HARBOR SPRINGS, MICH., May 20, 2009 - Northwestern Bank, the largest independent community bank in northern Michigan, opened its new Harbor Springs office on Wednesday, May 20. To celebrate, the bank will host a Grand Opening Party on Friday, June 5, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with free refreshments and other giveaways.

The storefront office is located in the space formerly occupied by Ransom & Izzy clothing store at 106 E. Main Street. It offers weekday and Saturday lobby hours, a walk-up ATM, safe deposit boxes, and an after-hours depository. Customers opening a checking account through June 20 will receive their first order of checks free. In addition, a $25 donation will be made in their name to the Little Traverse Conservancy.

"We already have a number of customers north of Petoskey. People have been asking for a Northwestern office in Harbor Springs for quite some time," said Christy Cruz, assistant manager at the new office.

Northwestern Bank was chartered in 1955 and is now the largest independent community bank in northern Michigan. A growing financial institution with $840 million in assets, the bank is one of the leading mortgage, consumer, and commercial lenders in the region. Northwestern offers complete banking, investment and trust, and employee benefit services from 28 offices throughout northern lower Michigan. Northwestern Bank is well-known for its "I can do that!" approach to service, which empowers its people to make decisions on the spot to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations.