Northstar Bank expands into Ann Arbor market with new branch

How attractive is Ann Arbor's economy these days? Attractive enough that banks from Michigan's thumb region are setting up shop here and looking for a piece of the action. Northstar Bank, which is based in Bad Axe, is opening up a loan office and banking branch in Ann Arbor this summer. So far it has resulted in five hires in the area and the full presence is expected to be eight or nine people within the next year. "We feel it's an area that is continuing to grow," says John Wilkins, senior vice president & group manager for Northstar Bank. "It's a good fit because of the employees available and the market." Northstar Bank will offer both private banking services and commercial loans in the area. The bank's first five employees are its loan team. The rest will come from opening up its own bank branch later this year. "We're going to start with a loan-production office," Wilkins says. "It's a good fit because of the employees available and the market." Source: John Wilkins, senior vice president & group manager for Northstar Bank Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.