Jackson News Briefs December 12, 2022

County National Bank Announces Promotion of Randy Tate to VP – Loss Mitigation Officer

Joe R. Williams, President and CEO of County National Bank (“CNB”), is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Randy Tate to Vice President – Loss Mitigation Officer.

Randy joined CNB in September of 2009 as Loss Mitigation Manager with extensive experience and training in loss mitigation & delinquency management with both Fannie Mae (FNMA) and The Federal Housing Association (FHA). He was promoted to Loss Mitigation Officer in March of 2011 and to Assistant Vice President in May of 2015. He has successfully managed the CNB Loss Mitigation Department for several years, primarily focused on consumer and mortgage lending. Within the last year, he has accepted responsibility for commercial loan relationships and has put processes and procedures in place to better manage the commercial loan portfolio.

Randy attended Western Michigan University and Wright State University, where he studied business management. He gives back to his community through his church, serving on the Michigan Works! Southeast Outreach Advisory Committee, and various CNB sponsored activities.

American 1 Credit Union Announces Internal Promotion of Erica Estelle to Community Partnership Manager

American 1 Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Erica Estelle to Community Partnership Manager.

Estelle was first hired at American 1 as a Partner Event Specialist in June 2022. In this position, Estelle was responsible for coordinating and overseeing events and strategizing new opportunities in the community for the credit union.

In her new role as Community Partnership Manager, Estelle will work to advance the credit union’s growth through strong community presence and partnerships. She will oversee day-to-day operations in all community focused areas, including dealer partnerships, community giving facilitation, and events.  In addition, Estelle will collaborate with all teams internally to ensure that American 1’s mission to create financial wellness in our communities through personal everyday banking is achieved.

“I’m honored to accept the position of Community Partnership Manager,” Estelle said. “I could tell early on that American 1 was a company I wanted to grow with, and I’m ecstatic for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with and building relationships in our communities that we serve.” 

Vice President of Marketing and Community Partnership, Kelly Grygiel said she has confidence Estelle will excel in her new position. “I have no doubt that Erica will do a fantastic job in this position, and we can’t wait to see how the Community Partnership Team continues to prosper with Erica as a leader. Congratulations, Erica!”

Andrew Mercer Joins Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. Board of Directors

  John H. Castle, Chairman and CEO of Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, recently announced the appointment of Andrew “Andy” Mercer to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Mercer is the third generation owner and president of R.W. Mercer Co., a distribution, construction, and service company headquartered in Jackson, Michigan. With six locations in Michigan and one in Indiana, the company markets in three distinct areas: petroleum equipment sales, installation and service; general contracting; and electrical contracting.

Starting in his early teens as a truck washer, then as a technician during college, Mercer has spent his entire thirty-year career with the company. Under his leadership, R.W. Mercer has grown into a nationally trusted and respected organization.

In addition to his role with the company, Mercer serves as a trustee for ABC Michigan Worker’s Compensation Fund, as well as a board member of the Michigan Petroleum Association, WDP Charities in Marshall, and the Gilbarco Veeder-Root North American Distributor Advisory Council.

Mr. Mercer resides in Jackson with his two teenage daughters.

“It is my privilege to welcome Andy to our board,” said Castle. “His experience and passion for the Jackson Community will be vital as we continue to invest and expand in the area.”

Alro Steel Adds Jumbo 24 Inch Tube Laser

Alro Steel recently added a 24 inch tube laser to our fleet of 12 tube lasers.  This new machine is one of the world’s largest with capabilities that include cutting up to 24 inch diameter, 16 inch square tube and 18 inch beams. Maximum material length of 50 feet.  Tube lasers can cut carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in shapes including angle, channel, beam, round tube, square tube, and rectangular tube.  We continue to improve our processing capabilities to meet the growing needs of our customers.  This new jumbo 24 inch tube laser is located at Alro Steel in Potterville, Michigan.

Other features of tube laser cutting include:

• Ability to miter cut, tap, notch, pipe joints, slot holes, tabs, and etching

• Reduce the need for sawing, fixturing, milling, drilling, punching, bending, and welding

• Dramatically reduce assembly time

• High-quality cut and parts repeatability