The Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) honored 18 Michigan banks for their outstanding financial literacy initiatives at the annual MBA Bankers Education Summit & Trade Show (BEST) Conference held in Traverse City. The awards presented included the Financial Literacy Award and the Innovator of the Year Award.
The MBA Financial Literacy Award and Innovator of the Year Award celebrate member banks for their exceptional contributions to financial literacy education and community engagement.
"The MBA is proud to honor these banks for their dedication to advancing financial literacy. Their initiatives empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more informed and financially resilient society. We commend their tireless efforts and remain committed to supporting their impactful work," stated T. Rann Paynter, president and CEO, MBA.
The recipients of the 2025 MBA Financial Literacy Awards are Bank of Ann Arbor, Bay Port State Bank, Century Bank and Trust, ChoiceOne Bank, County National Bank, Highpoint Community Bank, Huron Valley State Bank, Independent Bank, Isabella Bank, Mercantile Bank, NorthPointe Bank, Range Bank, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Sturgis Bank and Trust, The State Bank, Thumb Bank & Trust, University Bank, and West Shore Bank.
The 2025 MBA Financial Innovator of the Year award was presented to ChoiceOne Bank. This recognition stems from the bank’s unwavering commitment to financial empowerment through impactful programs. In 2024, ChoiceOne partnered with schools, affordable housing agencies, and the Small Business Development Center, volunteering for over 200 hours and engaging 889 participants in bilingual financial education programs. Their HomeStart Program provided $3.87 million in home financing to 21 families, while the Fresh Start Credit Builder Program helped 48 individuals rebuild credit. Collaborating with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, they provided nearly $1 million in down payment assistance, home repairs, and small business support. Through digital education initiatives like Banzi and GreenPath, ChoiceOne extended financial literacy to thousands across Michigan, reinforcing its mission to foster economic growth and stability.
“ChoiceOne is incredibly proud of our team's dedication to finding innovative ways to advance financial literacy within our communities,” said Celeste Spivey, vice president, CRA and community development officer. “Winning both the Innovator of the Year and Financial Literacy Awards acknowledges our commitment to empowering our families and businesses with the knowledge and resources needed for financial success. It's an honor to see our efforts recognized as we continue to drive impactful changes so more in our communities have opportunities for a brighter financial future."
Danielle Chateauvert, ChoiceOne vice president of marketing also commented, “ChoiceOne has always been an advocate for investing in our communities. We have built our reputation on providing our customers with innovative tools and solutions. These awards recognize the significant inroads we have made to support our families, schools, businesses, and nonprofits to encourage financial wellness for all ages in the communities we serve across Michigan.”
MBA commends all banks for their unwavering commitment to providing Michiganders with essential financial education for a successful future.
The MBA Financial Literacy Award and Innovator of the Year Award celebrate member banks for their exceptional contributions to financial literacy education and community engagement.
"The MBA is proud to honor these banks for their dedication to advancing financial literacy. Their initiatives empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more informed and financially resilient society. We commend their tireless efforts and remain committed to supporting their impactful work," stated T. Rann Paynter, president and CEO, MBA.
The recipients of the 2025 MBA Financial Literacy Awards are Bank of Ann Arbor, Bay Port State Bank, Century Bank and Trust, ChoiceOne Bank, County National Bank, Highpoint Community Bank, Huron Valley State Bank, Independent Bank, Isabella Bank, Mercantile Bank, NorthPointe Bank, Range Bank, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Sturgis Bank and Trust, The State Bank, Thumb Bank & Trust, University Bank, and West Shore Bank.
The 2025 MBA Financial Innovator of the Year award was presented to ChoiceOne Bank. This recognition stems from the bank’s unwavering commitment to financial empowerment through impactful programs. In 2024, ChoiceOne partnered with schools, affordable housing agencies, and the Small Business Development Center, volunteering for over 200 hours and engaging 889 participants in bilingual financial education programs. Their HomeStart Program provided $3.87 million in home financing to 21 families, while the Fresh Start Credit Builder Program helped 48 individuals rebuild credit. Collaborating with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, they provided nearly $1 million in down payment assistance, home repairs, and small business support. Through digital education initiatives like Banzi and GreenPath, ChoiceOne extended financial literacy to thousands across Michigan, reinforcing its mission to foster economic growth and stability.
“ChoiceOne is incredibly proud of our team's dedication to finding innovative ways to advance financial literacy within our communities,” said Celeste Spivey, vice president, CRA and community development officer. “Winning both the Innovator of the Year and Financial Literacy Awards acknowledges our commitment to empowering our families and businesses with the knowledge and resources needed for financial success. It's an honor to see our efforts recognized as we continue to drive impactful changes so more in our communities have opportunities for a brighter financial future."
Danielle Chateauvert, ChoiceOne vice president of marketing also commented, “ChoiceOne has always been an advocate for investing in our communities. We have built our reputation on providing our customers with innovative tools and solutions. These awards recognize the significant inroads we have made to support our families, schools, businesses, and nonprofits to encourage financial wellness for all ages in the communities we serve across Michigan.”
MBA commends all banks for their unwavering commitment to providing Michiganders with essential financial education for a successful future.
