PUBLISHERS COLUMN [Michigan Banker]

Christine Anderson, partner and leader of the financial services practice with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, has earned the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). With increasingly complex business environments, understanding technology and its influence on systems and processes is very important. This credential demonstrates a deep understanding of technology in providing information assurance and management.

Anderson has more than 20 years of experience working in finance, financial services operations, project management, and change management. She is experienced in leading, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives with specific emphasis in the financial services industry.

Tom Kuslits has joined Troy-based Flagstar Bank as SVP and market manager. In his new position, he is responsible for developing Flagstar's commercial middle market banking operation. Kuslits is a veteran banker with 30 years' experience in the industry. Previously, he was middle market sales director for Fifth Third Bank in Southfield.

The Bank of Birmingham announced that it has elected John C. Hamaty, Barbara Rom, and Joseph A. Ahern to its board and the Board of Birmingham Bloomfield Bancshares, its holding company.

"We are excited to welcome John C. Hamaty, Barbara Rom and Joseph A. Ahern to our Board of Directors," said Rob Farr, president/CEO of Bank of Birmingham and its holding company Birmingham Bloomfield Bancshares. "Our new members bring fresh perspectives and energy that will support the Board in continuing the successful guidance of the Bank and providing a beneficial relationship to our customers and owners."

Bank of Birmingham is a full-service community bank serving Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Beverly Hills and Franklin.

Tori Duve, AVP and banking office manager at Independent Bank'sLapeer office, has been named president of the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer. Kiwanis is a nonprofit organization that locally raises about $40,000 annually and all proceeds go toward helping children in the Lapeer area.

Duve began a one-year term on Oct. 1 . She has been volunteering for Kiwanis for five years and has held a position on the board for the last three years.

Crestmark provided $8.9 million in working capital to 14 businesses in September 2011. Six of those businesses were in Michigan. It included:

* $2.5 million asset based lending facility to a Michigan manufacturer of welding equipment

* $750,000 working capital line of credit to an Ohio producer of specialized vehicle rims

* $500,000 working capital line of credit to a Missouri distributor of rubber and adhesive products

* $43,000 to a Michigan developer of laser technology

* $750,000 accounts receivable purchase facility to an Illinois wholesaler of frozen foods

* $250,000 accounts receivable purchase facility to an Ohio food service provider

JPMorgan Chase, the largest public finance underwriter, announced that it has provided more than $50.3 billion in financing and lending to metropolitan area governments and non-profits across the country in 2011 .

As local governments faced a difficult year supporting investments and employees, JPMorgan Chase continued to help metropolitan communities operate and grow. The financing announced last month supported transportation projects , hospitals , non-profit organizations, local governments, colleges and universities. This included Detroit Public Schools, financing $220 million to help the Motor City meet payroll obligations for teachers.

Justine Slater has joined Independent Bank as a mortgage loan officer at the Shelby Township office. She will serve customers in Macomb, St. Claire and Oakland Counties.

Slater brings 18 years of experience to the position.

Peter Kubacki, president/CEO of The Dart Bank, has announced the addition of Jennifer Marsh as VP - commercial lender.

She brings over 20 years of previous banking experience to the bank, including 15 years in commercial lending. Marsh has a bachelor's degree in finance from Michigan State University. She is active in the Lansing Chamber of Commerce and the Ingham Regional Medical Foundation.

Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC announced that 15 of its attorneys have been named to DBusiness Top Lawyers 2012. They were selected through a process which included a peer review survey that polled more than 15,000 private attorneys in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

The Howard & Howard attorneys named in DBusinesss Top Lawyers 2012 and the areas they are listed under include:

Royal Oak Office: Jess A. Bahs (Tax Law); Henry J. Brennan ?? (Mergers & Acquisitions); Mark A. Davis - President & CEO (Real Estate Law); Joseph J. De Vito (Mergers & Acquisitions); Robert E. Graziani (Insurance Law); Lisa S. Gretchko (Bankruptcy and Creditors' Law); Samuel J. Haidle (Intellectual Property Law); Robert B. Johnston (Employee Benefits Law); Timothy E. Kraepel (Securities Law); David M. LaPrairie (Intellectual Property Law); Henry P. Lee (Trusts and Estates); Richard M. Miettinen (Mergers & Acquisitions); Mark W. Peyser (Commercial Litigation); Jeffrey A. Sadowski (Intellectual Property Law); and Lee A. Sartori (Tax Law).

Founded in 1869, Howard & Howard is a fullservice law firm with a national and international practice that provides specialized legal services to businesses and business owners. The firm has offices in Ann Arbor and Royal Oak.

Sincerely,

Greg O'Neil Owner/Publisher