MIDLAND, Mich., Nov. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chemical Financial Corporation today announced that John E. Pelizzari, Chief Operating Officer, Burnette Foods, Inc., and former Chairman of the Board of Northwestern Bancorp, Inc., was appointed to the Board of Directors of Chemical Financial Corporation. His appointment, which was effective November 1, 2014, increases the Board to 12 members.
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"We are very pleased to welcome John to the Chemical Financial board. His business expertise, extensive knowledge of the banking industry and his demonstrated community leadership will be a tremendous asset to our Company as we not only expand our presence in northern Michigan but continue on our Michigan-centric strategic growth trajectory," said David B. Ramaker, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Chemical Financial Corporation.
Mr. Pelizzari joined Burnette Foods in 2009, after a successful career in banking. Burnette Foods is a family-owned company that has five fruit and vegetable processing plants in western Michigan. In 1997, Mr. Pelizzari was named President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank Northern Michigan, a position he held until he was promoted to President and CEO of the then $4 billion asset, Fifth Third Bank Central Indiana. He left the bank in 2009 to join Burnette.
Long active in community service, Mr. Pelizzari currently serves as vice-chairman of the board and chairman of the finance committee of Munson Health Care. Formerly he served as: chairman and a board member of Wishard Foundation (now Eskenazi Health), a large safety net hospital; former chairman, Northwestern Michigan College Foundation; and, former advisory council member, Central Michigan University School of Business. In 2001, he was named Alumni of the Year by Northwestern Michigan College. Mr. Pelizzari also serves on the corporate board of directors of Crystal Mountain, Inc. He received his associates degree from Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, his BBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and his MBA from The George Washington University, Washington D.C. Mr. Pelizzari, his wife and four children reside in Traverse City, MI.
Chemical Financial Corporation is the second largest banking company headquartered and operating branch offices in Michigan. Chemical operates through a single subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank, with 182 banking offices spread over 46 counties in southwestern, central and northern Michigan. Chemical Financial Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CHFC and is one of the issues comprising The NASDAQ Global Select Market. More information about Chemical is available by visiting the investor relations section of its website at www.chemicalbankmi.com. ;
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