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Isabella Bank Corporation

isba · NASDAQ Financial Services
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FY2015 Annual Report · Isabella Bank Corporation
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ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION 
ANNUAL REPORT

2015     COM MU NI TY
the areas surrounding Isabella Bank where we live, work, do business and invest our time and resources.  
synonyms: region, neighborhood, group

We hope you enjoy reading the highlights of our employees’ community commitment in this year’s 
Annual Report.

COMMUNITY 

Mission Statement

Our Vision is to be recognized as a leading independent community bank.

To provide high quality, personalized service to our customers

To enhance shareholder value through strategic growth and profitability

To be the employer of choice by providing equitable compensation, a positive work 
environment, and opportunity for advancement

To promote economic growth, business development, and community service

Core Values

Demonstrate unwavering integrity

Community bank focused

Continued stability and independence

Exceptional customer service delivered in a personal manner

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The  equal  employment  opportunity  clauses  in  Section  202  of  the  Executive  Order  11246,  as  amended;  38  USC  4212,  Vietnam  Era  Veterans 
Readjustment Act of 1974; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; relative to equal employment opportunity and implementing 
rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor are adhered to and supported by Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries.

WOODLAND HOSPICE | ST JOSEPH CHURCH CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMISSION | MT PLEASANT LITTLE LEAGUE | HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MONTCALM COUNTY | LUMBER JACK FESTIVAL | AMERICAN LEGION POST # 101 | FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH | SHEPHERD MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL | ST MICHAEL’S FINANCE COUNCIL | SAINT MICHAEL’S PARISH | GREENVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | MOUNT PLEASANT SPORTS BOOSTERS AUCTION | BALDWIN HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY PTO | GREENVILLE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | MT. PLEASANT OPTIMIST CLUB | BRECKENRIDGE ELEMENTARY | OPTIMIST CLUB | REMEMBERENCE REFORMED CHURCH | DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES | MONTCALM ECONOMIC ALLIANCE | SHEPHERD HIGH SCHOOL | MASONIC PATHWAYS | RIVERVIEW ELEMENTARY  | AMERICAN CANCER SERVICES | EIGHTCAP | CENTRAL MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS | RENAISSANCE PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMY | M-DOT ADOPT A HIGHWAY | ALZHEIMER’S WALK - MONTCALM COUNTY | LISTENING EAR | LIONS CLUB | HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION HOME SHOW | ART REACH OF MID MICHIGAN | FLAT RIVER COMMUNITY LIBRARY | CRA FORUM OF SAGINAW COUNTY | SHEPHERD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | ISABELLA COUNTY FARM BUREAU | HONORS NIGHT - MONTABELLA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | ITHACA PROMOTIONAL COMMITTEE | BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS | THE LAURELS | ITHACA CHURCH OF GOD | ANGELS OF ACTION | UNITED WAY OF GRATIOT COUNTY | SON LIFE CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER | FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH | ITHACA ROTARY CLUB | UNITED WAY | BRECKENRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL | SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES | BIG RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL | COLEMAN REALITY STORE | YORKSHIRE-STONEBRIDGE MANORS | MIDLAND’S OPEN DOOR | DICKENS CHRISTMAS | BIG RAPIDS MIDDLE SCHOOL | GREENVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL | MT. PLEASANT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION -SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE | ELKS CLUB | CENTRAL MICHIGAN PREGNANCY SERVICES  | GREENVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION | LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP | GRATIOT COUNTY OPTIMIST CLUB | FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA | CHIPPEWA HILLS ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY | BRECKENRIDGE SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE | SHEPHERD PUBLIC SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD MEET | BLANCHARD AREA PARKS AND REC | BRECKENRIDGE ROTARY CLUB | TEACH CHILDREN TO SAVE | YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY | BREAKFAST ON THE FARM | MONTABELLA COMMUNITY SCHOOL - REALITY STORE  | HEMLOCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SIX LAKES TOWN  | CLEAN UP | ADOPT A HIGHWAY | CHIPPEWA HILLS AREA ROCKET FOOTBALL | FARWELL LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL | MT. PLEASANT COMMUNITY CHURCH | MT PLEASANT PARKS & REC | DIOCESE OF SAGINAW CATHOLIC CEMETERIES | RENAISSANCE SPORTS | LAKEVIEW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | ANNUAL MECOSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY & FAMILY EXPO | REECE ENDEAVOR OF MIDLAND | MORLEY STANWOOD ELEMENTARY | THE AMISH SCHOOL DISTRICT | ISABELLA COUNTY SOUP KITCHEN | MICHIGAN OFFICE OF CONSUMER SERVICES | MICHIGAN SUMMER SPECIAL OLYMPICS | MMDC | SAGINAW CRA BANKERS FORUM | MONTABELLA SCHOOLS | MT. PLEASANT JAYCEES | CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | UNITED BY FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH | CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE | ST JOSEPH THE WORKER CHURCH | HAVE MERCY | CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS | 100 WOMEN WHO CARE | WAN (WOMENS ACTION NETWORK) | FARWELL AREA WOMANS CLUB | RIPON COLLEGE ALUMNI BOARD | GOD’S KITCHEN | HEMLOCK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION | BEAL CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | MIDLAND AREA HOMES | FARWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | ATHLETIC BOOSTERS | FREELANDPALLOOZA | ST JOSEPH THE WORKER SCHOOL | MDN PAPERS FOR NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION PROGRAM | CLARE SPORTS BOOSTERS | REED CITY CHAMBER COMMUNITY AND HEALTH EXPO | GREATER GRATIOT DEVELOPMENT | ADVANCE AUTO PARTS 5TH ANNUAL JDRF CAR SHOW | SAINT MICHAEL’S SCHOOL | JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN | GANIARD ELEMENTARY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT CLASS | ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL BOARD | BIG RAPIDS JAYCEES | CHIPPEWA HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL | BIG RAPIDS ROTARY CLUB | BARRYTON ELEMENTARY  | MT PLEASANT INTERMEDIATE REALITY STORE | ALMA ACTION ASSOCIATION | MID MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ACTION | FREELAND ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MILLIONAIRE’S PARTY | UNION TOWNSHIP 2015 YEAR in REVIEW

Jae A. Evans, Chief Executive Officer and David J. Maness, Chairman

Thinking Big, Acting Small: Sustainability through Commitment

Isabella Bank Corporation remains committed to our shareholders, customers, communities, and 
employees. Through strategic planning, local decision making, and employee engagement, we have 
been able to demonstrate our level of commitment throughout our history.     

SHAREHOLDER COMMITMENT

Maximizing  shareholder  value  is  paramount  to  our 
sustainability. We are proud to report 2015 marked 
34  consecutive  years  of  growth  in  cash  dividends 
which resulted in a 5.62% increase from 2014. Based 
on our average stock  price  of  $27.32  for  December 
2015, our shareholders received an annualized cash 
dividend yield of 3.44%.  

It was in the fall of 2014 that we listed our stock on 
the OTCQX Banks tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc. 
In  addition  to  our  partnership  with  the  OTCQX,  we 
selected Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. as our corporate 
broker. These partnerships, in addition to our internal 
communication strategies, have enhanced the visibility 
and liquidity of our stock.  The daily average volume 
of the number of ISBA shares traded during 2015 was 
1,699  compared  to  1,251  in  2014,  representing  an 
increase of 35.81%.

We were also recently recognized as one of the OTCQX 
Best 50 for 2016. This ranking was calculated based on an 
equal weighting of the one-year total return and average 
daily dollar volume growth in 2015. We are honored to 
be recognized as one of the 2016 OTCQX Best 50  and are 
excited to strive toward continuing that achievement.

CUSTOMER COMMITMENT

Our  commitment  to  our  existing,  as  well  as  our  future 
customers,  was  demonstrated  with  the  addition  of 
two  new  locations  in  2015.  In  July,  we  completed  the 
acquisition  of  a  former  Flagstar  Bank  branch  at  the 
intersection of Bay and Tittabawassee roads in Saginaw. 
This office is our third branch in Saginaw County joining 
our Hemlock and Freeland offices. In August, we added 
a  second  location  in  Midland  with  the  acquisition  of 
an  Independent  Bank  branch.  The  addition  of  these 
two  offices  demonstrates  our  focus  on  expanding  our 
presence in these two markets.

The Saginaw office extends our presence to the east and 
enhances  our  ability  to  provide  products  and  services 
to all residents of the county. The diverse demographic 
of  Saginaw  includes  consumer  and  business  prospects, 
providing  Isabella  Bank  an  opportunity  to  improve  our 
existing market share.

The remodel of our Mission Street office in Mt. Pleasant 
last  fall  is  also  a  testament  to  our  commitment  of 
continuous  improvement.  We  were  able  to  revitalize 
the customer experience in that location to better align 

with  the  experience  we  want  our  customers  to  have 
when banking with Isabella Bank.   The new Midland East 
location will soon undergo a major renovation to reflect 
the same strategy and consistent brand. 

Our  commitment  to  our  customers  was  further 
demonstrated  through  the  release  of  several  new 
products  and  services  last  year.  The  availability  of 
online  insurance  products,  Bank-to-Bank  Transfers, 
and  iVerify  Fraud  Alerts  continues  to  enhance  our 
overall customer experience.   

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Our  commitment  is  also  recognized  through  our 
employees’  community  involvement.  In  addition  to 
their high level of engagement at Isabella Bank, they 
are  also  committed  to  the  communities  where  they 
live, work, and worship. In 2015, our employees logged 
over 5,000 hours of community service with more than 
300  organizations  which  are  featured  on  the  inside 
covers  of  this  report.  We  highlighted  a  few  of  these 
dedicated employees on the following pages.

In  addition  to  the  hard  work  and  hours  volunteered 
by our employees, the Bank also donated to over 500 
organizations  throughout  the  communities  we  serve. 
These  organizations  include  local  schools,  fairs  and 
festivals, service organizations, and other non-profits.  
Giving back to the organizations and communities we 
serve  through  our  time  and  financial  resources  is  at 
the heart of being a leading community bank.  

Saginaw Office

Midland East Remodel Plans

Midland East Office

CommitmentEMPLOYEE COMMITMENT

LOOKING AHEAD

In  2015,  Isabella  Bank  was  named  one  of  the  Top 
Workplaces  by  the  Detroit  Free  Press  for  the 
third  consecutive  year.  This  recognition  further 
demonstrates  our  commitment  to  our  employees. 
Based  on  a  survey  of  our  employees  last  year,  the 
portion that reported being fully engaged in their job 
was double the national average. 

looks 

Isabella  Bank  Corporation  strategically 
for 
additional  growth  opportunities.  Whether  the  growth  
is through the development of our expansion strategies, 
enhancing  our  sales  culture,  or  strengthening  our 
teams, we are committed to providing value to all of our 
shareholders, customers, communities, and employees. 

Our employees are not only engaged, 
they are also loyal. Over 40% of our 
employees  have  been  with  us  over 
10 years. Of that 40%, 18% have been 
with us over 20 years. The longevity 
of our employees demonstrates their 
commitment  to  the  Corporation, 
which  directly  impacts  our  success 
and the loyalty of our customers.  

In 2015, our 
employees logged 
over 5,000 hours of 
community service 
with more than 300 
organizations.

As we look to the future, the Midland 
and Saginaw markets are areas where 
we  have  a  tremendous  opportunity 
for  growth.  The  extensive  Midland 
East  office  remodel  will  enhance 
the  banking  experience  and  attract 
new customers. We are also looking 
at  ways  to 
increase  our  market 
presence  and  community  service  in 
Saginaw  County  through  financial 
education and awareness.

Through  change  comes  opportunity.  In  2015,  we 
announced  the  retirement  of  sixteen  individuals 
in  the  organization,  many  of  them  having  been 
with  the  Bank  for  many  years.    Although  we  were 
sad  to  see  these  individuals  retire,  we  are  thankful 
for  the  years  of  dedicated  service  they  provided  to 
our  shareholders,  customers,  and  communities.  
As  a  result  of  the  succession  planning  process  we 
developed several years ago, we were able to provide 
other employees with new opportunities.  

Employee  commitment  does  not  come  without 
challenges.  We  are  regularly  looking  for  ways  to 
raise  employee  engagement.  Through  constant 
training, communication, and recognition, we place 
a  focus  on  our  commitment  to  our  employees.  
This  commitment  is  further  demonstrated  by  the 
recent  promotion  of  several  employees  noted  in 
this  report.  We  believe  in  giving  our  employees 
opportunities  for  growth  and  development.  Their 
success is our success.

for  ways 

to  enhance 

As banking preferences change we are continuously 
looking 
the  customer 
experience,  deepen  customer  relationships,  and 
increase financial success.  In 2016, we are planning 
to launch multiple product enhancements including 
a  revised  online  banking  system,  bill  pay  service,  a 
loan processing tool, and MasterCard® Debit Cards 
with EMV Chips, to name a few. 

As  we 
look  forward  to  future  growth,  we  have 
developed a 2016 Strategic Plan that further enhances 
our 113 year legacy.  You are the heart and soul of our 
organization.  On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank 
you for making an investment in your local community 
bank.  We look forward to visiting with you at our annual 
shareholder meeting on May 3, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the 
Comfort Inn Conference Center in Mt. Pleasant. 

Jae A. Evans, CEO

David J. Maness, Chairman  

Marisa Bramer, 
Ag/Commercial Lender - Breckenridge Division

Marisa is an advocate for the farming industry.  She is passionate 
about  agriculture  and  you  sense  that  in  her  day-to-day  work 
ethic as well as her volunteerism within our community.  Marisa 
is an active volunteer with the Gratiot and Isabella County Farm 
Bureaus, Future Farmers of America, Breckenridge Elementary 
School, and her local Chamber of Commerce.   

“Marisa  is  an  outstanding  member  of  the  Farm  Bureau  and 
especially  her  service  on  the  board.    She  stepped  in  after  the 
initial  Hoofing  it  for  Ag  5k  and  it  has  grown  every  single  year. 
She now has it on the central MI Calendar of Races which brings 
visitors to our county and our county fair. In the last year, she has 
been working with others to have 
that  race  become  part  of  an  Ag 
series of races which will not only 
provide another outstanding  race 
event  but  also  serve  to  educate 
the  non-ag  community  of  the 
importance of ag.

Marisa leading the Hoofing 
it for Ag, Kids Run.

Through  Marisa’s  work  and 
guidance  our  county  Project-RED 
(rural  education  day)  has  grown 
tremendously! This is a day where 
elementary  kids  are  brought  out 
to a farm and learn first hand from 
industry experts where their food comes from along with all the 
aspects of agriculture. Under her leadership, it has grown to the 
point  we  are  looking  to  expand  next  year  to  a  two-day  event 
from the current one day so we can reach schools on both sides 
of the county.”

 -

Dr. Kelvin Grant, Farm Bureau Board President

“Marisa is an amazing woman! She inspires me to share to our 
community and the world how important the Ag Industry is to 
our  daily  lives  and  survival.  It’s  a  pleasure  and  honor  to  work 
with Marisa on the Dashing for Ag Racing Series.  Her passion 
for both the Ag Industry and running is what brought to life the 
Ag Racing Series.  She has spear-headed details for the event by 
setting up the meeting, finding sponsors, and writing up details 
for the event to put up on the websites. Marisa is a great role 
model to young girls as a woman leader in our community.”

-Eustaquia Lee, Member of the Dashing for Ag Team

    
    
Terri Hadder, 
Loan Clerk - Canadian Lakes Office

Terri  Hadder  has  been  helping  in  elementary 
classrooms for over a decade.  She volunteers her 
time each morning at Mecosta Elementary School 
before she arrives to work at our Canadian Lakes 
office.    Terri  enjoys  her  time  each  morning  with 
the children.  

“Terri has been a welcomed addition to the Mecosta 
family!  Every day without fail, she works with our 
students.  She is able to spend time one-on-one or in 
small group settings helping students learn to read.  
It  is  vital  that  1st  graders  have  an  opportunity  to 
read aloud to adults.  Terri provides this with a smile 
and a passion for kids!  She is a blessing to our kids, 
school, and the community of Mecosta.”

-Kyle Talicska, Mecosta Elementary Principal

“Terri has started her day with me for the past three 
years.  She  was  previously  with  Mrs.  Donley  until 
Mrs. Donley took another position. I was very happy 
to  steal  her  away!  She  spends  the  first  hour  with 
us every morning, even if her own two grandsons 
are  not  at  school  that  day.  She  has  in  the  past, 
and  continues  to  be,  a  key  asset  with  one-on-one 
reading with students in my room. It is people like 
Terri that bring the one-on-one reading opportunity 
to the classroom. It is a top priority in my 1st grade 
classroom  to  reach  each  child  on  a  daily  basis  in 
reading. This is the year they learn to read and Terri 
has been a blessing to each and every one of our 
emerging  readers  who  need  a  little  bit  more  than 
classroom instruction.

In addition to helping with reading, Terri also helps 
with breakfast.  She makes sure those who want to 
eat,  get  their  breakfast  and  she  helps  them  clean 
importantly  she  makes  connections 
up.  More 
with many students in the room. I love listening to 
the  conversations  that  go  on  daily.  Terri  makes  a 
conscious effort to ask about their lives, how they 
are  doing,  and  they  share  many  laughs  together. 
There are some pretty special bonds made with Terri 
and a few of my kids. I am truly blessed to have this 
wonderful, loving, warm-hearted lady in my room. I 
could not get my morning started without her.”

 -Deb Russell, Mecosta Elementary Teacher

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

In  2015,  we  celebrated  alongside  our  employees  as  they  met  both  professional  and  personal 
milestones.  Please help us recognize the following employees on their recent officer promotions, 
banking school graduations, and retirements.  

RETIREMENTS

Chuck Amble, 8 years

Kathy Bonnell, 8 years

Gene Brownson, 12 years

Barb Fribley, 19 years

Karen Lewandowski, 23 years

Karen Marshall, 12 years

Tim Miller, 30 years

Pat Plaxton, 39 years

Steve Pung, 36 years

Doris Rhines, 14 years

Rich Russo, 4 years

Roberta Schultz, 16 years

Nancy Stabenow, 5 years

Dianne Taylor, 17 years

Linda Wilcox, 13 years

Nancy Wood, 4 years

OFFICER PROMOTIONS
Jerome Schwind
President and Chief Operations Officer, Isabella Bank
Brian Goward
President, Breckenridge Division 
David Seppala
President, Greenville Division 
Peggy Wheeler
Senior Vice President, Operations
Joshua Eling 
Vice President, Mecosta Business Development  
Donald Forster
Vice President, Collections
Shelley Hobbs 
Vice President, Midland Office
Michelle Mease
Vice President, Investment & Trust Services
Erika Ross
Vice President, Operations 
Shana Anna 
Assistant Vice President, Information Technology Services
Debbie Young
Assistant Vice President, Remus Office
Mary Welsh
Branch Officer, Pickard - Mt. Pleasant Office
Mary Olivieri 
Community Relations Officer

MICHIGAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION  
PERRY SCHOOL OF BANKING GRADUATES
Deb Markley
Assistant Vice President, Breckenridge Office 
Joy O’Neil 
Business Development Associate
Sandy Yuncker
Vice President, Bookkeeping and Electronic Services

Jim Binder, Vice President
Commercial Lender - Central Division

Jim devotes his time to many organizations within the community.  He is an active board member of the Mt. Pleasant 
Optimist Club and The Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce.  He also volunteers as a Mt. Pleasant Little League coach.  
He has used his connections in the community to raise funds for the Zipper Open, a charity golf outing that benefits 
heart & vascular services at McLaren Central Michigan.   Most recently, Jim has played a pivotal role in raising funds for 
the Pillars of the Community, the Mt. Pleasant Community Memorial Stadium improvement project. 

“Jim Binder has been an active, vital member, of the Mt. Pleasant Optimist Club since 1990!  I could not even begin to 
contemplate the number of hours he works towards our mission.  Jim has headed up and worked tirelessly on what 
has become our biggest fundraiser – the Optimist Dinner Raffle!  He also heads up our Jr. Golf Qualifier event and helps 
with our other events and activities throughout the year.  Jim is truly a cornerstone of our club here in Mt. Pleasant!”

-Heather Graham, Mt. Pleasant Optimist Club President

“The Union Township Kids’ Little League is a non-profit organization that survives solely on the support of volunteers 
from our community. We are proud of the relationship that we have developed with Isabella Bank over the years and 
appreciate  their  organizational  support  and  the  support  of  employee  Jim  Binder  who  has  volunteered  his  time  to 
coach. In coaching, Jim has an opportunity to share his love and passion for baseball while teaching life lessons to the 
youth of our community. Jim has been an outstanding member of our league. He teaches the players the game and is 
not concerned with wins and losses but how they improve and learn from their mistakes. Another important thing is 
that the kids like him and we have many families that request Jim to coach their kids at the beginning of each year. We 
look forward to his involvement over the next few more years.”

-Jim MacLean, Union Township Kids’ Little League President

Jim (far right) pictured below with his family and friends at the Zipper Open

FINANCIAL REPOR T

Dennis P. Angner, President & Chief Financial Officer

In  2015,  Isabella  Bank  Corporation  earned  a  record 
$15.13 million and earnings per share of $1.95. When 
compared to 2014, net income increased $1.41 million 
and earnings per share increased $0.18. Our continued 
strong earnings were primarily a result of a recovery on 
loans previously charged off in 2015, good fundamentals 
and  our  extraordinary  asset  quality.    As  of  December 
31, 2015, loans past due 30 days or more and loans on 
nonaccrual status were at a historical low of 0.56% of 
total loans, which was a significant decrease compared 
to  year  end  2008,  when  that  percentage  was  3.72%. 
Our outstanding asset quality allowed the Corporation 
to  record  a  reversal  of  $2.77  million  of  the  allowance 
for  loan  losses  into  earnings.  At  year  end  2015,  the 
allowance for loans losses to total loans was 0.87%, a 
decline of 0.34% from year end 2014.

Total  assets  ended  the  year  at  $1.67  billion,  a  7.65% 
increase  over  2014.  Total  assets  under  management, 
which  includes  loans  serviced  and  assets  managed 
by  the  Investment  and  Trust  Services  Department, 
were  $2.36  billion.  Total  loans  grew  by  1.67%,  with 
commercial  and  agricultural  loans  growing  by  4.89%, 
partially offset by consumer loans declining 4.14%. The 
Corporation  is  in  the  process  of  enhancing  our  retail 
lending  line  of  business  to  increase  both  our  market 
presence  and  share.  We  anticipate  seeing  positive 
results from these efforts in the second half of 2016.

Our net interest income, similar to the entire industry, is 
under severe downward pressure due to the continuing 
historical low interest rates.  The fully taxable equivalent 
interest yield on earning assets declined from 3.95% in 
2014  to  3.80%  in  2015,  while  the  cost  to  fund  those 
assets decreased from 0.85% in 2014 to 0.83% in 2015. 
The declining spread between what we earn on assets 
and what we pay to fund those assets resulted in our 
net interest income increasing only $161,000 in 2015 
despite average assets increasing by $69.3 million.

In  December  2015,  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank  raised 
its discount rate by 25 basis points, the first increase 
since  2006.  At  year  end  2015,  there  was  widespread 
agreement  that  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank  would 
increase  interest  rates  at  least  100  basis  points  in 
2016. As events unfolded in the first quarter of 2016, 
it became clear that the likelihood of further increases, 
if any, will be significantly less than what was originally 
anticipated.  Without  increases  in  interest  rates,  net 
interest  income  in  2016  will  be  driven  by  growth  in 
our  investment  and  loan  portfolios.  I  encourage  you 
to  review  the  following  pages  which  outline  our  key 
performance measures and ratios.  

Dennis P. Angner, CFO

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

Income Statement Data

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Net Interest Income

Provision for Loan Losses

Noninterest Income

Noninterest Expenses

Federal Income Tax Expense

Net Income

Per Share Data

Basic Earnings

Diluted Earnings

Dividends

Tangible Book Value*

Quoted Market Value 

High

Low

Close*

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$ 51,502

$ 10,163 

$ 41,339 

$ (2,771)

$ 10,359

$ 36,051

$ 3,288  

$ 15,130 

$ 1.95 

$ 1.90 

$ 0.94

$ 17.30

$ 29.90

$ 22.00

$ 29.90

$ 51,148

$ 9,970 

$ 41,178 

$ (668)

$ 9,325

$ 35,103

$ 2,344  

$ 13,724 

$ 1.77 

$ 1.74 

$ 0.89

$ 16.59

$ 24.00

$ 21.73

$ 22.50

$ 50,418

$ 11,021 

$ 39,397 

$ 1,111

$ 10,175

$ 33,755

$ 2,196  

$ 12,510 

$ 1.63 

$ 1.59 

$ 0.84

$ 15.62

$ 26.00

$ 21.12

$ 23.85

$ 53,123

$ 13,423 

$ 39,700 

$ 2,300

$ 11,530

$ 34,361

$ 2,363  

$ 12,206 

$ 1.61 

$ 1.56 

$ 0.80

$ 14.72

$ 24.98

$ 21.75

$ 21.75

$ 55,590

$ 16,203 

$ 39,387 

$ 3,826

$ 8,218

$ 32,215

$ 1,354  

$ 10,210 

$ 1.35 

$ 1.31 

$ 0.76

$ 13.90

$ 24.45

$ 17.10

$ 23.70

Common Shares Outstanding*

7,799,867

7,776,274

7,723,023

7,671,846

7,589,226

Performance Ratios

Return on Average Total Assets

Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity

Return on Average Tangible Shareholders’ Equity

Net Interest Margin Yield (Fully Taxable Equivalent)

0.95%

8.33%

11.46%

3.10%

0.90%

8.06%

10.80%

3.24%

0.86%

7.67%

10.71%

3.22%

0.88%

7.60%

11.41%

3.43%

0.79%

6.74%

10.30%

3.67%

Certain amounts previously reported in the Financial Highlights portion of this Annual Report have been either reclassified or restated to conform with the 2015 
presentation. Additional information concerning reclassifications and restatements are included in Isabella Bank Corporation’s December 31, 2015 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K which is available from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference facilities and from its website at www.sec.gov.

Balance Sheet Data*

Gross Loans

Available-for-Sale Securities

Total Assets

Deposits

Borrowed Funds

Shareholders’ Equity

Gross Loans to Deposits

Assets Under Management*

Loans Sold with Servicing Retained

Assets Managed by our Investment 
& Trust Services Department

Total Assets Under Management 

Asset Quality*

Nonperforming Loans to Gross Loans

Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets

Allowance for Loan and Lease 
Losses to Gross Loans

Capital Ratios*

Shareholders' Equity to Assets 

Tier 1 Leverage

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital

Total Risk-Based Capital

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$ 850,492

$ 660,136 

$ 836,550

$ 567,534 

$ 810,777 

$ 512,062 

$ 774,627 

$ 504,010 

$ 751,610 

$ 425,120 

$ 1,668,112 

$ 1,549,543 

$ 1,493,137 

$ 1,430,639 

$ 1,337,925 

$ 1,164,563 

$ 1,074,484 

$ 1,043,766 

$ 1,017,667 

$ 309,732 

$ 183,971 

73.03% 

$ 289,709 

$ 174,594 

77.86% 

$ 279,326 

$ 160,609 

77.68% 

$ 241,001 

$ 164,489 

76.12% 

$ 958,164 

$ 216,136 

$ 154,783 

78.44% 

$  287,029

$  288,639

$  293,665

$  303,425

$  302,636

$ 405,109 

$ 383,878 

$ 351,420 

$ 319,301 

$ 297,393 

$ 2,360,250

$ 2,222,060

$ 2,138,222

$ 2,053,365

$ 1,937,954

0.09% 

0.07% 

0.50% 

0.33% 

0.42% 

0.32% 

1.00% 

0.68% 

0.95% 

0.67% 

 0.87%

 1.21%

 1.42%

 1.54%

 1.65%

11.03%

8.52%

13.24%

13.24%

13.96%

11.27%

8.59%

N/A

14.08%

15.19%

10.76%

8.46%

N/A

13.68%

14.93%

11.50%

8.29%

N/A

13.24%

14.49%

11.57%

8.18%

N/A

12.93%

14.18%

* at end of year  

Total Assets       Assets Under Management

Net Income

Cash Dividends Per Common Share

Ending Stock Price

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Michelle Davis, 
Teller - Hemlock Office

Michelle  is  one  of  the  smiling  faces  that  greet 
you when  visiting our Hemlock office.  She is also 
an  active  volunteer  in  the  Saginaw  area.    In  2015, 
Michelle volunteered for Adopt a Highway, Hemlock 
Business  Association,  and  the  Saginaw  Shiawassee 
Habitat for Humanity. 

“Michelle was a huge asset to Saginaw Shiawassee 
Habitat  for  Humanity  between  women’s  build  and 
our  neighborhood  revitalizations 
last  year.  Her 
personality and positive attitude were contagious on 
all of the job sites that she was on, and she willingly 
learned new tasks as well as perfecting other home 
maintenance  skills.  Michelle  connected  very  well 
with the families that SSHFH was helping, listening 
to  their  stories  as  they  built  a  shed  or  painted 
the  house  together.  We  are  beyond  thrilled  that 
Michelle  has  chosen  to  volunteer  with  us  again  in 
2016  on  several  projects  throughout  the  summer. 
She truly is what our mission states: Seeking to put 
God’s love into action, Saginaw Shiawassee Habitat 
for Humanity brings people together to build homes, 
communities and hope.”

-Jessica Cappell,
Saginaw Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pictured left to right: G. Charles Hubscher, W. Michael McGuire, Gregory V. Varner,  David J. Maness, Dr. Jeffrey J. Barnes, Jae A. Evans, 
Joseph LaFramboise, Dennis P. Angner, Thomas L. Kleinhardt, W. Joseph Manifold, Sarah R. Opperman, and Richard J. Barz.

DAVID J. MANESS - Chairman
President,
Maness Petroleum Corporation

JAE A. EVANS
Chief Executive Officer, 
Isabella Bank Corporation

DENNIS P. ANGNER
President and Chief Financial Officer,  
Isabella Bank Corporation

DR. JEFFREY J. BARNES
Physician and Shareholder,
Lansing Ophthalmology, PC

RICHARD J. BARZ
Chief Executive Officer (retired),
Isabella Bank Corporation

G. CHARLES HUBSCHER
President,
Hubscher and Son, Inc.

THOMAS L. KLEINHARDT
President,
McGuire Chevrolet 

JOSEPH LAFRAMBOISE
Sales and Marketing Executive (retired),
Ford Motor Company 

W. JOSEPH MANIFOLD, CPA
Chief Financial Officer (retired),
Federal Broach & Machine Co.

W. MICHAEL MCGUIRE
Director of the Office of the Corporate Secretary (retired),
The Dow Chemical Company 

SARAH R. OPPERMAN
Principal,
Opperman Consulting, LLC

GREGORY V. VARNER
Research Director,
Michigan Bean Commission

As of March 2016

SENIOR OFFICERS 
& DIVISION BOARDS

ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION 
OFFICERS

JAE A. EVANS

Chief Executive Officer

DENNIS P. ANGNER

President,
Chief Financial Officer

BARBARA A. PLACE, CPA, CBA, CRCM

Senior Vice President

DEBRA A. CAMPBELL

Vice President

CYNTHIA J. DIEHM
Vice President

JULIE A. HUBER, CGEIT

Vice President, 
Chief Technology Officer

PATRICK J. MEASE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Vice President

RHONDA S. TUDOR, CPA

Vice President

AMY C. VOGEL

Vice President, 
Chief Risk Officer

ISABELLA BANK OFFICERS

JEROME E. SCHWIND
  President, Chief Operations Officer

DAVID J. REETZ

Senior Vice President, 
Chief Lending Officer

BARBARA B. DIEHM

Senior Vice President

THOMAS J. WALLACE

Senior Vice President

PEGGY L. WHEELER

Senior Vice President

KIMBERLY K. BETTS
Vice President

JAMES L. BINDER
Vice President

JULIE F. BOLT

Vice President

MARK K. DENOYELLES

Vice President

RANDY J. DICKINSON, CPA, CTFA

Vice President

ISABELLA BANK OFFICERS CONT.

DONALD F. FORSTER

Vice President

THOMAS N. GROSS
Vice President

SHELLEY K. HOBBS
Vice President

MICHAEL K. HUENEMANN

Vice President

ROBERT K. MADSEN

Vice President

GREGORY S. MAPES

Vice President

GREGORY S. MATTHEWS

Vice President

MICHELLE L. MEASE

Vice President

ERIKA M. ROSS
Vice President

CARRIE S. SMITH
Vice President

JEFFREY W. SMITH
Vice President

KARLA A. WALKER
Vice President

LEO R. WICKERT, State Licensed Appraiser

Vice President  

SANDY M. YUNCKER

Vice President

BRECKENRIDGE DIVISION OFFICERS

BRIAN K. GOWARD 

President

BARBARA K. MCKENZIE 

Vice President

GREENVILLE DIVISION OFFICERS

DAVID W. SEPPALA

President

KATHY J. KORSON
Vice President

MECOSTA DIVISION OFFICERS

KEITH E. KENNEY

President

JOSHUA A. ELING
Vice President

BRECKENRIDGE DIVISION BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

GREGORY V. VARNER - Chairman

DENNIS P. ANGNER
BRIAN K. GOWARD
DAVID J. KING
TIMOTHY M. MILLER
JEROME E. SCHWIND
JEFFREY E. SHERWOOD
KIRK L. SMITH
BRENT C. WILSON

FARWELL DIVISION BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

HERBERT R. MILLER - Chairman

THOMAS E. KEDROWSKI
THOMAS L. KLEINHARDT
W. MICHAEL MCGUIRE
JEROME E. SCHWIND
LARRY R. SCHOFIELD

GREENVILLE DIVISION BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

JAMES M. MULLENDORE, JR. - Chairman

DENNIS P. ANGNER
DR. KIRKWOOD E. FABER
DEBRA JORGENSEN-HUCH
ALEXANDER R. KEMP
GREGORY D. MILLARD
BRIAN R. SACKETT
JEROME E. SCHWIND
DAVID W. SEPPALA

MECOSTA DIVISION BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

DR. RALPH P. CREW
KEVIN J. DEFEVER
LAWRENCE E. EMIG
KEITH E. KENNEY
JOSEPH LAFRAMBOISE
JEROME E. SCHWIND

Robert (Bob) Byram, Assistant Vice President
Business Development - Greenville Division

Bob  Byram 
is  committed  to  his  community  through  multiple 
organizations and volunteer efforts.  In 2015, he volunteered at Baldwin 
Heights  Elementary  School,  EightCAP,  Flat  River  Community  Library, 
Greenville Downtown Development, Have Mercy!, Junior Achievement, 
Montcalm Community College, Business Advisory, Montcalm Economic 
Alliance, Rotary, and Small Business Development.

“Bob is leading the team that is in 
charge of helping our playground 
to  become  more  accessible 
for  handicapped  students  who 
currently attend Baldwin Heights.  
He is working closely with families 
and  the  district  facilities  staff  to 
problem  solve  and  come  up  with 
some creative solutions.

Bob at the Turk Lake Polar Plunge to 
benefit  Special Olympics Michigan.

Another area Bob Byram has been pivotal is with his involvement in 
the Junior Achievement program.  Bob’s expertise was put to good use 
this past year in our 5th grade classrooms as he delivered the hands-
on  activities  and  real-world  curriculum  associated  with  the  Junior 
Achievement program.  He was an instant hit with the students due to 
his enthusiasm and positivity.  Our teaching staff was very impressed 
with his ability to effectively engage students in the lessons.

Bob provides the perfect balance between support and ambition to 
help our school improve learning for all students.”

-Michael Walsh, Baldwin Heights Elementary Principal

“Bob  is  a  former  student  of  mine,  and  currently  teaches  business, 
management,  marketing,  and  our  College  Success  course.  Bob  was 
a great student and has chosen to give back to the community as an 
instructor. Bob’s students love him, as does everyone else here. He 
is young, energetic, and has been in the students’ shoes, so they can 
relate to him.”

-Robert Spohr, Montcalm Community College, VP Academic Affairs

“Bob  Byram  is  Greenville  Rotary  Club’s  President  Elect.    He  will  be 
Rotary Club President from July 2016 to June 2017.  He has helped 
Greenville  Rotary  Club  in  various  ways.    He  is  currently  our  liaison 
for  our  Texas  Hold  ‘Em  Millionaire  Parties,  which  raise  as  much  as 
$8000  annually  to  support  our  high  school  scholarship  fund.    Bob 
has also been involved in our Danish Festival activities—our mobile 
food booth and our annual Tivoli Gardens Danish Beer Dome.  Bob 
has  the  attitude  of  ‘service  above  self’  that  characterizes  an  active 
Rotarian.  He is also a leader in his community, which also exemplifies 
the Rotary way.”

As of March 2016

-Pastor Joel  Heron, Greenville Rotary Club President 

STOCK INFORMATION
Isabella Bank Corporation common stock is traded in the over the counter market. The common stock is quoted on the OTCQX 
tier  of  the  OTC  Markets  Group,  Inc.’s  electronic  quotation  system  (www.otcmarkets.com)  under  the  symbol  “ISBA.”    Other 
trades in the common stock occur in privately negotiated transactions from time to time of which the Corporation may have 
limited or no information.  Current stock price and availability can be obtained by contacting a licensed broker, the Isabella Bank 
Investment and Trust Services Department, Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. or Shareholder Services.  

SHAREHOLDER SER VICES
For more information, contact Debra Campbell
(989) 779-6237 | 401 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
or www.isabellabank.com  Investors

TRANSFER AGENT
Isabella Bank Corporation
(989) 779-6237 | 401 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 

CORPORATE BROKER
Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.
(866) 326-8113 | 9922 Brewster Lane, Powell, OH 43065
or www.boenninginc.com 

LEGAL COUNSEL
Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC
313 South Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933 
or www.fosterswift.com

INDEPENDENT CER TIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Rehmann  Robson, LLC
5800 Gratiot Rd. Suite 201, Saginaw, MI 48638
or www.rehmann.com

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING
May 3, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.
Comfort Inn Conference Center l 2424 South Mission Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

This report includes forward-looking statements. To the extent that the foregoing information refers to matters that may occur in the future, 
please be aware that such forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results. Additional information concerning some of the 
factors  that  could  cause  materially  different  results  is  included  in  the  sections  entitled  “Risk  Factors”  and  “Forward  Looking  Statements”  set 
forth in Isabella Bank Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available from the Securities and Exchange 
Commission’s Public Reference facilities and from its website at www.sec.gov. 

COMMUNITY 

ISBALITTLE LEAGUE | WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP LIBRARY | AG IN THE CLASSROOM | GREENVILLE EAGLES 4321 FOE | WOMEN FOR WOMEN | SHEPHERD PRINCESS PAGEANT | HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF ISABELLA COUNTY | MIDLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLIANCE OF MIDLAND | BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP MEETING | MT PLEASANT ROCKET FOOTBALL | 2015 HOME AND GARDEN SHOW | CHIPPEWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT GRADUATION | EMERSON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | VFW | OSCEOLA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION  | GHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS INC | SHEPHERD MIDDLE SCHOOL | HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF MIDLAND | FREELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JAYCEE’S - MOUNT PLEASANT CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL | ALMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | BLANCHARD STEAM SHOW | SAGINAW SHIAWASSEE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | WOMAN’S AID SERVICE | MT. PLEASANT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | GOODROW FOUNDATION | MONTABELLA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CARNIVAL | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COUNCIL | MONTABELLA ATHLETIC BOOSTERS | FREELAND WALLEYE FESTIVAL | CHILD & FAMILY ENRICHMENT COUNCIL | YELLOW JACKET CHALLENGE | WHEELER TWP BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION | JOSHUAS HOUSE | HOME & GARDEN SHOW | MP PARKS & REC COMMISSION | BULLDOG BONANZA | BRECKENRIDGE CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE | TOP FLIGHT  | ALMA FIRE DISTRICT BOARD | MECOSTA VFW | GREENVILLE EXPO | RELAY FOR LIFE | MECOSTA COUNTY MATCH DAY | MIDLAND KIWANIS BENEFIT DINNER | ELKS LODGE GOLF OUTING - FUNDRAISER EVENT | MECOSTA SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DIRECTORS MEETING | JAYCEES | MOREY MONTESSORI BENEFIT  | BLANCHARD PARKS & RECREATION |  MT PLEASANT OPTIMIST CLUB | MONTCALM COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY  | WALKER FISHING DERBY | FARWELL DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | ROYAL VIEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY | MT. PLEASANT WEST INTERMEDIATE REALITY STORE | BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA | CANADIAN LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS | SPECIAL OLYMPICS MECOSTA/OSCELOLA AREA 5 | ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER FINANCE COUNCIL | ZONTA | MECOSTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CLARE PUBLIC SCHOOLS | ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL POLICIES & PLANNING COMMITTEE | DANISH FESTIVAL OF GREENVILLE | UNITED WAY OF MONTCALM & IONIA COUNTIES | COMMUNITY COMPASSION NETWORK | REMUS DDA | MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER | VILLAGE OF LAKEVIEW  | SUSAN B KOMAN CANCER RUN FUNDRAISER | ISABELLA COUNTY RECYCLING | ISABELLA COUNTY RESTORATION HOUSE | ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE | FINANCIAL LITERACY  | MOREY RENAISSANCE CHARTER SCHOOL | TOWN CLEAN UP - SIX LAKES | ISABELLA COUNTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY | CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY | SIX LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE  | ST MICHAEL’S FOUNDATION | MSU EXTENSION EQUESTRIAN | SACRED HEART PARISH | WOMEN’S ACTION NETWORK | GANIARD ELEMENTARY PTO CARNIVAL COMMITTEE | MOUNT PLEASANT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | MECOSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY & FAMILY | MOUNT PLEASANT SPORTS BOOSTERS | RSVP | ROTARY CLUB OF GREENVILLE | MECOSTA COUNTY POLAR PLUNGE | COMMUNITY CANCER SERVICES | CLARE CHAMBER  | AMERICAN RED CROSS | STANTON ROTARY | BRECKENRIDGE HUSKIE  | HUSTLE 5K RACE | ST JOSEPH CHURCH CCW | GRATIOT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORP / SBA | VFW WOMENS AUX | SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF MICHIGAN | LIPOA | NEW BEGINNINGS - JESUS PROM | FREELAND HONOR’S BREAKFAST | WEIDMAN ELEMENTARY PARENTS GROUP | GRATIOT COUNTY FARM BUREAU | ROTARY | ITHACA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | WISE (WOMEN’S SHELTER) | MT PLEASANT SCHOOLS | MCC/MACC BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE | KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES | GREENVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH | MECOSTA-OSCEOLA ISD | MONTCALM COMMUNITY COLLEGE | HEADSTRONG SUPPORT GROUP | ASHLEY COUNTRY CHRISTMAS | SHEPHERD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | GRATIOT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FAIR | MICHIGAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS POLAR PLUNGE  | LAURELS | ALMA ABSTRACT & TITLE | REALTORS BREAKFAST | VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL | ARMS OF LOVE | LE TOUR DE MONT PLEASANT | SHELTERHOUSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER | SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE | FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | ADOPT A FAMILY FROM WISE   
401 NORTH MAIN STREET, MT. PLEASANT, MI 48858