TRAVERSE CITY, MICH., APRIL 1, 2009 - Northwestern Bank, the largest independent community bank in northern Michigan, announced today it will open an office in Harbor Springs later this spring. The storefront office will be located in the space formerly occupied by Ransom & Izzy clothing store at 106 Main Street.

Northwestern plans to offer weekday and Saturday lobby hours, a walk-up ATM, safe deposit boxes, and an after-hours depository.

"We already have a number of customers in the Harbor Springs area. We're opening this office in response to their requests for a more convenient location," said Chrissie Woodbury, Northwestern's assistant vice president in Petoskey. Northwestern currently serves the Emmet County area with two offices in Petoskey, as well as a location in Bay Harbor.

Northwestern Bank was chartered in 1955 and is now the largest independent community bank in northern Michigan. A growing financial institution with over $840 million in assets, the bank is one of the leading mortgage, consumer, and commercial lenders in the region. Based in Traverse City, Northwestern Bank offers complete banking, investment and trust, and employee benefit services from 27 offices throughout northern lower Michigan. Northwestern is well-known for its "I can do that!" approach to service, which empowers employees to make decisions on the spot to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations.

Further information can be found by calling (231) 347-0066.