. Our loan policies specify lending authority for our lending officers with amounts based on the experience level and ability of each lender.
Among other things, these restrictions limit the transactions our bank conducts with us, our other subsidiaries or other affiliates, limit our securities borrowing or lending, derivatives, and repurchase transactions with us, our other subsidiaries or other affiliates, limit investments in stock or other securities that we issue, limit the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and limit acquisitions of assets or services from, and sales of certain types of assets to, us, our other subsidiaries or other affiliates.
Among other things, these restrictions limit the transactions Mercantile Bank and Eastern Michigan Bank conduct with us, our other subsidiaries or other affiliates, limit our securities borrowing or lending, derivatives, and repurchase transactions with us, our other subsidiaries or other affiliates, limit investments in stock or other securities that we issue, limit the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and limit acquisitions of assets or services from, and sales of certain types of assets to, us, our other subsidiaries or other affiliates.
Our loan officers and loan managers are generally able to approve loans ranging from $0.25 million to $2.5 million. We have established higher approval limits for our bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Lending Officer, ranging from $4.0 million up to $10.0 million.
Our loan officers and loan managers are generally able to approve loans ranging from $0.25 million to $2.5 million. We have established higher approval limits for Mercantile Bank's President and Chief Executive Officer and Mercantile Bank's Chief Commercial Banking Officer, ranging from $4.0 million up to $10.0 million.
Our bank’s Board of Directors may alter our bank’s investment policy without shareholder approval at any time. Additional detail and information relative to the securities portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. Available Information We maintain an internet website at www.mercbank.com.
Our banks' Boards of Directors may alter our banks' investment policies without shareholder approval at any time. Additional detail and information relative to the securities portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. Available Information We maintain an internet website at www.mercbank.com.
Total commercial real estate loans (as defined in the guidance) represented 256% and 247% of total regulatory capital as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with both ratios being below the maximum guideline of 300%.
Total commercial real estate loans (as defined in the guidance) represented 253% and 256% of total regulatory capital as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, with both ratios being below the maximum guideline of 300%.
We are also subject to periodic examinations by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank Holding Company Act limits the activities of bank holding companies to banking and the management of banking organizations and to certain permitted non-banking activities.
We are also subject to periodic examinations by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank Holding Company Act limits the activities of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries to banking and the management of banks and to certain permitted non-banking activities.
The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. We also face new competition as a result of expansion into new markets. Human Capital As of December 31, 2024, we employed 648 full-time and 34 part-time persons.
The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. We also face new competition as a result of expansion into new markets. Human Capital As of December 31, 2025, we employed 744 full-time and 42 part-time persons.
As of December 31, 2024, loans placed in nonaccrual status totaled $5.7 million, or 0.1% of total loans, compared to $3.4 million, or 0.1% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. We had no loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at year-end 2024 or 2023.
As of December 31, 2025, loans placed in nonaccrual status totaled $7.9 million, or 0.2% of total loans, compared to $5.7 million, or 0.1% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. We had no loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at year-end 2025 or 2024.
Commercial real estate loans, consisting of non-owner occupied, owner occupied, multi-family and residential rental, and vacant land, land development, and residential construction loans, totaled 52.6% and 50.2% of our total loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Commercial real estate loans, consisting of non-owner occupied, owner occupied, multi-family and residential rental, and vacant land, land development, and residential construction loans, totaled 52.8% and 52.6% of our total loans as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The majority of our commercial real estate portfolio is located within our primary geographic footprint within the state of Michigan. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 90.7% and 90.3%, respectively, of our commercial real estate loans were for projects located within the state of Michigan.
The majority of our commercial real estate portfolio is located within our primary geographic footprint within the state of Michigan. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 91.0% and 90.7%, respectively, of our commercial real estate loans were for projects located within the state of Michigan.
Our bank has no present plans to make such an investment. Real estate acquired by our bank in satisfaction of or foreclosure upon loans may be held by our bank for specified periods. Our bank is also permitted to invest in such real estate as is necessary for the convenient transaction of its business.
Our banks have no present plans to make such an investment. Real estate acquired by our banks in satisfaction of or foreclosure upon loans may be held by our banks for specified periods. Our banks are also permitted to invest in such real estate as is necessary for the convenient transaction of their business.
Our Bank ’ s Investments . Our bank may invest its funds in a wide variety of debt instruments and may participate in the federal funds market with other depository institutions. Subject to certain exceptions, our bank is prohibited from investing in equity securities.
Our Bank s' Investments . Our banks may invest their funds in a wide variety of debt instruments and may participate in the federal funds market with other depository institutions. Subject to certain exceptions, our banks are prohibited from investing in equity securities.
An Agency and Institution Agreement was entered into among our insurance company, our bank and Hub International for the purpose of providing programs of mass marketed personal lines of insurance.
Our Insurance Company Our insurance company acquired an existing shelf insurance agency effective April 15, 2002. An Agency and Institution Agreement was entered into among our insurance company, Mercantile Bank and Hub International for the purpose of providing programs of mass marketed personal lines of insurance.
These statutes include, among others, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”), the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the FACT Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Sarbanes Oxley Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, electronic funds transfer laws, redlining laws, predatory lending laws, antitrust laws, environmental laws, money laundering laws, privacy laws, state usury statutes, and statutes relating to fiduciaries.
These statutes include, among others, the Bank Holding Company Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”), the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the FACT Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Sarbanes Oxley Act, the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, electronic funds transfer laws, redlining laws, predatory lending laws, antitrust laws, environmental laws, anti-money laundering laws, privacy laws, state usury statutes, and statutes relating to fiduciaries.
In order to maintain our status as a financial holding company, we and our bank must satisfy statutory requirements regarding capitalization, management and compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. As a financial holding company, we are permitted to engage in a broader range of activities under the Bank Holding Company Act that are permitted for bank holding companies.
In order to maintain our status as a financial holding company, we, Mercantile Bank, and Eastern Michigan Bank, must satisfy statutory requirements regarding capitalization, management and compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act.
The loan review function works closely with senior management, although it functionally reports to the Board of Directors. Using a risk-based approach to selecting credits for review, our loan review program covered approximately 69% of total commercial loans outstanding during 2024. In addition, a random sampling of retail loans is reviewed each quarter.
Using a risk-based approach to selecting credits for review, our loan review program covered approximately 65% of total commercial loans outstanding during 2025. In addition, a random sampling of retail loans is reviewed each quarter.
The eStatement adoption rate continues to grow, and we were approaching above 61% adoption at year-end 2024. Our online accounts payable system has also enabled us to significantly reduce paper and printing, and saves time. Every effort is made to recycle all paper, and we continue to offer community paper shredding events.
Our online accounts payable system has also enabled us to significantly reduce paper and printing and save time. Every effort is made to recycle all paper, and we continue to offer periodic community secure paper shredding events.
The following table presents the composition of the commercial real estate portion of the total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023: (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Balance % Balance % Real estate – owner occupied Industrial $ 364,327 7.9 % $ 347,923 8.1 % Automotive 109,408 2.4 117,076 2.7 Office 66,354 1.4 72,498 1.7 Retail 63,303 1.4 46,202 1.1 Medical Office 33,997 0.7 34,641 0.8 Restaurants 32,946 0.7 30,482 0.7 Other 78,502 1.8 68,845 1.6 Subtotal 748,837 16.3 717,667 16.7 Real estate – non-owner occupied Office 265,774 5.8 271,448 6.3 Retail 249,239 5.4 256,338 6.0 Industrial 315,867 6.9 233,503 5.4 Assisted Living 102,480 2.2 131,426 3.1 Hotel 152,591 3.3 100,594 2.3 Other 42,453 0.9 42,375 1.0 Subtotal 1,128,404 24.5 1,035,684 24.1 Vacant land, land development, and residential construction 66,936 1.5 74,753 1.7 Real estate – multi-family and residential rental 475,819 10.3 332,609 7.7 Total $ 2,419,996 52.6 % $ 2,160,713 50.2 % 7 Table of Contents Single-Family Residential Real Estate Loans.
The following table presents the composition of the commercial real estate portion of the total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025 and 2024: (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Balance % Balance % Real estate – owner occupied Industrial $ 369,576 7.7 % $ 364,327 7.9 % Automotive 103,852 2.2 109,408 2.4 Office 75,943 1.6 66,354 1.4 Retail 75,921 1.6 63,303 1.4 Medical Office 38,367 0.8 33,997 0.7 Restaurants 20,270 0.4 32,946 0.7 Other 94,940 1.9 78,502 1.8 Subtotal 778,869 16.2 748,837 16.3 Real estate – non-owner occupied Office 245,998 5.1 265,774 5.8 Retail 240,206 5.0 249,239 5.4 Industrial 341,479 7.1 315,867 6.9 Assisted Living 69,771 1.4 102,480 2.2 Hotel 152,299 3.2 152,591 3.3 Other 60,921 1.2 42,453 0.9 Subtotal 1,110,674 23.0 1,128,404 24.5 Vacant land, land development, and residential construction 117,373 2.4 66,936 1.5 Real estate – multi-family and residential rental 537,224 11.2 475,819 10.3 Total $ 2,544,140 52.8 % $ 2,419,996 52.6 % 7 Table of Contents Single-Family Residential Real Estate Loans.
Loans are originated for general business purposes, including working capital, accounts receivable financing, machinery and equipment acquisition, and commercial real estate financing, including new construction and land development.
Lending Activity Commercial Loans. Our commercial lending group originates commercial loans primarily in our market areas. Our commercial lenders have extensive commercial lending experience, with most having at least ten years’ experience. Loans are originated for general business purposes, including working capital, accounts receivable financing, machinery and equipment acquisition, and commercial real estate financing, including new construction and land development.
The Sustainability Committee is a cross-functional management committee, with oversight from the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors, that assists us in: (1) setting general strategies relating to ESG matters; (2) developing, implementing, and monitoring initiatives and policies based on those strategies; (3) recommending communications with employees, investors, and shareholders with respect to ESG matters; and (4) monitoring and assessing developments relating to, and improving our understanding of, ESG matters.
The Enterprise Excellence Committee is a cross-functional management committee, with oversight from the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors, that assists us in: (1) establishing a cadence of improvement throughout our banks for process efficiency and effectiveness, (2) monitoring and assessing developments related to improving our banks' understanding and execution of governance, environment, and community matters, and (3) recommending communications with employees, investors and stakeholders with respect to governance, environment, and community matters.
Additionally, we have implemented recycling stations at all of our office locations to divert cardboard, plastic and metal items from landfills. Water bottle refill stations also aid to reduce plastic bottle usage. Our Sustainability Committee supports our ongoing commitment to environmental, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, sustainability, and other public policy matters relevant to our organization.
Additionally, we have implemented an employee battery recycling program at larger office locations and recycling stations at many of our office locations to divert cardboard, plastic, and metal items from landfills. Water bottle refill stations also aid to reduce plastic bottle usage.
Over the past five years, we have reduced our use of natural gas by 35% and electricity by 40%. All renovation and expansion projects involve the donation of former office furniture to non-profit organizations. We continue to strive for the reduction of mail and paper usage through the promotion of customer eStatement adoption.
When applicable, renovation and expansion projects involve the donation of former office furniture to non-profit organizations. We continue to strive for the reduction of mail and paper usage through the promotion of customer eStatement adoption. The eStatement adoption rate is holding steady at 61% as of year-end 2025.
Courier service is provided to certain commercial customers, and safe deposit boxes are available at a vast majority of our office locations. Our bank does not have trust powers. Our Insurance Company Our insurance company acquired an existing shelf insurance agency effective April 15, 2002.
Our banks also enable their customers to conduct certain loan and deposit transactions by personal computer and through mobile applications. Courier service is provided to certain commercial customers, and safe deposit boxes are available at a vast majority of our office locations. Our banks do not have trust powers.
Our bank, through its 43 office locations, provides commercial banking services primarily to small- to medium-sized businesses and retail banking services. Our bank’s main office is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and our operations are centered around the West and Central portions of Michigan.
Mercantile Bank’s main office is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and its operations are centered around the West and Central portions of Michigan. Mercantile Bank also has banking offices located in the metropolitan Detroit area, Traverse City, Petoskey, and Midland. Eastern Michigan Bank's main office is located in Croswell, Michigan, and its operations are centered around Eastern Michigan.
Our Bank Our bank is a state banking company that operates under the laws of the State of Michigan, pursuant to a charter issued by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Our bank’s deposits are insured to the maximum extent permitted by law by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
Our principal source of future operating funds is expected to be dividends from our banks. Our Banks Our banks are state banking companies that operate under the laws of the State of Michigan, pursuant to charters issued by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
Highlights for 2024 included expanding the impact of Mercantile Community Partners LLC to facilitate low-income housing tax credits, completion and posting of the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report, hiring a fulltime Director of Enterprise Excellence at the end of 2024 to oversee all ongoing ESG and sustainability efforts, implementation of a sustainability reporting platform, increased support of first-time home buyers mortgage programs, and over 27,500 hours of volunteering in the community completed by employees.
Highlights for 2025 included continued growth of MCP to facilitate low-income housing tax credits and our investment in energy tax credits, completion of the Enterprise Excellence Report, full utilization of a sustainability reporting platform for data tracking, continued support of first-time home buyer mortgage programs, and over 28,000 hours of volunteering in the community completed by employees. 5 Table of Contents Lending Policy As a routine part of our business, we make loans to businesses and individuals located within our market areas.
Our bank owns 11 automated teller machines ("ATM") and 33 video banking machines at a majority of our office locations that participate in the ACCEL/EXCHANGE and PLUS regional network systems, as well as other ATM networks throughout the country. Our bank also enables customers to conduct certain loan and deposit transactions by personal computer and through mobile applications.
Our banks make secured and unsecured commercial, construction, mortgage and consumer loans, and accept checking, savings and time deposits. Our banks collectively own 16 automated teller machines ("ATM") and 37 video banking machines, which are located at our office locations that participate in the ACCEL/EXCHANGE and PLUS regional network systems, as well as other ATM networks throughout the country.