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Press Releases
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United Bank CEO is Chairman Elect of American Bankers Association
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12/18/2008
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Arthur C. Johnson, chairman and CEO of United Bank, has become chairman elect of the American Bankers Association, the largest trade association of banks in the country.
Founded in 1875 and based in Washington, DC, the ABA represents banks of all sizes on issues of national importance for financial institutions and their customers. Its mission is accomplished through federal legislative and regulatory activities, legal action, communication and consumer education.
"The ABA represents about 95 percent of the banking industry’s assets and more than two million bankers," says Johnson, who has been involved in various capacities with the organization for many years.
Prior to his current role, he was active in ABA's Community Bankers Council and chairman of the Government Relations Council, which makes recommendations to the board of directors about legislative and regulatory matters. He also served as chairman of the Political Action Committee.
"I enjoy having a front row seat and a voice in Washington. That's important for our industry in usual times, but even more so in these extraordinary times. I have testified in front of Congress on several occasions in the past and probably will do so again in the coming year since there is a lot of congressional interest in our industry," Johnson says.
He adds he now will also be given the opportunity to explain to congressional representatives what it's like to be a bank and a bank customer in West Michigan.
"I have found that frequently our representatives in Congress know they're somewhat isolated, so they look forward to the opportunity to learn what's going on in Main St., USA," he says.
Johnson also anticipates talking about the unique problems of the Michigan economy when he is in Washington.
"If Congress has a better understanding of what it's like to be a worker, a small business, or a banker here, perhaps public policy for our state will improve," Johnson adds.
United Bank of Michigan, which has served West Michigan since 1887, is committed to excellence in the delivery of a wide array of financial services, including mortgage lending, commercial lending, insurance and investments. The locally owned and operated bank has 11 full-service locations. Visit www.unitedbankomichigan.com for more information about the bank and its services.
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United Bank Partnering with more than 40 Local Merchants to Promote the $1 Gold Coin
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12/18/2008
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Six United Bank branches Wayland, Hopkins, Dorr, Gun Lake, Caledonia and Byron Center will be participating in $1 coin week, November 3 to 7.
"These branches are partnering with more than 40 local merchants to encourage the use of the $1 coin," says Rebecca Lilley, local account ambassador for the $1 coin pilot program. "One of the U.S. Mint's two Real Change Exchange Trucks, a biodiesel vehicle, designed to look like an armored truck, will tour Grand Rapids and the surrounding area from November 7 to 24," she adds.
On November 7 the truck will be parked at Dick's Market in Dorr from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Harding's Friendly Markets in Wayland from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (times are subject to vary). The truck will have a television on one side, running current commercials for the pilot program, which feature Mt. Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. It will offer citizens and businesses the opportunity to exchange bills for the $1 coin.
The trucks' tours are part of a pilot program in four cities, including Grand Rapids, to test new efforts encouraging regular use of the $1coin through a series of events at popular attractions and retailers and through television, radios, newspaper and online communications.
Begun in 2007 with the release of the George Washington coin, the Presidential $1 Coin Program honors the Nation's Presidents in the order they served. The United States Mint issues four Presidential $1 coins per year, with coins honoring Presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren issued in 2008. The Mint has produced more than one billion new $1 coins since 2007.
"This is the first program of its kind to inspire shoppers, diners and commuters to use $1 coins in their normal, everyday activities," says United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "Since the coin lasts for decades and is 100 percent recyclable, using it can save the country billions of dollars over the years. We hope our pilot cities lead the change!"
United Bank's Byron Center manager, Jennifer Ferguson, adds, "It is an honor for Grand Rapids and United Bank to partner with the U.S. Mint to educate the local communities about the advantages of using the $1 coin and getting them into circulation."
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United Bank Promoting the $1 Gold Coin with Area Merchants
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12/18/2008
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United Bank is partnering with merchants in the Village of Cannonsburg to encourage the use of the $1 gold coin. On September 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the Village, the businesses will mark the $1 Coin Pilot Program with special festivities. Children from Cannonsburg Elementary School will join area business owners, representatives from United Bank and the U.S. Mint at Bear Creek to watch the reenactment of George Washington throwing the fabled coin across the Potomac. George will also be giving each child one of the new presidential $1 coins.
"Although $1 coins have been a part of America's currency for some time, we noticed that the only people interested in them were collectors; individuals and retailers were not using them. Grand Rapids was one of four cities in the nation that was chosen to run a pilot program to promote the use of the $1 coin, and our bank decided we needed to do something special to get them into circulation," says Nancy Martin, Vice President United Bank of Michigan.
Martin decided to try to talk area retailers into doing some fun activities to promote the coin, and Don Kurylowicz, owner of the Honey Creek Inn, Cannonsburg Beverage Market and Cannonsburg Grist Mill, concurred. Kurylowicz suggested that the businesses in Cannonsburg use only the coin—not the dollar bill—for a week to see its impact. They were soon joined by owners of Charlies Bar & Grill, Dam Dogs, and Frenz Coffee House.
"Fall is the time for change, and we will be changing from green to gold. This experiment is a learning experience to see how prepared—or unprepared--we are to make the change," Kurylowicz said.
Begun in 2007 with the release of the George Washington coin, the Presidential $1 Coin Program honors the Nation's Presidents in the order that they served. The United States Mint issues four Presidential $1 coins per year, with coins honoring Presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren issued in 2008. The Mint has produced more than one billion new $1 coins since 2007.
"This is the first program of its kind to inspire shoppers, diners and commuters to use $1 coins in their normal, everyday activities," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "When each of us spends the $1 coin, we make a difference for our country. Since the coin lasts for decades and is 100 percent recyclable, using it can save the country billions of dollars over the years. We hope our pilot cities lead the change!"
Martin adds that it is an honor for Grand Rapids to be chosen as a pilot city, and she hopes that United Bank's program will make residents aware of the benefits of regularly using the $1 coin.
UPDATED 12/18/2008
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United Bank Among First to Offer Banking By Cellphone
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11/20/2007
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI United Bank now offers Mobile Banking service to its online banking customers, making it the first community bank in Michigan to do so. Mobile Banking provides users with complete access to their United Bank accounts via the web browser and text messaging features of their mobile telephones.
With Mobile Banking, customers can do anything from check their account balances to transfer funds to verify transactions posted since their last statement, at anytime from anywhere their mobile phone works. Online Bill Pay will be offered as an enhanced feature in the first quarter of 2008. United Bank offers Mobile Banking to its customers free of charge. (Customers may be charged access fees by their carriers and should check with their service provider for details.)
Mobile Banking is expected to expand even faster than Internet banking has in recent years. One estimate by Celent LLC, a Boston research firm, predicts that 35% of U.S. online banking households will use Mobile Banking by 2010 – up from only 1% today. Wireless telephones are quickly becoming what American Banker magazine calls “mobile wallets,” in addition to being portable e-mail stations, music players, Rolodexes and appointment planners.
The service has special appeal to people on the go and to younger customers. United Bank’s research shows that 40% of 18-to-25 year olds state that offering mobile financial services factors into their choice of bank.
“We are always on our toes to offer our customers the latest, most innovative and most beneficial banking services – just as soon as they become available and are proven to be secure. That’s been a hallmark of United Bank for many years,” said United Bank chairman Art Johnson. “We’re never going to be the biggest bank in town, but we’re not going to be outdone on service, either,” Johnson added. “Whether it’s offering the most personal service by associates who call you by your name when you walk in the branch, or the most technological service such as Mobile Banking, we’re determined that United Bank stays at the forefront.”
Customers can sign up for Mobile Banking through the United Bank online banking site at www.unitedbankofmichigan.com by selecting “Mobile Banking Enrollment” under the Options tab. Mobile Banking is now available to all United Bank online banking customers who have cellphones equipped with WEB 2.0 technology supporting WAP 2.0 standards, which most devices have. The cellphone must also accept text messages to use the system. Mobile Banking is also available on smart devices (such as BlackBerries) and Mobile devices supported by Windows Mobile 5.0.
UPDATED 11/20/2007
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UNITED BANK ENCOURAGES PARENTS, TEACHERS TO HELP TEENS GET SMART ABOUT CREDIT
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11/20/2007
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Free, Online Credit Education Available on Bank’s Web Site
[Grand Rapids, Michigan], Oct. 15 – As bankers and students across the country mark the fifth national Get Smart About Credit Day on Oct. 18, United Bank encourages parents and teachers to use the bank’s eLearning credit education program as a way to help the young adults in their lives learn the dos and don’ts of credit.
“Whether it’s managing a credit card or avoiding identity theft, young adults just don’t have enough education,” said Gwyn Harnish, Vice President, United Bank. “Just like driver’s education, credit education should be a right of passage for all young adults.”
United Bank’s Get Smart About Credit eLearning program uses interactive games and quizzes to explore topics such as becoming creditworthy, budgeting, comparing credit cards, understanding credit reports and safeguarding personal information. The program is housed on the bank’s Web site at: www.unitedbankofmichigan.com.
Developed by the American Bankers Association Education Foundation, the program meets more than 50 nationally recognized curriculum standards from teacher-trusted groups, including the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Mid Continent Research for Education and Learning, National Business Education Association, National Council on Economic Education and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
“We hope that this program will help young people in our community avoid costly financial mistakes that unfortunately have become common,” said Gwyn Harnish. “It’s hard to believe, but young adults are the most likely victims of identity theft. If we
can teach teens how to protect their personal information and how to use credit wisely, then our program will be a success.”
UPDATED 11/20/2007
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Local Banking Veteran John Van Singel Joins Management Team of United Bank of Michigan
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8/8/2006
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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – John Van Singel, a longtime community banking professional in West Michigan who most recently served as CEO of Byron Bank, has joined the management team of United Bank of Michigan. Van Singel will serve as a vice president, with his initial focus on the successful launch of the bank’s new Byron Center branch, scheduled for opening in 2007.
United Bank Chairman Art Johnson said Van Singel is an ideal addition for the bank’s community banking philosophy.
“John Van Singel is an extremely experienced and accomplished community banker,” Johnson said. “He lives in the Byron Center community and is well-respected. It is always our philosophy to enter communities in which we can play a vital community role, so John’s decision to join us helps to achieve that objective.”
Van Singel’s primary role within United Bank will be in business development.
United Bank of Michigan, founded in Wayland in 1887 and headquartered in Grand Rapids since 1981, is a $425 million operation with 11 branches, located in Grand Rapids, Alpine Township, Rockford, East Grand Rapids, Wayland, Gun Lake, Hopkins, Dorr, Caledonia, Clarksville and Cascade Township.
UPDATED 8/31/2006
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United Bank Chairman Nominated For Position of American Bankers Association Vice Chair
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7/19/2006
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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Arthur C. Johnson, chairman of United Bank of Michigan, has been nominated to serve as vice chairman of the American Bankers Association during the 2006-2007 term.
Johnson has been active in the ABA for many years, and currently serves as chairman of the organization's Governmental Relations Council. Among other priorities, he has been a leading voice this year in advocating the preservation of regulations against major retailers moving into retail banking.
"I am grateful for my nomination," Johnson said. "I believe it speaks very highly of the West Michigan community and the strength of the banks in our market."
Election of ABA officers will take place at the organization’s annual convention in Phoenix between October 15 and 18.
Johnson joined United Bank of Michigan in 1972, and has been its chairman since 1983. He is also a Past President of the Michigan Bankers Association.
United Bank of Michigan, founded in Wayland in 1887 and headquartered in Grand Rapids since 1981, is a $425 million operation with 11 branches, located in Grand Rapids, Alpine Township, Rockford, East Grand Rapids, Wayland, Gun Lake, Hopkins, Dorr, Caledonia, Clarksville and Cascade Township. A 12th branch is planned for Byron Center in 2007.
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State-of-the-art ATM Debuts As United Bank Opens Caledonia Branch
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6/28/2006
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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – West Michigan bank customers are about to experience a brand new way of making deposits via the ATM, and their first opportunity to do so will be at the new Caledonia branch of United Bank of Michigan.
The new branch, which opened for business on June 27, 2006, features West Michigan’s first ATM from NCR Corporation, a leader in the development of innovative new ATM technology. Customers making deposits via the Caledonia ATM will never use envelopes – either for cash or for checks.
The no-envelope ATM at the United Bank branch in Caledonia is the first in West Michigan.
"The new ATM in Caledonia recognizes cash and scans checks," said Arthur Johnson, chairman of United Bank of Michigan. "Customers will not only avoid having to fill out or use deposit envelopes, but they have an opportunity to confirm to the machine what they have deposited, and will receive a receipt that includes a scanned image of their deposited checks."
Clearly marked and easy-to-understand instructions will help users through the process of using the new ATM, which most should find very easy.
The new branch is located at the southeast corner of 84th Street and Broadmoor.
United Bank of Michigan is privately held and locally owned. Its services include personal checking and savings accounts, commercial lending, mortgage lending, insurance services, health savings accounts, business banking and investment services. First established in 1887, the bank’s other branches are located in Grand Rapids, Wayland, Comstock Park, Clarksville, East Grand Rapids, Gun Lake, Hopkins, Cascade, Rockford and Dorr.
UPDATED 7/26/2006
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United Bank Acquires Byron Center Property for Planned 12th Branch in 2007
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5/26/2006
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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – United Bank of Michigan has completed the acquisition of several parcels of property in Byron Center, and has announced its intention to construct and operate a new branch – its 12th overall – at this location.
The new branch, which is expected to open some time in 2007, will be located on Byron Center Road just north of 84th Street. Arthur Johnson, chairman of United Bank, said the choice of location reflects United Bank’s strategic growth strategy.
"We want to enter communities where we can become involved and play an important role," Johnson said. "It is not our intention to try to go everywhere, but to go to the communities that will benefit the most from a locally owned community bank like United Bank."
The move into Byron Center follows the imminent opening of United Bank’s 11th branch, which is scheduled to open in June in Caledonia.
United Bank of Michigan is privately held and locally owned. Its services include personal checking and savings accounts, commercial lending, mortgage lending, insurance services, health savings accounts and investment services. First established in 1887, the bank’s other branches are located in Grand Rapids, Wayland, Comstock Park, Clarksville, East Grand Rapids, Gun Lake, Hopkins, Cascade, Rockford and Dorr.
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United Bank Donates Computer to Gaylord House
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4/19/2006
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – United Bank donated a brand-new Dell computer to the Gaylord House, an apartment complex located off of Cascade Road in Grand Rapids. The computer, complete with a printer, will provide new avenues of communication for residents at the complex.
The apartment complex offers rent subsidized housing options for area seniors aged 62 and older. Residents typically stop at the nearby Cascade location of United Bank regularly when the weather permits to do banking- so when the bank had the extra computer; it made sense to give it to the wonderful people at the complex.
The branch has additionally been visiting the Gaylord House for the past two years, usually during the holiday season to provide a breakfast, complete with coffee and punch.
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United Bank of Michigan, which has served West Michigan since 1887, is committed to excellence in the delivery of a wide array of financial services, including mortgage lending, commercial lending, insurance and investments. The locally owned and operated bank has 10 full-service locations. Visit www.unitedbankofmichigan.com for more information about the bank and its services.
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Equal Housing Lender.