As we celebrate Portage Commerce Bank’s 20th anniversary in 2008, we thank our long-time customers, board members and employees. Ten of our 14 board members have been with the bank since the beginning.
We are proud of our achievements. The bank reached profitability after only nine months in business. Our addition to Capitol Bancorp in 1990 signaled the beginning of Capitol’s growth and transition into becoming the premiere bank development company in America.
| Our officers average more than 18 years of experience in financial services. |
Portage Commerce Bank has been a provider of meaningful jobs in our community. We have funded economic development and small business growth in the Portage area.
From our start, navigating the economic challenges in the late 1980s, we have grown into a respected and successful community bank. Almost 20 years later, the state’s economy has come full circle and we are positioned to handle the current economic challenges.
In 2007, for example, we expanded our business, growing loans, deposits and revenues while achieving strong asset quality measures. Much of the credit can be attributed to our veteran staff. Our officers average more than 18 years of experience in financial services. They have expanded relationships with existing customers and cultivated business with new customers.
Our relationships in the small business community continue to grow. In 2007, we nearly doubled the bank’s U.S. Small Business Administration loan volume. Our commercial lenders devote their time to tailoring solutions for clients.
Capitol Wealth Advisors is helping us develop new opportunities. The wealth management business more than doubled in 2007, necessitating the addition of a second investment representative.
We approach the future with a clear vision and firm determination to uphold the ideals upon which we were founded — to meet the financial services needs of our community through superior service.
Despite the economic fluctuations, there will always be a small business market that we are very adept at serving. It is the many growing small businesses in southwestern Michigan that provide the real financial stability for our community. As long as we stay true to our mission and build relationships, that market will stay true to us.
— Dennis J. Kuhn, President & CEO