While International Fraud Awareness Week is just behind us, the lessons still ring true. The Department of Insurance and Financial Services published a press release to remind consumers of the dangers of fraud and how to prevent it. Read their full press release below: 

In these unprecedented times, we've all found new ways to adjust, new ways to work, and new ways to provide service and help where we can. ChoiceOne Bank is pleased to share the news below with you provided by the Small Business Association of Michigan. Please see their latest news in the press release below. 

ChoiceOne Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Eunice Lopez-Martin to the Board of Directors for Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF). ICCF is a nonprofit housing corporation whose leadership is motivated by its belief that all people deserve safe, clean and affordable housing.

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: COFS), the parent company of ChoiceOne Bank, is pleased to announce ChoiceOne Bank was recently ranked as Michigan’s Best Small Bank by Newsweek. ChoiceOne was recognized in Newsweek’s first-ever ranking of the country’s financial institutions that are best at serving their customers’ needs in today’s pandemic climate.

Dave Currie, owner of Pro-Tech Machine, Inc., in Burton, Michigan, grew up in a family-owned business. At a young age, Dave became accustomed to a more personal way of doing business. After opening his own business, Dave wanted to work with a banker who also valued personal service. Dave met Matt Ankley – now a Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at ChoiceOne Bank (Lakestone Bank & Trust) – over 16 years ago.

Sparta, Mich.-based ChoiceOne Bank has helped customers save more than $500,000 with Plinqit, the only savings app of its kind that pays users for learning about personal finances.

When Al Ochadleus thinks back on his career, he fondly refers to himself as “just a punk kid” who was given a chance to work for Vlasic Food Products, Inc. in 1962. Al likes to reminisce about his first job as an 18-year-old kid pitching sauerkraut from large wooden barrels in Imlay City, Michigan, boasting that he’d take over the company someday. “I literally started at the bottom of the barrel,” chuckles Al. “But it was a matter of trust when they hired me, and it led to a great career. And I did take over the Midwest!”

Correction Made on June 29,2020: We received over 100 applications from 26 different high schools and one home schooled student across our footprint. The 12 2020 winners came from 8 of those high schools and one was a home schooled student.

ChoiceOne Bank has awarded a one-time, need-based scholarship of $1,000 to12 seniors in eight different community high schools and one home school. Seniors were asked to submit a 500 word or less essay explaining their experience with community service, why they got involved, who benefited, and how the student benefited. Spanning Michigan, ChoiceOne serves markets in both West and Southeastern Michigan. Six winners were selected from each market.

ChoiceOne Bank is pleased to announce our participation in the LINC UP’s Rock the Block 10-Year-Anniversary Celebration with a $5,000 sponsorship. Rock the Block is an annual community event hosted by LINC UP and will mark a decade this year! Rock the Block is a celebration of the community coming together to connect, share resources, and spend time experiencing the culture of community in Madison Square, August 15 from 11 am to 4 pm.

It was 11 years ago Jeff Zack, co-owner of Fōmcore started his first business so he would have something to do in retirement. Little did this Sergeant at the Michigan Department of Corrections know at the time he was just getting started!