2004 Annual Report > Great Lakes > Muskegon Commerce Bank

previous

|

next

“Muskegon Commerce Bank is about to break ground on our new building. Even though excitement is high, we know the true measure of a bank’s success is not brick, mortar and marble ceilings; it is the relationships with customers and employees. Our new building will last a long time, but it is the relationships with our customers and employees that we are building to last.”

- Christopher L. Kelly, Chairman of the Board

We have been the top residential construction lender in Muskegon for several years, but last year we rose to No. 1 in Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending as well. Our SBA lending success has resulted in our bank being authorized as a Preferred Lender, making SBA loan approvals five times faster.

Sustained business growth at our seven-year-old bank has underscored our need for more office space. We have obtained the necessary approvals to break ground soon for the construction of a new banking facility. The state has awarded us a Brownfield Redevelopment credit of approximately $250,000 to help fund the project.

In addition to helping finance local economic development with our banking activities, our employees, officers and directors are active in dozens of community and nonprofit organizations. We were also the title sponsor of the recent Muskegon Parade of Homes featuring several of our customers who are builders and developers.

Concrete evidence of our business and community achievements will be realized as our new banking facility is built. Muskegon Commerce Bank is dedicated to financing Muskegon’s development and we’re here to stay!

Robert J. McCarthy
President & CEO