GRAND
RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 24,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bank (Nasdaq:
FFBC) is expanding into Michigan
with the introduction of Grand
Rapids native and highly experienced banker Chris Turner as commercial market president, and
the opening of a commercial banking office in Grand Rapids. Turner leads First Financial's
Grand Rapids commercial banking
team and is responsible for the bank's commercial and industrial
client relationships in the area.
"Chris and his team bring excellent local market knowledge and
connections that, added to the commercial banking capabilities we
can offer to local businesses, position us well to build new
relationships and grow our presence here," said Archie Brown, president and CEO. "First
Financial's mission is to help our clients and communities thrive.
We look forward to serving the needs of business throughout
Grand Rapids."
First Financial will offer Michigan businesses a broad suite of
sophisticated banking solutions, including commercial credit and
services, asset-based lending, ESOP, sponsor and family office
banking, syndications, treasury management, trade finance, M&A
advisory, risk management and employee financial wellness
programs. Specialty banking lines of business include
Bannockburn Capital Markets, equipment finance and leasing through
Summit Funding Group, specialty financing lending through Oak
Street Funding, commercial insurance premium financing through
Agile Premium Finance, and both institutional and personal wealth
management through Yellow Cardinal Advisory Group.
First Financial also provides end-to-end solutions for business
owners, from start-up to mergers and acquisitions, business
succession and managing business owners' investment and legacy
financial needs.
"We are excited to introduce First Financial to Grand Rapids not only because of the focus on
offering a full spectrum of solutions, but also the bank's approach
of building strong relationships as trusted advisors for clients,"
Turner said. "Our Grand Rapids team is already having conversations
about helping businesses grow, and we are committed to making a
positive impact to help lift the region."
Turner has more than 32 years of experience in the financial
services industry, including 29 years in the Grand Rapids area. He is a graduate of
Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.
The move into Grand Rapids
continues First Financial's growth, after expansions into
Chicago, Cleveland and Evansville, Indiana, in recent years.
About First Financial Bancorp.
First Financial
Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio
based bank holding company. As of December
31, 2024, the Company had $18.6
billion in assets, $11.8
billion in loans, $14.3
billion in deposits and $2.4
billion in shareholders' equity. The Company's subsidiary,
First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and
financial services products through its six lines of business:
Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate,
Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These
business units provide traditional banking services to business and
retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning,
portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement
plan services and had approximately $3.7
billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. The Company operated 127 full
service banking centers as of December 31,
2024, located in Ohio,
Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance
business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide
basis. Additional information about the Company, including its
products, services and banking locations, is available at
www.bankatfirst.com.
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SOURCE First Financial Bancorp.
