Jackson Business Briefs March 30, 2022

County National Bank Announces Promotions

John R. Waldron, President and CEO of County National Bank (“CNB”), is pleased to announce the recent promotion of several members of the CNB team.

Ray Briner has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. Ray joined County National Bank in August of 2009 and has 12 years of banking experience. He served CNB as a credit analyst and transitioned to the senior analyst position before moving into the Commercial Loan Department as a lender. Ray has served our commercial clients well, and was instrumental in assisting clients with Paycheck Protection Program loans throughout both phases of the program.

Ray is very active in the community and serves on City Council in Hillsdale for Ward 4, current Secretary and Board Member of the Exchange Club (Past President), and Board Member and Treasurer of the Hillsdale County Fair.  He also volunteers at the Hillsdale High School football games taking tickets and as a softball and basketball coach for the Hillsdale Recreation Department.  Ray has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from International Business College.

 

Mike Jors has been promoted to Vice President – Private Banking & Retail Development Officer. Mike has been vital to growing County National Bank’s Private Banking portfolio in Jackson since joining the team in January of 2019. His years of banking experience have proven valuable to his clients and to CNB, and his dedication to his clients and the community are well-known. Mike’s personal approach allows him to connect his clients and deliver excellent client service. Christopher Phillips, Vice President – Senior Wealth Management Officer said, “Mike is a key relationship manager for us in the Jackson market. He understands the needs of his clients and works hard to help them achieve their goals.”

Mike is involved in his community and participates in a number of clubs and organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, The Dahlem Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jackson Estate Planning Council, and the Art, Beer, & Wine Festival. In addition to his Private Banking duties, Mike will be instrumental in the management and development of the new CNB branch on Spring Arbor Road that will open later this year.

Kelly Lantis has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Credit Officer. Kelly began her banking career at Manufacturers National Bank of Detroit in 1986, and she joined County National Bank in 1988. Kelly currently manages the CNB Credit Department, which she helped to establish in 1988. Her career at CNB also includes consumer lending, call report preparation, and allowance analysis. Craig Connor, Chairman of the Board, said, “Kelly has been an integral key to CNB’s credit quality and culture for many years. The Bank, our customers, and our shareholders have benefitted greatly from Kelly’s long-held dedication to her work”.

Kelly is on the Board of the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, Treasurer of the Hillsdale Woman’s Club, Financial Advisor of Chi Omega Sorority, Treasurer of Woman’s Life Insurance, and Treasurer for Hillsdale Township. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Hillsdale College.   

Julie Miller has been promoted to Vice President – Private Banking Officer. Julie has been an instrumental member of County National Bank’s Lenawee team since June of 2017. She has been successful in developing and implementing the Private Banking product, and is a willing team member who consistently goes the extra mile for her co-workers and clients. Julie’s knowledge and experience in the banking industry has served her clients and CNB very well. 

CNB Board Member Joe Williams said, “Julie Miller is very special because she cares about people, and she cares about her community. Her ability to put clients first in all that she does makes her stand out. Julie’s personal values match up well with the values of County National Bank, which makes it a great win-win for the Lenawee community.” Julie is very active in the Lenawee community. Her service activities include serving as a board member for The HOPE Community Center, as assistant treasurer for Kappa Kappa Epsilon, as Promedica Pro-Am committee member, part of the Lenawee Christian Mentorship program, and as a member of Zonta of Lenawee.

Melissa Stroede has been promoted to Vice President – Treasury Management Officer. Melissa began her career as a part-time teller with County National Bank in 2002. She was promoted to Branch Manager in 2012 and was instrumental in the development of CNB’s Treasury Management Department in 2015. The department has grown significantly and represents a notable contribution to CNB’s income statement. Melissa holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Baker College and will graduate from the Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking in 2022.   

Melissa is active in the community and serves on the Henry Ford Allegiance Health Finance Committee and the Endowment Board for the Cascades Humane Society, and is a Director of the Shop Rat Foundation. She volunteers her time for Junior Achievement, March of Dimes, Hanover-Horton Schools, Adopt-a-Highway, and the Art, Beer, and Wine Festival at the Ella Sharp Museum. Joe Dunigan, CNB Director, said, “Her dedication to both the bank and our customer base is wonderful and she has strongly contributed to our success in the Jackson market. This is a well-deserved promotion.” 

Neil Wagler has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Neil began his career at County National Bank in 2010 as a Credit Analyst, and he became a commercial lender in 2016. He is responsible for the largest loan portfolio at CNB and continues to develop significant new business relationships. Steve Maddalena, CNB Director, said, “I have been impressed with Neil’s analytical and business development skills for many years. He has done a great job for CNB.”

Neil represents County National Bank well within the community by attending numerous functions and is involved with Junior Achievement and highway cleanup projects. Neil has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Central Michigan University.   

Becky Wiley has been promoted to Vice President – Human Resources Officer. Becky has been in the human resources industry for nearly 33 years, and has spent the last 10 at County National Bank. She has been instrumental in a major increase in the number of staff at CNB, from around 160 to 230, in the last eight years. Becky was key in helping CNB navigate a myriad of COVID-related issues and keeping employees safe, allowing us to continue to provide stellar service to our clients throughout the pandemic. The Human Resources team is responsible for recruitment, payroll, benefits, training, and many other duties.

“I am grateful for Becky’s experience and dedication, as both were critical to CNB getting through the last 24 months in a safe, sound manner,” said John Waldron, President and CEO. “I thank her for her tireless efforts in supporting the team here at CNB.” In her spare time, Becky is part owner/operator of the Gospel Barn and a pianist at Cambria Baptist Church.     

Robert (“Bob”) Wrozek has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer. Bob started his career with County National Bank in 2004 as a Management Trainee. His 17-year banking career includes branch management, business development, and commercial lending. Bob was the first manager at CNB’s Horton Road branch and he has been a great ambassador for County National Bank. 

He is very active in the community with the Southwest Little League, the Exchange Club of Jackson, the Dahlem Center, and Junior Achievement. He is the varsity softball coach at Lumen Christi High School and also coaches the Michigan Brewnettes youth softball team. John Waldron, President & CEO, said, “Bob is a great community banker. He is dedicated to his family, CNB, and the local community. CNB is fortunate to have him.” He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Adrian College.

Alro Steel to Acquire Klein Steel

Alro Steel announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets of Klein Steel, a leading metals service center operating locations in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York.  Founded in 1971, Klein Steel offers carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and specialty metals for next day delivery to customers in the Northeast. In addition, they offer a full range of value-added processing services, including component manufacturing and kitting. Alro will continue to operate the Klein metals service center facilities and the Express Metals Outlets in Rochester and Syracuse, New York. 

The Klein Steel team led by Mike Young will join Alro and continue to provide quality products and next day delivery to the Northeast. Heritage Capital Group acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Klein Steel. The transaction is expected to close by the end of April 2022.  This purchase will allow Alro to grow their customer base while providing improved service for cut-to-size metals in the Northeast.

Alro Steel CEO Randy Glick said, “We are excited to welcome the Klein Steel team to the Alro family.  Klein Steel has a great reputation in the metals industry for over 50 years and will enable Alro to continue our growth strategy in the Northeast, offering a wider range of products and processing capabilities in the Klein Steel footprint.”

CMS Energy to Combat Climate Change by Achieving Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Entire Natural Gas System by 2050

CMS Energy and its primary business, Consumers Energy, today pledged to protect the planet by achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s entire natural gas production and delivery system — including customers and suppliers — by 2050.

Achieving net zero emissions means eliminating the impact of emissions traced to the burning of natural gas by customers and greenhouse gas emissions caused by natural gas suppliers who produce and transport natural gas to Consumers Energy’s system.

“Natural gas is safe and affordable and now it can be even more clean,” President and CEO Garrick Rochow said. “We’re making historic, industry-leading changes to protect our planet. This commitment is another step in leading the clean energy transformation for Michigan.”

As a next step on our path to net zero by 2050, the company will partner with customers to reduce their emissions by 20 percent by 2030.

CMS Energy is already implementing industry-leading plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include:

·        Modernizing its natural gas system to achieve net zero methane emissions from its operations by 2030.

·        Ending coal use and boosting renewable energy fuel sources to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its electric operations by 2040.

·        Pledging to power 1 million electric vehicles in the communities it serves by 2030.

Pursuing a net zero goal for all emission sources, including those from customers and suppliers, aligns the company’s efforts with Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as well as the recommendations of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.

CMS Energy is executing and exploring a variety of pathways to support customers and suppliers who want to reduce their emissions.

• Carbon offsets: The company recently received regulatory approval for a new program for residential and business customers who want to voluntarily offset carbon emissions from their natural gas use by investing in projects that help Michigan forests reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• Renewable natural gas, or RNG: Produced from organic wastes and other renewable sources, RNG is interchangeable with conventional natural gas and a key technology available to reduce methane emissions. The company recently announced an agreement with Swisslane Farms in west Michigan to build a biodigester facility that, with regulatory approval, will convert agricultural waste into RNG.
• Energy efficiency: Providing customers with the power to reduce energy waste and lower bills through a variety of energy efficiency and demand response programs. Since 2009, we’ve helped customers save about $4 billion and prevented the emission of almost 19 million tons of carbon dioxide.
• Emerging technologies: Potential solutions include using hydrogen to produce energy, capturing and permanently storing carbon emissions from natural gas combustion and using hybrid natural gas and electric heat pump systems to heat homes and businesses.

The company is also modernizing its natural gas operations with a 10-year Natural Gas Delivery Plan to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable, affordable and clean natural gas. The plan includes accelerated infrastructure replacement, innovative leak detection and key process changes to eliminate, avoid and minimize methane emissions.

Tim Hernandez joins American 1 Credit Union Board of Directors

American 1 Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Hernandez to its Board of Directors.

Hernandez has strong ties to American 1 Credit Union. He worked in the Marketing Department as a Communications Specialist for three years and is a current board member of the Community 1 Co-Op Board.

“It’s an honor to join American 1’s Board of Directors,” Hernandez said. “I share American 1’s commitment to being member-focused and the mission to create financial wellness through personal everyday banking in our communities. I’m looking forward to contributing to this purpose as a member on the board.”

In addition to his experience at American 1, Hernandez has a strong background in news media and communications. Currently, he works as a Marketing Specialist at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, where he has been for five years.

“Tim is a long-time supporter and friend of American 1 Credit Union and will make a wonderful addition to the Board of Directors,” said Martha Fuerstenau, President and CEO of American 1. “On behalf of the Executive Team and Board of Directors, we couldn’t be happier about Tim joining the board. Thank you, also, to Jerry Tremaine. Jerry proudly served on the Board for 40 years and will be greatly missed. We wish him the best in his retirement.”

In 2021, Jerry Tremaine celebrated 40 years of service on the American 1 Board of Directors. During his long-standing tenure at American 1, Jerry consistently promoted and celebrated American 1 as a sound financial institution and a community-minded organization.

Current American 1 Board of Director members, including Hernandez, consist of Philip E. Hoffman, Frank Weathers, Julie Alexander, Angella Arnold, Cheryl Schantz, and Linda Schaub.

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Names Benjamin S. Miles New President of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea

 

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System announced that Benjamin S. Miles has been named the new president of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, succeeding Nancy Graebner-Sundling, who began her retirement last week.  Miles’ first day on the job will be April 18.

Miles joins a strong and established leadership team led by Chief Medical Officer, Alon Weizer, MD; Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services, Cheryl Taylor, RN; Chief Human Resources Officer, Tonia Schemer, and Executive Director of Finance, Shannon Scott.

“Ben has a proven reputation as a results-oriented health care leader, bringing expertise in strategy, operations, process improvement, project management and finance,” said Shannon Striebich, senior vice president of operations at Trinity Health Michigan.  “He is an articulate, effective communicator able to clearly translate complex concepts, which will help to strengthen understanding and alignment throughout our Chelsea hospital.  We are grateful to Nancy for her dynamic, caring leadership over the past 10 years and we wish Ben great success in his new role.”

Over his career, Miles has developed strong relationships across teams to achieve business growth while helping improve the quality and range of health care services.  Most recently, he served as the President – Health Plan Services & Chief Advocacy Officer at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he significantly expanded the system’s market share while building loyalty to the hospital among patients and their families.  Miles leveraged his communication and relationship-building skills to connect with national and state legislators to align leaders in the creation of effective health care policies.  

“We are excited to be working with a talented, innovative leader such as Ben as we continue to grow and expand health care offerings in Chelsea,” said Jeff Desmond, M.D., chairman of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea’s Joint Venture Board.  “While we look forward to the future, we are deeply grateful for the strong foundation provided by Nancy and the continued dedication of the entire St. Joe’s Chelsea team.”

Miles earned his Master of Business Administration from Walsh College and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Wayne State University.  He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and American Society for Quality (ASQ), along with numerous community groups to help improve health care and support diversity and inclusion efforts.