Ieuter Insurance welcomes third generation

If you have news about a local business, email Managing Editor Dan Chalk at [email protected].

Alex Ieuter, son of Kurt Ieuter and grandson of Cal Ieuter, recently became the third generation of the Ieuter family to work for Ieuter Insurance Group of Midland.

Alex was born and raised in Midland and graduated from Dow High School. He continued his education at Michigan State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in May of 2022.

Alex previously worked at Ieuter Insurance Group during high school. He continued working in the insurance industry as a claims intern and later in the subrogation division for Auto-Owners Insurance while attending Michigan State University.

Upon graduation, Alex accepted a job with Auto-Owners as an underwriter. He was trained in many different areas of insurance including home, inland marine, dwelling fire, mobile home, auto and umbrella.

Alex completed his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation, which only 4% of the industry has obtained. He also obtained his Associate in Claims designation while working for Auto-Owners.

Alex recently moved back to Midland and accepted a job as a Risk Manager at Ieuter Insurance Group, where he will focus on helping businesses and individuals with their insurance needs.

Alex is licensed in Accident and Health, Life, and Property and Casualty. He is working on his Certified Insurance Counselor designation. He enjoys golfing with friends and traveling to national parks. He is excited to be back in his hometown and working for the family business.

Great Lakes Bay Regional Chamber Summit Aug. 14 at Great Hall

The 13th Annual Great Lakes Bay Regional Chamber Summit -- including the Bay Area, Mount Pleasant Area and Saginaw County Chambers of Commerce and the Midland Business Alliance -- will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 11:30 a.m. -- 1 p.m. at the Great Hall Banquet & Conference Center in Midland.

Registration is $55 per person or $440 for a table of eight. Register at https://www.baycityarea.com/events/details/13th-annual-great-lakes-bay-regional-chamber-summit-8068?calendarMonth=2024-08-01.

The featured speaker is Kevin Zielke, General Counsel for Accident Fund Insurance of America.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Renee at [email protected] for details.

Michigan State Bar recognizes Warner Norcross & Judd for pro bono contributions

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has again been recognized by the State Bar of Michigan for its pro bono contributions.

The law firm and 18 attorneys were recognized in the 2024 A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll. The Honor Roll acknowledges both firms and individual attorneys who advance access-to-justice initiatives through pro bono legal services. These services provide direct aid to those in need and support Michigan organizations that assist individuals and families who are low-income.

Warner attorneys provide direct client representation, serve on boards for legal aid programs, engage in community legal education programs and advise nonprofit and low-income public interest groups. They have been particularly active working with Legal Aid of West Michigan and its expungement initiative, providing pro bono legal services to help qualifying individuals clear their criminal records of old convictions. Additionally, the firm makes an annual financial contribution to the Access to Justice Fund.

Seals becomes Saginaw Co. Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Eugene Seals, Jr. is the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce's new President/CEO, effective July 1, Chairman of the Board Seth Perigo announced. Seals succeeds retiring President Veronica Horn.

"Eugene has tremendous passion for Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region as well as a strong vision for the role of the Chamber in the future growth and success of our business community," Perigo said. "Our Board of Directors was fortunate to have a number of very qualified candidates to interview, and we're excited that Eugene will continue the strong support for business that our members have grown to expect from our Chamber."

Since May of 2021, Seals has held the position of Saginaw County Chamber Director of Membership and Sponsorship Sales as well as Director of the Chamber's Momentum Minority and Women-owned Business and Mentorship Program. He is in year two of the four-year Chamber Institute for Organization Management program run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Seals is also Director of Operations and Sales for Pride Basketball 21/Pride Academy 21, which provides sports training, camps and AAU programs to youths in a fun and safe environment.

A Saginaw native, Seals has volunteered with Center of Attraction & Christ Community Church Summer Programs, Boy Scouts of America, Power of Dad, Children's Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Saginaw Public Schools and other youth agencies.

Horn will continue working until the end of the year to support the leadership transition.

Thumb Bancorp acquires Freeland State Bank

On June 28, Thumb Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Thumb Bank & Trust of Pigeon, announced the acquisition of Freeland State Bank of Freeland.

The two organizations have signed a definitive agreement for Thumb Bancorp to acquire Freeland State Bank in an all-cash transaction. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The boards of directors from both institutions have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, the approval of FSB's shareholders, and regulatory approvals.

Upon completion of the transaction, the Freeland location of Freeland State Bank will operate as a branch of Thumb Bank & Trust.

"We are excited for the opportunity to grow Thumb Bank & Trust with the acquisition of Freeland State Bank," stated Ben Schott, Thumb Bank & Trust's President & CEO. "Similar to Freeland State Bank we are a local community bank that is actively involved in the communities we serve. We believe our personal approach to customer service is a key to our success and has allowed us to grow with our customers and communities.

"Freeland State Bank is a natural geographic expansion as it is located adjacent to our current service area. We look forward to welcoming Freeland State Bank customers and employees to Thumb Bank & Trust and look forward to being part of the Freeland community!" Schott concluded.

"I am pleased to have found a partner that so closely aligns with our long-standing commitment to serving our customers and community," said Gary L. McLaughlin, President & CEO of Freeland State Bank.

Hovde Group, LLC acted as financial advisor and Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP served as legal counsel to TBI. McQueen Financial Advisors acted as financial advisor and Warner Norcross + Judd LLP served as legal counsel to FSB.

Right at Home -- Northern Michigan receives several awards

Since its establishment in 2012, Right at Home -- Northern Michigan has consistently been recognized as a leading provider of in-home care services in the Great Lakes Bay region, receiving awards from industry associations, local media, and Right at Home, Inc.'s corporate office.

Owner Jim Gall has been named to Right at Home's Strategic Leadership Council (SLC), representing the Midwest region.

The first of its kind in the home care industry, the SLC is represented by eight regions, serving as a conduit to advise the corporate office by enabling franchisees to collaboratively address differing market challenges and meet the needs of the entire Right at Home footprint through various initiatives.

"Being chosen to represent the Midwest region on Right at Home's Strategic Leadership Council is a true honor," said Gall. "One of the things I appreciate most about the company is the investment it makes in franchise owners."Managing Editor Dan Chalk writes about business, education, the military, sports, and interesting people and events in the Midland area. Email him at [email protected].