IONIA, Michigan — April 1, 2009 — In 2008, Independent Bank associates throughout Michigan worked with local community groups and schools to educate children and adults of all ages about the importance of money management, saving and financial responsibility.

The bank’s efforts last year resulted in 7,088 children and adults reached through 167 community presentations. While financial literacy has always been a focus for the bank, executives and associates are gearing up to reach even more Michigan residents in 2009.

Independent Bank CEO Michael Magee, Jr., is a strong proponent of financial literacy education. He encourages associates to reach community members by presenting nationally created programs, such as the ABA’s Teach Children to Save and Get Smart About Credit, and through customized presentations developed locally to meet the needs of any group interested in financial literacy.

The bank’s goal for 2009 is to increase its financial literacy community impact by 10%, which translates into reaching an additional 709 Michigan residents this year.

Bank associates set out to educate young people, reaching students as young as kindergarten, with the hope that they will go into adulthood with a solid financial knowledge-base. Through community outreach, the bank seeks to help adults of all ages understand that it is never too late to gain control finances and to understand money management principles. Associates are available to present on topics such as fraud and identity theft protection, understanding the cost of living, responsible use of credit, preparing for home ownership, dealing with a layoff and more.

“Now more than ever, financial professionals have a responsibility to help customers, friends and neighbors plan for changes in family income and the economy as a whole,” said Magee. “We are eager to respond to the needs of people in our communities and are proactively seeking opportunities to educate people across the state about finances.

Interested groups are encouraged to contact their local Independent Bank office about financial literacy education. A complete list of locations can be found online at IndependentBank.com.

About Independent Bank Corporation
Independent Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: IBCP) is a Michigan-based bank holding company with total assets of over $3 billion. Founded as First National Bank of Ionia in 1864, Independent Bank Corporation now operates over 100 offices across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula through one state-chartered bank subsidiary. This subsidiary (Independent Bank) provides a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage lending, investments and title services. Payment plans to purchase vehicle service contracts are also available through Mepco Finance Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Independent Bank. Independent Bank Corporation is committed to providing exceptional personal service and value to its customers, stockholders and the communities it serves. For more information, please visit our Web site at IndependentBank.com.