ChoiceOne Financial Services Successfully Consolidates Banks, Creating New Opportunities

Successful Consolidation of ChoiceOne Bank and The State Bank

On March 14, 2025, ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., a public financial company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker COFS, completed the consolidation of The State Bank into ChoiceOne Bank. This strategic merger marks a significant milestone for the company, expanding its footprint in Michigan's banking sector.

The integration of The State Bank, which will now operate under the ChoiceOne Bank brand, is the culmination of eight months of hard work from both banking teams. According to Kelly Potes, the CEO of ChoiceOne, the goal was to ensure a smooth transition that would minimize disruption for customers. Potes expressed his satisfaction with the consolidation, stating, "Because of our similar markets, the consolidation presents many efficiencies and new growth opportunities in our expanded network in Michigan."

Prior to this merger, on March 1, 2025, ChoiceOne had already concluded its merger with Fentura Financial, which has further amplified the company’s market presence. The newly formed organization boasts over $4 billion in assets and operates 56 offices in various regions of Michigan, including West, Central, and Southeast areas.

Former Fentura CEO Ronald Justice highlighted the advantages of this merger, describing it as a significant opportunity for customers, the community, and stakeholders. He stated, "We believe this combination is a natural geographical and cultural fit and allows us to leverage our strengths with advanced technology and innovative services. It also gives us broader opportunities to support our communities with increased donations and volunteer hours complementing ChoiceOne's vision to be the Best Bank in Michigan."

Justice, who has been with Fentura since 2012, announced his retirement effective April 2025. Despite his departure, several executives from The State Bank will continue to serve in senior roles at ChoiceOne Bank. These include staff responsible for wealth management, lending, risk management, human resources, information technology, and marketing.

The merger was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that had participation from city officials from Fenton, along with members of the Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce. This event symbolized not only the name change but also the commitment shown by ChoiceOne towards community engagement. During this occasion, donations were made to several nonprofit organizations, reinforcing their commitment to serving local communities.

ChoiceOne Financial Services is headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, and offers a variety of banking solutions. In addition to traditional banking, it also provides insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. The public can check out more updates and details about the company on their official website.

This consolidation effort brings about a new chapter for ChoiceOne Financial Services, highlighting their strategic endeavors to boost operational efficiencies while enhancing customer services. As they look toward the future, the bank aims to achieve greater community investment and innovative solutions for their clients, marking themselves as a leader in the banking landscape of Michigan.