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Fentura Financial, Inc.

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FY2023 Annual Report · Fentura Financial, Inc.
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125 YEARS  

Building Brighter Futures

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear 
Shareholders:

On behalf of everyone at Fentura Financial, Inc. (“Fentura” 
or the “Company”), I am proud to share the operating and 
financial progress we made during 2023. Throughout the 
year, we celebrated our Bank’s 125th anniversary, which 
allowed us to reflect on our rich history, unwavering 
commitment to our customers, and the countless lives we 
have touched over the years. Fentura’s journey has been 
one of resilience, innovation, and above all, a steadfast 
dedication to serving our Michigan communities. As 
we look to the future, we remain focused on nurturing 
lasting relationships with our customers, providing our 
employees with an environment to thrive and develop, 
and creating lasting value for our shareholders.  

Fentura reported another solid year of growth, as we 
ended 2023 with record total assets of $1.74 billion 
and record total deposits of $1.39 billion. Throughout 
the year we experienced higher interest expense as 
the rapid increase in interest rates had an impact on 
our cost of funds and reduced net interest income. 
Despite these trends, 2023 was another good year 
of profitability as we benefited from record levels 
of interest income and excellent asset quality. 

to pursue actions and strategies that we believe 
will benefit all shareholders over the long term.  
Supporting this commitment, as well as Fentura’s 
consistent financial performance, our Board increased 
the Company’s dividend by 11%, representing the 
sixth consecutive year we have increased our annual 
dividend. In January 2024, we increased our regular 
quarterly dividend by an additional 10% to $0.11 per 
share. Since 2017, Fentura’s annual dividend has 
increased from $0.20 to $0.40 for 2023, representing 
a compound annual growth rate of 12%.  

In September 2023, Fentura celebrated its 125th year 
anniversary of The State Bank. The Bank has been a 
part of the Fenton community since 1898, when five 
prominent citizens organized the Commercial Savings 
Bank of Fenton. They sought to serve the needs of 
their neighbors and friends, thereby establishing a 
foundation of trust, a relationship that still exists today. 
We are proud of our heritage of providing trusted 
financial services to our local communities and 
look forward to remaining an independent, and high-
performing community bank for many years to come.  

For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income was 
$14.6 million, or $3.30 per diluted share, compared to 
$14.9 million, or $3.38 per diluted share in 2022.  In fact, 
net income and earnings per diluted share would have 
increased year-over-year had it not been for $523,000 
in one-time legal and professional fees associated with 
2023’s annual meeting and proxy contest. Strong earnings 
and asset quality combined with limited impacts from 
accumulated other comprehensive income produced a 
10% year-over-year increase in total shareholders’ equity, 
which was a record $138.7 million at December 31, 2023.

Fentura’s stock increased 24.8% from January 1, 2023 
to December 31, 2023, reflecting our solid financial 
and operating results in 2023. Our stock’s performance 
in 2023 greatly outperformed several well followed 
bank indices including the Nasdaq Bank Index which 
was down 6.7% and the KBW Regional Bank Index, 
which was down 4.0% in 2023. In addition, according 
to Bloomberg, Fentura was the 31st best performing 
bank stock in the U.S. and the 2nd best performing 
bank stock in the state of Michigan. We are proud of this 
performance, especially during a difficult year for banks.  

Our Board is focused on creating sustainable value 
for Fentura’s shareholders and the Board continues 

It is with deep sadness that we remember our long-time 
director, William H. Dery (Bill), M.D who passed away in 
2023. Bill joined the Board in 2009 and was not only a 
respected member of our Board until his passing, but 
also a dear friend, invaluable mentor to many of us 
at Fentura, and a pillar in the community. Bill’s father, 
grandfather, and great grandfather all previously served 
as directors of the Bank, and their respective contributions 
can be found throughout Fentura Financial and The 
State Bank yet today. We are honored to dedicate this 
annual report to Bill with a tribute found on page 9.

It takes the contribution of many to truly make a 
meaningful impact on our community and achieve 
our shared vision. The Company understands the 
importance of strong corporate governance to ensure 
we are meeting our goals and optimizing value for our 
shareholders. In 2023, we listened to our shareholders 
and expanded the number of directors serving on our 
Board. After engaging with Robert A. Herdoiza, the Board 
nominated him to serve as a director, recognizing that 
his financial expertise, business qualifications, and prior 
roles as a CFA and a CFO would benefit the Company. We 
appreciate his early contributions to the Company and 
look forward to his continued participation on the Board.  

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Mr. Herdoiza’s appointment to the Board represents 
the actions we have taken over the past several years, 
refreshing our Board with experienced individuals 
that reflect the diverse makeup and values of our local 
communities. As a result, of the 11 current board 
members, 45% have been appointed since 2021. As you 
can see, we have made significant progress over the 
past three years enhancing our Board by attracting 
proven business, community, and financial leaders to 
Fentura. I look forward to their continued contributions.  

We are proud of 
our heritage of 
providing trusted 
financial services 
to our local 
communities.

Developing, attracting, and supporting our team 
members remains crucial to our success. Beginning 
January 1, 2024, Thomas Hufton (Tom) replaced Dennis 
Leyder as the Chief Wealth Management Officer. As part 
of our established succession plan, Tom was identified 
several years ago as a natural successor ensuring a 
seamless transition. Tom is quickly contributing to our 
expanding Wealth Management business, and I look 
forward to his leadership in his new role. In addition, 
we continue to focus on providing our customers 
with leading financial advice, services, and products 
that are tailored to their individual needs. During 
the year we implemented personal wire transfers and 
enhanced the security features for our business and 
commercial customers including user management 

and authentication tools. On the Wealth Management 
side of our business, we transitioned the advisory 
platform to Ameriprise and added personnel to drive 
additional growth within this line of business.

As we look to 2024, we expect another fluid operating 
environment primarily due to continued uncertainty 
around Federal Reserve interest rate and monetary 
policies and the impacts these may have on the greater 
economy and our Bank. Despite these concerns, we 
are focused on supporting our communities that 
need value added and local financial partners like 
Fentura. We enter 2024 with a highly experienced 
leadership team, strong market share in compelling 
markets, and excellent asset quality. In fact, we 
had net recoveries in 2023 and ended the year with 
nonperforming assets to total assets of just 0.35%.  

Our performance in 2023 demonstrates our continued 
commitment to supporting our communities, delivering 
consistent operating performance, and maintaining 
excellent asset quality. We firmly believe that by 
prioritizing the well-being of the customers and 
employees we serve and delivering sustainable value to 
our shareholders, we can continue to thrive and make 
a positive difference in the lives of all stakeholders. 
We are excited about the opportunities that lie before 
us and remain dedicated to upholding our community 
banking values to build a brighter future for all. 

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Warmly,

Ronald Justice
President and CEO

Fentura Financial, Inc. 
and The State Bank

 
 
 
 
1930

1931

1940

1950

1960

Commercial Savings Bank and 
Fenton State Savings Bank 
merge to become The State 
Savings Bank of Fenton

1954

Linden Branch  
opens as the first 
branch office

1961

Bank assets reach 
$10 million

1897

1910

1920

1897
Fenton served by two 
private banks: HB 
Latourette Bank &  
EB Wightman 
Exchange Bank

2

1898

HB Latourette founded  
the chartered bank,  
Commercial Savings Bank,  
from HB Latourette Bank

1908

Frederick H Hitchcock 
instrumental in the formation 
of the chartered bank, Fenton 
State Savings Bank, from 
Wightman Exchange Bank

1931
$1.478 million  
at merger  
of the two  
Fenton banks

1898

Bank assets  
of $25,000

1908

Bank assets  
of $72,841

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BANK  
HISTORY

GROWTH OF 
BANK

 
 
 
In 2023, The State Bank celebrated 125 years of serving 
mid-Michigan. From the Great Depression to the Great Recession 
and beyond, The State Bank has held tight to its community 
values. Through resilience, integrity and innovation, the bank has 
helped businesses and families meet their needs and build brighter 
futures. In a world where banking collapses riddle the headlines, 
The State Bank’s longevity has made it a welcome exception.

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1966

Drive thru 
services 
open

1965
Bank assets 
reach  
$16 million

1971

Bank assets 
reach  
$28.7 million

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

1987-88

Holly Branch opens; 
Name changes to The 
State Bank & Holding 
company, Fentura 
Financial, Inc. is formed

2006-08
Grand Blanc 
North and 
Brighton 
Branches open

2020

2016-19

2023

Acquisition of Community  
State Bank based in St. Charles; 
Farmington Hills Branch opens

1995-97

Launch of  internet and 
telephone banking; 
VGs Branch opens

2011

2020

Form Change 4 Kids; 
Mobile Banking 
services begin

The State Bank offers 
Covid Relief programs for 
families and businesses

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1977

Open current  
Main Office;  
Install first ATM

1981
Bank assets 
reach  
$80 million

1984
Bank assets 
reach 
$100 million

1974
Bank assets 
reach  
$39.6 million

2001-02

Grand Blanc South and  
Silver Lake Branches 
open; Launch 
partnership with  
Food Bank  
of Eastern Michigan

2021
Acquisition of 
Farmers Bank of 
Munith

2022

Bay City LPO opens;
The State Bank is 
the SBA Community 
Lender of the Year

2019
Bank assets 
surpass  
$1 billion

2004
Bank assets 
reach 
$585 million

2023

Downtown Flint Branch opens  
in the historic Ferris Wheel Building;

The State Bank  
Celebrates 125 Years!

 
 
 
 
WHAT MAKES

POSSIBLE?

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For 125 years, The State Bank and our communities have come 

together to Build a Better State. There have been ups and downs, 

challenges, and great accomplishments. Through it all, we continue 

to thrive. The pieces of the bank’s history are a compilation of 

individual efforts woven together to form something bigger.

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125 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Value of 
Family and 
Community

To help our customers reach their better state, we 
launched a partnership with GreenPath to provide 
comprehensive financial counseling. Our ongoing 
commitment to Financial Wellness resulted in 1,700 
hours of training in 2023 to support 31 organizations. 
We focused on important topics such as savings 
and budgeting, understanding and maintaining 
credit, and assessing homeowner readiness.

Our Passion for  
Small Business

The State Bank has been recognized amongst financial 
institutions who provide capital to all Michigan small 
businesses. For the fourth year in a row, The State Bank 
was ranked as the #1 Michigan-Based Community 
Bank Small Business Administration lender.

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Our Focus on 
Growth

We’ve seen exciting growth since our start in 1898 
with a humble $25,000 in assets. Since then, we have 
grown to $1.74 billion in total assets with 21 locations 
across eight counties. As recently as 2022, we opened a 
new loan production office in Bay City, which is our first 
location in Bay County. Along with celebrating our 125th 
anniversary in 2023, we also celebrated the opening of 
our Flint location in the historic Ferris Wheel Building. 

Our Commitment  
to Technology

We have launched and continue to advance our best 
in class online and mobile banking tools that make 
it easier than ever for our customers to visualize 
and interact with their money including: Account 
Aggregation, Credit Monitoring and Simulation, 
Digital Receipt Storage, Money Management, 
Smart Watch and Voice Banking, and more.

125 
 
 
 
Our Commitment  

to Leadership Fentura Financial, Inc. is led by an experienced Board 

of Directors with expertise across various industries.

Mark Bole
Retired - Head of V2X & 
Battery Solutions, GM Energy

General Motors

Bob Herdoiza
Partner

Randy Hicks, M.D., MBA 
Owner & CEO

Kristen Holt
President and CEO

Stonebridge Financial Group

Regional Medical Imaging, P.C.

GreenPath  
Financial Wellness

Ronald Justice
President and CEO

Fentura Financial, Inc. 
and The State Bank

Steven Krause
Owner & President

Best Storage, Inc.

Thomas McKenney
Retired - Owner/
President & Attorney

McKenney & McKenney

Kelly Myers
Managing Member

Myers & Myers, PLLC.

Brian Petty
Owner & President

Ronald Rybar
President

Debra Williams
President & CEO

Fenton Glass Service, Inc.

Provider Payment Consultants

Williams Collaborative, LLC.

Founder and Senior Advisor

The Rybar Group

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A Tribute to 
William H. Dery, M.D.

December 10, 1951 - August 1, 2023

William H. Dery, M.D. was appointed as a Director of the The State 

Bank and Fentura Financial in April 2009 and served passionately 

until his passing on August 1, 2023. Dr. Dery’s father, Robert Dery, 

grandfather, HW Hitchcock, and great grandfather, Frederick 

Hitchcock, all previously served as directors of the Bank. As the great-

7

grandson-in-law of Frederick Hitchcock who formed Fenton State 

Bank, which later became The State Bank, Dr. Dery served our bank 

and community with passion, pride, and commitment. 

Dr. Dery was admired by many in the community, the banking 

industry, and of course the medical community where he served 

patients as a family practice physician for 40 years. We honor Dr. Dery 

for his commitment to The State Bank. He will truly be missed, and 

his legacy will always remain a testament to the success that can be 

achieved through resilience, integrity, and innovation.

 
 
 
 
Growing 
Core Deposits

4,925

Deposit Accounts 
Opened in 2023

Growing  
Community

61.3MM

Increase in 
Total Deposits

77.2 MM

in Kasasa 
Accounts

561,546k

In 2023 community 
donations and 
sponsorships

40,875k

fundraising effort in 2023 
through the Change 
4 Kids Program. 

Since the program’s inception, 
$348,443  has been donated.

73,136k

donated to the Food 
Bank of Eastern 
Michigan in 2023

Growing  
Innovation

10.1k

Average Monthly 
ITM Transactions

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Growing 
Local Business

1#

Michigan-Based 
Community Bank 
SBA Lender* for Four 
Years in a Row

*Based on number and dollar 
amount of SBA loans approved 
during the fiscal years 
ending 9/30/20,  9/30/21, 
9/30/22, and 9/30/23.

53.8MM

New Small Business 
Administration Loans
Title Gov’t Guaranteed/
Supported Loans

137.8MM

New 
Commercial 
Loans

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Public Fund  
Management

Growing  
Wealth

9

38.1MM

Increase in Public Funds

32.4MM

Increase in  Wealth 
Management & Trust 
Services Assets Under 
Management in 2023

Growing  
Home Ownership

336 94.7MM

New Mortgage  
and Refinance Loans

New Mortgage  
and Refinance Loans

 
 
 
 
2023 
Highlights

Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts

Balance Sheet and Asset Quality Ratios

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

Net Loans to Total Deposits

104.58%

106.77%

88.71%

98.48%

100.19%

ACL to Gross Loans

Net Loan Charge-offs to Gross Loans

Nonperforming Loans to Gross Loans

1.04%

(0.04%)

0.38%

0.91%

0.05%

0.16%

0.95%

0.02%

0.18%

1.02%

0.05%

0.75%

0.67%

0.00%

0.17%

Per Share Data

Earnings per Share

Book Value per Share

Tangible Book Value per Share

Market Price per Share

Dividends per Share

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

$3.30

$31.02

$28.92

$27.20

$0.40

$3.38

$28.40

$26.22

$22.20

$0.36

 $3.60 

 $3.31 

 $2.49 

 $27.68 

 $24.68 

 $21.75 

 $25.43 

 $23.88 

 $20.87 

 $28.28 

 $22.00 

 $25.23 

 $0.32 

 $0.30 

 $0.28 

Total 1 Year Return to Shareholders (%)

24.32%

-20.23%

30.00%

-11.61%

21.48%

Common Shares Outstanding

4,470,871

4,439,725

 4,496,701

4,694,275

4,664,369

Average Common Shares Outstanding

4,460,490

4,448,003

 4,624,243

4,684,006

4,653,872

Performance Ratios

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

Return on Average Assets

0.85%

0.98%

1.26%

1.29%

1.20%

Return on Average Shareholders' Equity

11.14%

12.30%

13.52%

14.05%

12.02%

Net Interest Margin Yield (FTE)

3.17%

3.67%

3.58%

3.50%

3.83%

Efficiency Ratio

Capital Ratios

70.10%

65.11%

64.65%

58.10%

63.20%

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

CET1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets

11.91%

10.82%

9.83%

8.77%

10.87%

9.95%

8.96%

8.58%

12.22%

11.30%

10.07%

9.13%

15.14%

13.93%

12.38%

9.80%

14.03%

13.33%

11.64%

11.20%

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Total Securities

Loans Held for Sale

Gross Loans

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

$90,661

107,615

747 

$57,844

125,049

493

 $ 83,446 

 $46,757 

 $46,803 

 164,942 

 6,783 

 76,111 

 27,306 

 61,621 

 19,491 

1,473,471 

1,436,166

 1,100,092 

 1,066,562 

 870,555 

Less Allowance for Credit Losses

15,400 

13,000

 10,500 

 10,900 

 5,813 

Net Loans

All Other Assets

Total Assets

1,458,071 

1,423,166

 1,089,592 

 1,055,662 

 864,742 

81,858 

82,311

 73,022

 45,610 

 42,102 

$1,738,952 

$1,688,863

 $1,417,785 

$1,251,446 

$1,034,759 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Total Deposits

Total Borrowed Funds

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

$1,394,182

 $1,332,883 

 $1,228,298 

 $1,071,976 

$ 863,102 

Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities

7,568 

7,543 

198,500 

222,350

 50,000 

 15,032 

 49,000 

 14,602 

 61,500 

 8,713 

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Total Liabilities

1,600,250 

1,562,776 

1,293,330

 1,135,578 

 933,315 

Total Shareholders' Equity

138,702 

126,087 

 124,455 

 115,868 

 101,444 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$1,738,952

 $1,688,863

 $1,417,785

$1,251,446 

$1,034,759

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED 

Interest and Dividend Income

Loans, Including Fees

Investments

Total Interest and Dividend Income

Total Interest Expense

Net Interest Income

Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)

Net Interest Income,  
    After Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)

Total Non-Interest Income

Total Non-Interest Expenses

Income Before Federal Income Taxes

Federal Income Taxes

Net Income

12/31/23

12/31/22

12/31/21

12/31/20

12/31/19

$75,382

$56,610

 $45,129 

 $44,238 

 $41,102 

4,299

79,681

28,087

51,594

(58)

51,652

9,271

42,668

18,255

3,626

2,610

59,220

6,767

52,453

3,105

49,348

9,880

40,585

18,643

3,710

 1,781 

 46,910 

 2,736 

 44,174 

 (180)

 1,741 

 45,979 

 5,924 

 40,055 

 5,634 

 2,439 

 43,541 

 8,627 

 34,914 

 1,335 

 44,354 

 34,421 

 33,579 

 14,080 

 37,663 

 20,771 

 4,192 

 19,640 

 34,684 

 19,377 

 3,913 

 8,163 

 27,223 

 14,519 

 2,941 

$14,629

$14,933

$ 16,579 

 $15,464 

 $11,578 

 
 
 
 
Market Price 
Per Share

$25.23

$28.28

$27.20

$22.00

$22.20

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Balance 
Sheet

Gross Loans

Total Deposits

Total Assets

,

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2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Return on 
Average Assets

1.29%

1.26%

1.20%

0.98%

0.85%

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts

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Earnings 
Per Share

$2.49

$3.60

$3.38

$3.31

$3.30

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

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Efficiency 
Ratio

63.20%

64.65%

65.11%

58.10%

70.10%

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2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Net 
Income

$16,579

$15,464

$14,933

$14,629

$11,578

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

 
 
 
 
We Believe in 
Purposeful 
Actions to 
Create Better 
Communities

We are actively engaged in developing, 
strengthening, and energizing the 
communities that we live in. 

Throughout the year, The State Bank participates 
in numerous events and programs that support 
local businesses, schools, and charities. Both the 
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and our very own 
Change 4 Kids program are two key initiatives to help 
our community members find their better state.

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Change 4 Kids

The Change 4 Kids program began responding to the 
need to assist low and moderate-income families, 
meeting basic physical needs ranging from toothpaste 
and deodorant to clothing and shoes. Change 4 
Kids also provides educational supplies needed 
to be a successful student, such as pencils, paper, 
markers, binders, backpacks, and other necessities.

Since its inception in 2011, Change for Kids has 
donated over $348,443 to our local school districts.

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

Over a span of 20 years, The State Bank has raised 
a total of $478,345.33 for the Food Bank of Eastern 
Michigan (FBEM). That contribution is equivalent to 
over 2.5 million meals provided to the 22 counties 
served by the Food Bank. Not only does The State Bank 
contribute donations, but many employees have given 
hours of volunteer time to support the Food Bank.

 
 
 
We Believe in 
Striving to  
Be the Best

We Believe in 
Community 
Banking

We Believe in 
Serving Small 
Businesses

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The State Bank was honored this year with several 
Best Of Awards. The Tri-County Times, serving 
Fenton, Linden, and Holly awarded The State 
Bank with Best Bank, Best Loans, Best Mortgage 
Lender, and Favorite Financial Planning honors. 

Fentura Financial, Inc, announced that once again it 
ranked in the American Banker Magazine’s “Top 200 
Community Banks” list, as one of the top performing 
community banks in the United States. The banks were 
ranked on three-year return on average equity between 
2020 and 2022. (Source: Capital Performance Group.) 
Fentura Financial, Inc. ranked as number 88 out of 200. 

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For the fourth year in a row, The State Bank was 
ranked as the #1 Michigan-Based Community 
Bank Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender 
based upon the number of approved loans for the 
SBA fiscal years ending September 30, 2020 - 2023. 
Our expertise and commitment to small business 
relationships has led to our continued success. 

 
 
 
 
Celebrating 125 
Years: 
Community, 
Trust, and 
Enduring 
Relationships

 Trust in The 
State Bank’s 
services has 
laid a solid 
foundation for 
all our future 
plans.

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At The State Bank, we extend our 
deepest gratitude to the customers 
who have been the heartbeat of 
our existence for 125 years. 

The loyalty of our customers and community 
has transformed this bank from a financial 
institution into a place for dreams, aspirations, 
and life’s most treasured milestones.

In over 20 years of working with The State Bank 
Trust and Wealth Management Departments, we 
have tremendous trust and respect for that team 
that has been developed, nurtured and grown.

Dennis, Sheryl and especially Tom have gone out of 
their  way, managing and growing our accounts.  From 
the personal and prompt service in response to calls 
and emails, to the birthday and holiday cards and 
gifts, the courteous service is truly appreciated.

They, The State Bank Wealth Management Team, 
care and have brought a wealth of knowledge 
and expertise to both us and our portfolio.

Pat and Jane Sullivan
Orleans, MI

I am thrilled to share my positive experience 
as a returning business client. The team’s 
keen understanding of our business needs, 
coupled with a personalized and responsive 
approach, has truly set the bank apart.

The flexibility demonstrated in meeting our 
unique requirements and the ability to swiftly get 
things done have been key factors in our ongoing 
satisfaction. The commitment to building lasting 
relationships is evident and greatly appreciated.

Likewise, the bank’s ability to assist me 
with top notch mortgage products on the 
personal side has been invaluable.

Greg Walker
Walker Healthforce   |   Bloomfield Hills, MI

 
 
 
While The State Bank has grown to have several 
locations over the years, their commitment to 
“hometown” service has remained top notch! We, 
being a local business ourselves, are pleased to have 
our bank accounts local as well. From day one, we 
have experienced excellent customer service via in 
person, phone & email with above expectations on 
response time. We know and respect the difference 
in fees, customer service, & quality. Thank you to 
the entire team at The State Bank for an excellent 
transition for both our personal and business accounts.

Mike & Tracy Sargent
Sargent’s Title Co.   |   Flint, MI

Commitment 
to building 
lasting 
relationships.

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Helped me 
navigate 
through the 
minutia to 
achieve my 
financing 
goals through 
their SBA 
partnership. 

It has been a pleasure to work with Michael Franklin 
and the team at the Farmington Hills branch, setting 
up new accounts, setting up ACH from customer 
accounts, and closing on three loans. The most 
complicated 504 SBA loan was seamless and 
easy to move through the entire process. I would 
recommend The State Bank to any small or mid-sized 
business that wants a great banking partner.

Richard Simtob
Simtob Management & Investment    |   Lansing, MI 

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The State Bank of Fenton truly is “our hometown 
bank,” meeting all of our banking needs.  They have 
been the bank of choice for our growing businesses 
for well over 30 years.  Allied Media and our other 
associated printing and publishing companies 
have enjoyed a mutual trust relationship that has 
taken us through tough economic cycles as well 
as the financial boom times of the recent past.  

It always comes back to personal relationships between 
trustworthy banking personalities and our community-
oriented businesses.  Allied Media has been working 
with Tom Bertschy and Craig Johnson for many years 
now.  These men know our business, our business 
needs and go the extra mile.  The State Bank is our 
local, hometown connection to grow and thrive our 
businesses, there is no reason to shop anywhere else.

John Evans
Allied Media   |   Fenton, MI

 
 
 
 
Celebrating 125 
Years: 
Community, 
Trust, and 
Enduring 
Relationships 
(cont’d)

I have used The State Bank for my personal financing 
and borrowing needs since 2017. As a self-employed 
business owner, I have in the past needed business 
loans and lines of credit many times and have always 
had difficulty dealing with banks to get fair and 
competitive products at the borrowing level I needed.  
In 2023 I found myself in need of financing for new 
growth and was unable to increase my existing line 
of credit with another bank. The State Bank and Tom 
Barrett were amazing and helped me navigate through 
the minutia to achieve my financing goals through 
their SBA partnership program in a very short time 
frame.  The State Bank was dedicated to my cause 
and willing to build on my personal relationship 
to extend that to a business relationship as well. I 
cannot be thankful enough for Tom and his team.

Chad R. Myers
Energy Mat Alliance   |   Brighton, MI

Working with Aeron Grigg at The State Bank 
has been a pivotal part of our journey. As small 
business owners with a keen interest in real estate 
investment, Aeron’s expertise was exactly what we 
needed. He guided us through the complexities 
of commercial loans with a level of detail and 
dedication that exceeded our expectations, 
ensuring we secured the best deal possible.

Aeron’s approach went beyond just business 
transactions; he became a valued mentor and 
friend, offering insights that have been instrumental 
in both our business strategy and personal 
investments. This trust in Aeron and The State 
Bank’s services has laid a solid foundation for all 
our future plans in real estate and business.

Looking forward, we’re excited to continue our 
partnership with Aeron and The State Bank. Their 
exceptional service and Aeron’s personal touch 
have not just supported our current ventures 
but are integral to our future success.”

Jeremy Gwizdala & Molly McGrandy
JM Performance, dba CrossFit Whip   |   Saginaw, MI

They have 
brought a 
wealth of 
knowledge 
and expertise 
to both us and 
our portfolio.

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The State Bank 
commitment 
to “hometown” 
service has 
remained top 
notch! 

[Not only] 
supported 
our current 
ventures but 
are integral 
to our future 
success.

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I am writing to express my wholehearted endorsement 
for Mr. Michael Franklin, an outstanding banker at 
The State Bank. As Owner/Founder at Quantam 
Solutions, I have had the pleasure of working 
closely with Michael over the past 15 years and 
can confidently attest to his exceptional skills 
and dedication in providing banking services. 

Michael has consistently demonstrated an 
unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional 
service, particularly in the realm of providing 
business loans and offering valuable guidance on 
loan structuring. His depth of knowledge in financial 
matters, coupled with a keen understanding of the 
unique needs of businesses, has undoubtedly set him 
apart as a trusted advisor in the banking industry. 

One of Michael’s standout qualities is his 
unparalleled loyalty to his clients. He goes above 
and beyond the norm, ensuring that each client 
receives personalized attention and tailored 
solutions. His genuine interest in the success of 
his clients is evident in his proactive approach to 
addressing their financial needs and challenges. 

Larry Freimark 
Quantam Solutions LLC   |   Southfield, MI

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In 2023, our four restaurants made the decision to 
transition their banking to The State Bank.  Their 
friendly and courteous team made our transition 
very easy.  The dedication of the treasury department 
made sure that we were all set up with online 
banking, ACH capabilities, wire transfers, and mobile 
deposits.  This team responded quickly either in 
person with a phone call or via email.  We could 
not have made this transition without them.

Scott Nemode
Downtown Restaurant Investments   |   Bay City, MI

We have never had such a smooth and seamless loan 
experience as we had with Kevin Neumeyer and The 
State Bank.  Kevin is always on top of everything we 
need to have completed and walks us through every 
detail so we never have any surprises at closing.  He truly 
makes the banking and loan experience enjoyable.  

Josh Kemerer
Riverbend Storage North   |   Saginaw, MI

 
 
 
 
ATM ONLY LOCATIONS

ALPINE FOOD PLAZA
606 W. Broad Street
Linden, MI 48451

BURT
10811 Albee Road
Burt, MI 48417

CHESANING
148 Chapman Street
Chesaning, MI 48616

THOMPSON ROAD
3237 W. Thompson Road
Fenton, MI 48430

LOAN PRODUCTION 
OFFICES

BAY CITY
268 Uptown Drive
Bay City, MI 48708

 MAIN OFFICE
175 N. Leroy Street
Fenton, MI 48430
810.629.2263

BIRCH RUN
8412 Main Street
Birch Run, MI 48415
989.624.6280

BRIGHTON
134 N. First Street
Brighton, MI 48116
810.534.0800

CHESANING
12771 Brady Road
Chesaning, MI 48616
989.845.7070

FARMINGTON HILLS 
Northwestern Professional Center
31000 Northwestern Highway,  
Suite 150
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
248.498.6979

FLINT
Ferris Wheel Building 
615 Saginaw Street 
Flint, MI 48502
810.616.7895

GRAND BLANC NORTH
1401 E. Hill Road
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
810.603.9500

GRAND BLANC SOUTH
7606 S. Saginaw Street
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
810.695.9601

GRASS LAKE
12005 Michigan Avenue
Grass Lake, MI 49240
517.985.1062

HOLLY
4043 Grange Hall Road
Holly, MI 48442
810.750.8701

LINDEN
107 Main Street
Linden, MI 48451
810.750.8794

MONTROSE
200 W. State Street
Montrose, MI 48457
810.639.6101

MUNITH
201 N. Main Street
Munith, MI 49259
517.985.1062

NEW LOTHROP
9380 Genesee Street
New Lothrop, MI 48460
810.638.3003

SAGINAW
218 S. Washington Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.393.4020

SILVER PARKWAY 
15095 Silver Parkway
Fenton, MI 48430
810.750.5605

ST. CHARLES
207 S. Saginaw Street
St. Charles, MI 48655
989.865.9434

STOCKBRIDGE
5101 M-106
Stockbridge, MI 49285
 517.985.1062

THOMAS TOWNSHIP 
7590 Gratiot Road
Saginaw, MI 48609
989.781.2350

VG’S FOOD CENTER
18005 Silver Parkway
Fenton, MI 48430
810.750.8781

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800.535.0517   |   Fentura.com   |   TheStateBank.com