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“We are fortunate to have a strong support system with Amera Mortgage. Without Amera’s products, pricing, underwriting, document and funding support, we would not be able to perform at these levels. They have trained, coached and made us a part of a very elite delivery system.”

- Bill Smith, Senior Vice President/Residential Lending, Arrowhead Community Bank
(CBC’s 2004 leader in mortgage loans sold to Amera)

We also introduced a client-relations group to better support our bank affiliates and position Amera for further growth in Capitol Bancorp’s network of community banks. We’re in the process of a moderate retail expansion in southeastern Michigan and may be entering the wholesale channel as a competitor in mid-2005.

Financially, we had a solid year in terms of return on equity, despite the increase in rates and drop in loan refinance volumes. Our business in the Western Regions grew as additional banks entered the mortgage origination business.

We will continue to enhance Mortgage Connection, adding an enhanced program-finding and quick-pricing capability. We are upgrading our core systems, which will allow lenders real-time access to more of their loan specific information which, in turn, will create a more efficient application and closing process.

Mark A. Janssen
CEO