VOL. I
Mercantile Headquarters
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Michigan has always been my home. It’s where I grew up, went to school, met my wife, and
chose to raise our family. It’s also where I learned what makes a community strong.
Over my 20+ years with Mercantile Bank, now as President and CEO, I’ve had the privilege of
witnessing incredible customer stories that reflect the strength of our communities.
In the pages ahead, you’ll catch a glimpse of the strength happening across our state:
the husband-and-wife team at Harvest Health Foods, bringing us the very best food and
supplements, Capital Area Housing Partners making a difference in Lansing’s affordable housing,
and the Oakland County team ensuring fresh and clean water for residents.
At Mercantile, our customers’ success is our success, because when you grow, we grow too. As
the largest bank headquartered in Michigan, we take pride in supporting our communities and
the responsibility that comes with it.
Thank you for trusting us as your partner in growth and financial security. For those we have yet
to work with, we look forward to meeting you.
Ray Reitsma
President & CEO
Mercantile Bank
A letter from Ray.
The Mercantile story.
As the largest bank headquartered in Michigan
with over 40 locations statewide, our roots are
deeply embedded in the diverse communities
we serve.
Founded in 1997 by entrepreneurs, for
entrepreneurs, we’ve been building strong
relationships through collaboration and
innovation. It’s about more than banking,
it’s about being a trusted ally to businesses,
individuals, governments, and community
partners.
Customer and community commitment is at the
core of all we do, because Mercantile Bank is
here for you.
Employee
C O U N T
680+
BEST & BRIGHTEST
TO WORK FOR
COMPANIES
20 YEARS
N A M E D
& COUNTING
LOCATIONS
40+
Asset Size
SIX
BILLION
1997
Mercantile Bank
of West Michigan
was founded
and MBWM went
public.
2003
2005
2023
2025
2014
The Bank
reached $1
Billion in assets.
The new
headquarters
was built
on Leonard
Street in Grand
Rapids.
Firstbank merged
with Mercantile
Bank.
Mercantile Bank
became the largest
bank headquartered
in Michigan and
reached $5 Billion in
assets.
Mercantile
is named as
Forbes 2025
America’s
Best Banks.
Community engagement.
Driving smart
sustainability initiatives.
Grand Rapids Housing
Commission helps
residents Aim to Save.
Financial empowerment for all.
Supporting first-generation students with TRIO Upward
Bound Money Masters Scholarship Program.
Supporting our communities through volunteerism, donations, and events is essential to
who we are. We take pride in giving back and making a meaningful impact every day. A
strong community builds a strong bank, and Merc is here in many ways.
Protecting what matters most is always
our priority and shred days are just one of
the many ways we are helping promote
sustainable communities. It’s also a great
way to help our neighbors protect their
privacy through secure and safe document
disposal.
In a typical year we collect over 200 tons
of paper, and save almost 3,600 trees, 1.4
million gallons of water, 848,000 KW of
energy, and 699 cubic yards of landfill.
Building personal savings is the key to
a healthy financial future. By partnering
with the Grand Rapids Housing
Commission, Mercantile is empowering
families to handle everyday expenses
and save for the future. Families and
their children can open savings accounts
which are then matched up to $1,000.
Through financial education our team is committed to equipping adults and children with the tools to
make smart financial decisions for a secure future.
Through our partnerships with Grand
Valley State University and Federal
Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, we’re
empowering first-generation college
students with scholarships designed to
set them up for financial success.
By offering classes on budgeting,
saving, and credit, along with
personalized mentoring on managing
their scholarship funds effectively, we
aim to create a lasting impact on their
financial well-being.
1,000
SUPPORTING
PER YEAR
ORGANIZATIONS
400+
Annually
CLASSES
TAUGHT
Annually
VOLUNTEER
HOURS
27,500
5
Annual Donations
ONE
MILLION
DOLLARS IN
Mercantile Community Partners.
Mercantile Community Partners provides financial solutions to support community development and
the growing need for affordable housing through lending and tax credit investment. Our MCP team
empowers communities by working together to navigate each step in the financing process.
MCP has invested $37 million in 6 projects throughout the state that have created 197 affordable
housing units and 30,000 sq ft. of childcare and non-profit office space.
Capital Area Housing
Partnership welcomes
neighbors.
With the support of Mercantile Community Partners, the
Walter French Historic Restoration project led by the Capital
Area Housing Partnership, offers affordable housing and
essential childcare services for income-constrained residents.
Emma Henry
Executive Director
Capital Area Housing Partnership
Lansing, Michigan
“
“Childcare access is a growing need,
with 56% more children in Greater
Lansing needing care than spots
available. Our transformation of the
Walter French building includes a new
childcare center and affordable homes—
addressing two of the most significant
challenges families face today.”
Credit college.
Internship program.
From co-op to career home.
Our incoming credit team members participate in the Mercantile Bank Credit College, widely viewed as the
most comprehensive credit training program in the market. Over nine weeks, financial topics ranging from
commercial banking to accounting are taught to the next generation of commercial bankers. With over
100 grads to date, the impact goes far beyond the numbers.
Investing in the next generation.
“
We are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through our internship and co-op
programs. Over 200 summer interns from 60 colleges and universities have learned practical skills like
teamwork, customer service, and time management through meaningful experiences with guest speakers,
community events, and significant project work.
Theresa first came to Mercantile as a high school co-op student, not knowing where it might lead. Now
celebrating 10 years, Theresa and her manager Judy (pictured below, left) know she’s found her place in
the Mercantile Family.
Theresa VanDyke
Customer Service Representative
Mercantile Bank
“Mercantile isn’t just where
I work, it’s a community that
supports me personally and
professionally. By helping
our customers achieve their
financial goals, I’m reminded
every day why I love it here.”
Colleges &
Universities
60
DIFFERENT
TO DATE
205
TOTAL
INTERNS
2020
E S T.
Analysts & Interns
106
GRADUATES
TWELVE
Universities
Represented
MICHIGAN
BASED
“
Sara Schmidt
Chief Information Security Officer
U.S. Foods
“At Mercantile Bank, risk management is a
top priority, and as an IT security expert, I
can personally attest to how crucial it is—not
just for banks, but for businesses across all
industries.”
Sara joins the Mercantile Bank Board with over 20 years
of experience in Information Security. Her background
includes work with the U.S. Department of Defense as well
as executive leadership at a Fortune 500 companies. Sara’s
insight is a strategic advantage for the bank’s council.
Mercantile Bank Board of Directors Shoran Williams, Amy Sparks, Sara Schmidt, Michelle Eldridge,
and Bank Talent and Culture Officer, Misti Stanton present to employees at a roundtable discussion on
professional success as women leaders.
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Securing success through leadership.
Mercantile Bank Board of Directors
Michael Davenport
Tom Dickinson
Michelle Eldridge
Joe Jones
Robert Kaminski
Rich MacDonald
Mike Price
David Ramaker
Ray Reitsma
Nelson Sanchez
Sara Schmidt
Amy Sparks
Shoran Williams
Jireh Metal Products
The Hekima Group
The Hinman Company
Mercantile Bank
US Foods
Attorney
Clear Ridge Wealth Management
Retired, Banking Executive
Retired, Mercantile Bank
RoMan Manufacturing
Nuvar, Inc.
Retired, Mercantile Bank
Biggs, Dickinson, and Robertson
Wealth Management Services
DHE cultivates strength through teamwork.
Collins Einhorn Farrell PC
knows good business.
Construction Simplified does it
differently.
DHE stands shoulder to shoulder as a team, fostering collaboration at every level. As plumbing and
mechanical contractors, they think beyond the walls of the skyscrapers, schools, or shopping malls, to
deliver smart solutions for their customers. As a partially employee-owned company, their team knows
they matter, and what they put in, pays dividends. We’re proud to be the bank investing in strong teams.
Collins Einhorm Farrell PC is an extension
of their client’s businesses, focusing on
personalized, attentive, and accessible legal
services. With a banking partner that provides
them the same level of service, they can
continue to do what they do best, provide
client-centered legal solutions.
Construction Simplified does things differently. They are a
team of creators, connecting and educating communities
and customers through BBQs, breakfasts, and rooftop happy
hours. It’s their instinctive behavior to collaborate that
empowers their team and drives mutual success. We’re proud
to be the bank investing in doing things differently.
Grandville, Michigan
Southfield, Michigan
12
13
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Customer milestones & moments.
A community bank’s strength lies in the people and communities it serves. Every milestone
our customers achieve becomes a part of our story. In the following pages, you’ll find stories
of businesses in growth mode, entrepreneurs turning their dreams into reality, and Michigan
cities and organizations creating affordable housing and improving lives through community
programs. You’ll also discover people making memories, purchasing new homes and launching
businesses. We’re proud to be the bank investing in them, and in you.
Harvest Health Foods
is good from the
inside out.
Harvest Health Foods and their team have your health on
their minds. As a local and trusted grocer for over 70 years,
they are dedicated to offering healthy solutions to the entire
community. Offering farm-to-table and organics to help us
all feel good, from the inside out. We’re proud to be the bank
investing in generational health.
Special Olympics
Michigan champions
opportunities.
Special Olympics Michigan is more than sports, it’s a
movement. Combining health, education, leadership, and
sports empowers athletes to take on new opportunities.
Anything is possible when you share your unique gifts and
talents, because there is a champion in all of us. We’re proud
to be the bank investing in gold medal moments.
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15
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
West Michigan
“
The Baking Company is a sweet treat.
JumpStart 2 Recovery helps people
go from isolation to connection.
Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, the Baking Company crafts its cookies, wholesome granola bites,
and take-and-bake cookie dough with care. Found in many of your favorite local retailers, they are baking
up special treats and bringing smiles with every bite.
Alexander (Alex) Thompson started JumpStart 2 Recovery
with a dedication to enhancing the mental health and well-
being of others. Offering a comprehensive suite of therapy
services, he and his team are a vital part of the Grand Rapids
community and were looking for a like-minded community
organization as a banking partner.
The City of Lansing, where knowledge, industry, and
leadership thrive.
In addition to being the capital of Michigan, the City of Lansing is also known for its rich history in the
automotive industry, the home of Michigan State University, and for being the epicenter of state politics.
Behind the scenes, the team who operates the city is focused on cultivating a place where community
comes together.
“As stewards of the city’s finances, our goal is
to provide the foundation for our community
to flourish – ensuring that Lansing’s financial
health supports a dynamic future for all who
call this city home.”
Desiree Kirkland
Chief Financial Officer
The City of Lansing
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17
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan
It all starts with a chat.
“
“
Jess and Dustin
Retreat North.
Stafford-Smith cooks
up excellence in
foodservice equipment.
Meet Lisa Braind, our Digital Branch Manager. She leads the
team behind the Mercantile ‘Let’s Chat’ feature, who are real
people chatting and helping our customers everyday online.
As lifelong Northern Michigan lovers, Jess and Dustin had a
dream to build vintage-inspired cabins overlooking the Jordan
Valley in the Chain of Lakes area. That’s where Mercantile
came in to help them from the ground up.
Currently on its third generation of family ownership, Stafford-
Smith specializes in foodservice and refrigeration equipment,
as well as custom stainless fabrication, all for the commercial
foodservice industry. Their craftsmanship outfits many of your
favorite establishments around and across the US and the
Caribbean.
David Stafford
Chief Executive Officer
Stafford-Smith, Inc.
“Our first major arena
project was the Palace of
Auburn Hills, where the
Detroit Pistons once played.
Since then, we’ve had the
privilege of working on
nearly 50 professional
sports arenas and stadiums
nationwide.”
“Mercantile has been our go-to for creative
financing! They talk through options with
us and provide clear communication which
keeps us coming back for all of our home
financing needs!”
SOCWA taps into quality for Oakland County.
Most people don’t spend their days thinking about how their water reaches their kitchen sink, but in
Southeastern Oakland County there’s a team of people who do. The Southeastern Oakland County Water
Authority, SOCWA for short, oversees making sure its resident’s water is both clean and in fresh supply.
Jess Anderson
Owner
Retreat North
Colleen Wayland
Accounting and Finance Manager
SOCWA
Eric Griffin
General Manager
SOCWA
“
“Our work may not be in the spotlight, but that isn’t our goal. We are here to
provide safe drinking water and reliably distribute it to our customers. Our
residents are counting on us and we take that responsibility to heart.”
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19
“
“One of my favorite stories was when a
customer was on his way to purchase an
engagement ring and we were able to help
him increase his debit card limit so he was
ready to propose that very same night!”
Lisa Braind
Digital Branch Manager
Mercantile Bank
Kalamazoo, Michigan
East Jordan, Michigan
Royal Oak, Michigan
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and we’re glad you are too!
mercbank.com
MercBank
@mercbank
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