First New Construction for Banking Institution in Fitzgerald in over a Decade

First Merchants Bank (FMB), a leading community bank committed to serving the needs of all, broke ground today on its newest branch in the Fitzgerald neighborhood at 7525 West McNichols Road. Detroit dignitaries gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony, including: Mayor Mike Duggan, Councilwoman Angela Calloway, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) CEO Kevin Johnson, business leaders, and elected officials, for this community-rooted event.

A Wayne County Resolution was presented by Commissioner Irma Clark-Coleman and Councilwoman Angela Calloway presented the Spirit of Detroit award to the FMB team.

The new branch will provide residents convenient access to essential banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, online banking, and a local and invested team to help people prosper. The Detroit Fitzgerald branch will be a 3,000-square-foot development designed to provide the neighborhood's residents and businesses with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals. It is located at the corner of West McNichols Road and Lilac Street, allowing First Merchants Bank to serve the Bagley, University District, Fitzgerald/Marygrove, and Martin Park communities. This branch is within six blocks of the intersection of Livernois and W. McNichols commercial corridors providing needed services to the broader community of Northwest Detroit.

“We engage the communities on the front end to help determine where a banking center is needed and how it can impact the community,” says Scott McKee, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “By engaging with residents, small businesses, and town hall meetings, we listen and connect with the people we hope to serve, building strong, trusted relationships between our company and our communities.”

Remarks were given by:

• Mark Hardwick, First Merchants Bank, CEO
• Laura Castone, First Merchants Bank, Community Reinvestment Act Manager
• Kevin Johnson, Detroit Economic Growth Corp. (DEGC), CEO
• Mayor Mike Duggan, City of Detroit
• Councilwoman Angela Calloway, City of Detroit
• Neighborhood Partner, Dr. Chanel Hampton, Strategic Community Partners

Additional information can be found at: Detroit-Fitzgerald Location Page

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About First Merchants Corporation
With $18.3 billion in assets1, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through Employee Empowerment, Philanthropy and Charitable Giving, Financial Wellness, Community Home and Business Lending, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Newsweek, American Banker, Comparably, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants Bank attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants Bank is making a difference, go to: (www.firstmerchants.com).