First Bank Upper Michigan, with its roots dating back to 1916, has a unique and compelling history. We started as First National Bank and served Gladstone for 72 years. Then, we underwent a transformative change of new ownership in 1988. We emerged as First Bank Upper Michigan by 1990. As one of the oldest banks in the Upper Peninsula, we have a rich heritage of delivering exceptional financial services to our esteemed customers. We opened our second branch in Escanaba, MI, shortly after the new ownership in 1992. Then, 8 years later, we established our Trust department called Investment Management Group and opened another larger branch in Escanaba and a branch in the Garden Peninsula. 

First Bank has always been deeply committed to our communities and customers. This commitment has remained steadfast throughout our history. We have consistently adapted to the changing demands of the banking industry while staying true to our core values of integrity, trust, and customer service. We view our customers not just as clients but as part of our extended family, and we are dedicated to their financial well-being and that of all our communities. The establishment of the Dagenais Foundation (501c3) in 1994, supported in part by First Bank and the Dagenais family, is a testament to our commitment to our communities. The Dagenais Foundation primarily funds initiatives such as employee scholarships, Meals on Wheels, scholarships, operations, and capital campaigns. The Foundation has many grants it funds from various organizations, including the YMCA, Community Foundation of Marquette, The Beacon House, and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. 

First Bank's merger with Northern Michigan Bank and Trust in 2017 allowed us to extend our presence to nine offices across the northern and western regions of Upper Michigan, a testament to our commitment to growth and serving a broader customer base. The merger was the next logical step for First Bank to remain a strong community bank, enhancing our ability to improve client services and provide more opportunities to our staff. "This acquisition is not about bricks and mortar; it is about expanding relationships with our customer guests and associates," said President of the Board Jeanine Dagenais. "We look forward to working with the outstanding team of associates at NMB&T. We share a tradition of helping families and businesses succeed in our community, and we look forward to continuing that tradition together." This merger brought us over 115 employees in Delta, Marquette, and Dickinson counties. 

Over the hundred and eight years we have been operating, the world has seen tremendous changes, and the banking landscape has changed dramatically. Our commitment to sound management and prioritizing our customers sets First Bank Upper Michigan apart from other banks. We have recently reviewed our Mission and Vision to ensure they align with our current culture. We believe in helping our neighbors build their futures today!
Our continued dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. First Bank Upper Michigan has earned a reputation as one of the top 250 banks in America, as recognized by Newsweek. We are proud to have received numerous accolades and awards for our commitment to customer satisfaction and our contributions to the communities we serve. These recognitions show just some of our dedication to providing the best banking experience for our customers and community, upholding a legacy of excellence.

First Bank Upper Michigan, recently voted Best Customer Service, Best Mortgage Lender, Best Investment Group, and Best Bank, offers diverse innovative banking products and services. From traditional banking services to digital banking solutions, we constantly strive to equip our customers with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals. 

Our Investment Management group, with a staff of fifteen investment professionals boasting over 300 years of cumulative experience managing well over three-quarters of a billion in assets, is a testament to our commitment to providing the best financial solutions to our clients.

 At First Bank, philanthropy is deeply ingrained in our bank culture. We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve and making a positive impact in the lives of our customers. Our philanthropic activities range from supporting local schools through financial literacy programs and fundraisers to contributing to various community development initiatives. We believe in the power of community bank social responsibility and strive to be active and responsible in Financial literacy. By investing in our communities and supporting meaningful causes, we aim to create a better future for all. We collaborate with local schools in all our communities. We provide our employees with paid volunteer time. We appreciate the many talented employees who participate in various volunteer efforts. From middle school to college, we provide financial literacy programs and college-level events, including those at Northern Michigan University. We have sponsored many sports teams and events, including the Marquette Mountain Race Ski Team, NMU Basketball, Bay College Norse sports, Rapid River Relic Riders, UP All-Star games, robotics teams, Gus Macker tournaments, Upper Peninsula Honor Flight,  Marquette Symphony, Pine Mountain Ski jumps, to our local K9 unit, and various Kiwanis clubs. When you choose to bank with us, you can have confidence that you will receive the highest-quality service and banking experience! 

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It really is All About People! – our customers, our employees, our community.