County National Bank

County National Bank donated funds to the Mrs. Stock’s Park Committee for the construction of 4 custom Victorian benches for Mrs. Stock’s Park in Hillsdale. The benches were constructed by a local business, Site & Park Amenities, Inc., located in the Hillsdale Industrial Park, and were just recently installed in various areas of the park. CNB is happy to support the committee’s efforts by providing this additional park seating. Mrs. Stock’s Park is a beautiful gem in the community and the committee’s efforts are greatly appreciated.

In the near future, additional wrought iron fencing will be erected at the park, thanks to the community donations received by the committee. Mrs. Stock’s Park Committee is still in need of funding for the fencing, so if you wish to make a donation, please contact Michelle Loren at the Hillsdale City Recreation Department at 517-437-6457.

The schedule for the 2013 summer concert series at Mrs. Stock’s Park has been set – look for more information about the musical acts soon!

Craig S. Connor, president and CEO of County National Bank announced the Board of Directors approved the promotions of Sharon Burns and Kelly Jensen in their December meeting.

Sharon L. Burns, second vice president – controller was promoted to second vice president – C.F.O. As C.F.O. Sharon will have overall responsibility for the financial responsibilities of County National Bank.

Sharon has been with the Bank since 2010, as well as having previously worked with a well-known area CPA firm.

Sharon has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in organizational management from Spring Arbor University, and recently obtained her Certified Public Accountant accreditation. She has been active as a PTA member and committee chairperson at a local school, has served on the Board for a youth soccer organization as treasurer, and also has been involved in various areas at her church. She and her family reside in the Addison area.

Kelly D. Jensen, assistant vice president and branch officer was promoted to second vice president and branch administrator. Kelly will have the responsibility of branch operations, with all branch managers and officers reporting directly to him. His over 35 years of experience as a banker and branch manager will be of great value.

Kelly has been with the Bank since 2000, where he has served as a branch manager for four of the Bank’s offices. He previously worked for another area bank, beginning his bank career in 1976.

Kelly attended JCC focusing on business classes as well as attending the American Institute of Banking. He also completed the Michigan Banker’s Association Commercial Lending School, and various other courses through them. Kelly serves as treasurer for the Exchange Club of Jackson, treasurer for the Together We Can Make A Difference House, and is a member of the Trinity Wesleyan Church where he also leads the music ministry of the Church. He and his family reside in the Jackson area.

Craig S. Connor, President and CEO of County National Bank, announced Spencer D. Swank, Executive Vice President and CFO plans to retire as of January 31, 2013.

Spencer joined the bank in March of 1998, as Vice President and CFO and he is retiring from the banking business after a very successful career, spanning 43 years. Spencer’s title is CFO and Executive Vice President; however, it does not do justice to the role he has played at County National Bank.  Spencer was the chief financial officer, branch administrator, chairman of the investment committee and the ALCO committee, risk management officer, cashier of the Bank and had overall responsibility for marketing, facilities and information technology.

“County National Bank has consistently performed very well through the years, but especially noteworthy is the Bank’s performance through the latest economic downturn.  Spencer’s countless management contributions are in large part the reason behind the Bank’s success and solid reputation. Spencer will be missed by our customers, Directors and staff; however, he has developed a very capable team of internal successors.”

We thank Spencer for many years of dedicated service to our organization, and wish both Spencer and his wife Rita the best in their retirement years.

Craig S. Connor, President and C.E.O. of County National Bank, announced the recent branch management appointment and promotion for the Bank’s Spring Arbor and Jackson Horton Road Offices.

Linda C. Cavasin, branch officer of the Horton Road Office, was appointed to branch officer of the Spring Arbor Office. Linda has been with the Bank since November of 2011, bringing close to 30 years of banking experience from her former employer.  Linda’s familiarity with the Spring Arbor market makes it a natural fit for this long-time Concord resident, and it is felt that this will be a smooth transition with the promotion of the current branch officer, Kelly Jensen, to second vice president and branch administrator.

Linda is a graduate of Jackson Community Leadership Academy and has completed various work-related courses through the American Institute of Banking.  She is currently involved with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador.

 

 

Melissa A. Stroede, assistant branch manager for the Main Office was promoted to branch manager of the Jackson Horton Road Office.  Melissa recently completed the Bank’s extensive Management Trainee Program, following her experience as a teller and new accounts representative.  In addition to the responsibilities of managing the Horton Road Office, Melissa is the Bank’s primary contact for their Insured Cash Sweep (I.C.S.) Program.

Melissa has an associate’s degree from Baker College in accounting and business management.  She has attended various bank-related courses and trainings, and is planning to further her education in the business management field.  Melissa is vice president of the Hanover-Horton PTA and does volunteer work for the school.  She and her family reside in the Hanover area.

Click link below to enlarge.

Share holder letter 12-2012

Craig S. Connor, President and C.E.O. of County National Bank, announced that the Board of Directors recently approved the promotion of John R. Waldron from V.P. Senior Loan Officer to Senior V.P. – Senior Loan Officer.

John has been with the Bank since 2002, following nearly 10 years with the U.S. Department of Treasury as a National Bank Examiner.   John has a BBA in Finance and a minor in Accounting from Western Michigan University. 

As Senior Loan Officer, John has been instrumental in the overall success of County National Bank. Remarkably, in spite of a very difficult economy, through John’s direction the loan portfolio has performed well in virtually every important measurement including growth, quality and customer satisfaction.   John has a great set of skills that include community involvement, financial analytics, and leadership abilities; these skills have helped John earn the respect of customers, fellow employees and the Board of Directors.

John is on the Board of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the Board of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra.  He has also been involved with the Ella Sharp Museum and the annual Jackson High School Ambassador Benefit.  

John and his family reside in the Jackson area.

Five students of Jonesville High School art instructor, John Loveless, designed, built, and installed a fall display for the space in front of the CNB office in downtown Jonesville.  The bank and the art class formed a partnership a few years ago and their artistic creations have been proudly displayed in front of the bank ever since.  This year’s artwork incorporates two trees and a swing – the “swinger” will be changed out with the seasons.  Thank you to the art students and Mr. Loveless for their talent, creativity, and hard work – it looks great!

Pictured are students Tabitha Harden, Rikkie Sauber, CNB Head Teller Coreen Leonard, Lacee Mullins, Calin Deck, and Chelsea Vreeland.

In its continued efforts to recycle earnings back into the community through donations to worthwhile projects, County National Bank provided funding for the Hillsdale Community Library’s new Business Center.  The Business Center, located in the main area of the library, is a great resource for entrepreneurs to explore marketing data and gather information to start a new business or expand a current business. 

The Business Center is designed to help connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need from market research to business counseling. The online resource tools, Business Decision and Reference USA, are available to provide the needed information that can help a new venture get off the ground.  These data resources were secured through a grant that was awarded to the library by the Michigan Small Business Technology and Development Center.  CNB’s funding provided for the furniture, equipment, and computer needs.

County National Bank is excited that the Hillsdale Community Library’s Business Center is available at no charge to the community.  If you have any questions about the Business Center, or if you would like to make an appointment with SCORE, please contact LeAnn Beckwith, the library director, at 517-437-6472.

CountyNational Bank President and C.E.O. Craig S. Connor announced a recent Board approved officer promotion.  Kelly L. Lantis has been promoted to Commercial Credit Officer, and will assume this responsibility as of September 3, 2012.

Kelly Lantis joined CNB in September of 1988, as a senior management assistant for the credit department.  In September of 1991, Kelly was promoted to the position of Consumer Loan Officer.  In July of 1993, Kelly made the decision to continue her career with CNB in a part-time capacity, and has been part of the credit department since that time.  With her experience and education in this area, Kelly will provide strong leadership to the commercial staff as the Commercial Credit Officer, and will rejoin the staff as a full-time member.

Kelly is a graduate of Hillsdale College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in finance.  She has also actively pursued training and education over the years relative to her career with the Bank.

Kelly is an active member of Hillsdale Woman’s Club, Chi-Omega Sorority Advisory Board,Cambria Baptist Church, and Hillsdale Township as Treasurer.

Kelly, spouse Jeff, and her family reside in the Hillsdale area.

In its ongoing commitment to recycle a portion of earnings back into the communities served, County National Bank is proud to announce that they have provided the funding for a sign to promote the Hillsdale County Farmers’ Market.  The sign was designed by Concepts Creative Marketing and Design in downtown Hillsdale and was erected on the corner of Bacon and Broad Streets near the Hillsdale County Courthouse parking lot, where the Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning from May through October.  CNB recognizes what a great addition the Farmers’ Market is to downtown Hillsdale and is happy to support the group in this way.  Thank you to the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners for also recognizing the community benefits of the market, and for hosting the market in the courthouse parking lot and approving the sign. County National Bank urges everyone to visit the market to see the great things that are grown and made right here!