America’s ag- and energy-dependent central states are reporting better economic numbers, but overall stats remain below normal, according to the Rural Mainstreet Index. September’s 46.9 (up from August’s 44.7) was the seventh straight month with a reading in a recessionary economic zone despite increases from April’s historic lows. [Continue]
First National Bank of Michigan will open a branch in Lansing, Mich., and relocate its Lansing LPO, which opened in 2017, to that office. The location will become the sixth branch for First National Bank of Michigan, which has three branches in Kalamazoo County, one in downtown Grand Rapids and one in Holland. [Continue]
Wauwatosa, Wis.-based WaterStone Bank announced that it will open a new branch location in Milwaukee, its first in the city. [Continue]
Sunflower Bank, N.A., in Denver has closed on its acquisition of the trust and wealth advisory business of CIT Bank, New York. [Continue]
Green Bay, Wis.-based Associated Bank is consolidating 14 branches in Wisconsin as part of a footprint reorganization. [Continue]
A California-based fintech company completed its acquisition of Minnesota-based Mid-Central Federal Savings Bank on Sept. 3. The Jiko Group, Inc., quickly moved to convert the bank to a national charter. The bank is now called Mid-Central National Bank, and is based in Wadena. [Continue]
Effingham, Ill.-based Midland State Bancorp is closing or renovating branches and reducing its corporate office space to cut expenses. [Continue]
Kansas’ American State Bank & Trust is opening a new headquarters building in downtown Wichita later this year. [Continue]
In response to a rule allowing non-bank lenders to avoid interest rate caps, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a lawsuit against the FDIC on behalf of seven states and the District of Columbia. [Continue]
The Small Business Administration is working with lenders, business organizations and community groups to offer financial assistance in areas affected by civil unrest. SBA Great Lakes Region Administrator Robert Scott is traveling the region to deliver the message. [Continue]