Local investors launch new West Michigan bank despite shaky financial market

The economic crunch has hit Michigan hard, but despite the setbacks hundreds of West Michigan investors gave a new bank venture their vote of approval, investing $17 million. As bank leaders add services and customers, jobs are sure to follow.

According to excerpts from the story:

Grand River Bank quietly swung its doors open this week after raising more than $17 million from local investors during one of the most turbulent financial markets in American history. Starting with a clean slate and about 750 local investors, the bank's leaders believe they are in a good position to capitalize on public disenchantment with bigger banks.

The bank received final regulatory approvals in April to begin transacting business Thursday, when its Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insurance took effect. Grand River Bank Chief Executive Dave Blossey, a former regional president for Chemical Bank, said the market conditions they enter are, in some ways, better than they would have been before the recent industry turmoil.

Read the complete story here.

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