SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 21, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Franklin Bank, a division of First Place Bank (Nasdaq:FPFC), announces the appointment of Malcolm Hendricks as the Retail Business Development Officer for its branch network in Genesee County. Mr. Hendricks' office is located at 4409 Miller Road, Flint, Michigan 48507; telephone: (810) 732-6360; Email: mhendricks@franklinbank.com.
Mr. Hendricks has six years banking experience specializing in customer relationship management. Most recently, he worked as a Personal Banker at a Michigan-based regional bank. "We are extremely excited to have Malcolm on our team," adds Jeff Fitrzyk, Executive Vice President of Retail Banking. "His work ethic and commitment to his customers are second to none, and he will contribute significantly to our success in the Flint area." Mr. Hendricks obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa.
Franklin Bank specializes in serving small to medium size businesses and personal banking customers. With the recent addition of seven retail banking branches in Genesee County, Franklin Bank has 14 full-service branches in southeast Michigan. In addition, Franklin operates Lending Production Offices in Grand Blanc, Jackson, and Holland, Michigan.
About First Place Financial Corp.
First Place Financial Corp., a $3.1 billion financial services holding company based in Warren, Ohio, is the largest publicly owned thrift headquartered in Ohio. First Place Financial Corp. operates 41 retail locations, 2 business financial service centers and 16 loan production offices through the First Place Bank, and Franklin Bank divisions of First Place Bank. Additional affiliates of First Place Financial Corp. include First Place Insurance Agency, Ltd.; Coldwell Banker First Place Real Estate, Ltd.; TitleWorks Agency, LLC and APB Financial Group, Ltd., an employee benefit-consulting firm and specialist in wealth management services for businesses and consumers. Information about First Place Financial Corp. may be found on the Company's web site: www.firstplacebank.com.