SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 26, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Franklin Bank, a division of First Place Bank (Nasdaq:FPFC), announces the appointment of Daniel B. Smith as Vice President, Mortgage Banking. Mr. Smith's office is in the Livonia, Michigan financial center located at 17900 Haggerty Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. He can be reached at 734-805-4603, or via e-mail at dsmith@franklinbank.com.
Mr. Smith previously spent 26 years with a Michigan-based regional bank, serving as Senior Vice President, Branch Manager. Mr. Smith attended Central Michigan University. In addition, he has been very active in the local community through his involvement with a variety of organizations, including the Plymouth Rotary Club, the Plymouth Community Veterans Committee and Boy Scouts of America.
"Dan and his family's commitment to the mortgage business in Southeast Michigan are well documented," commented Craig L Johnson, President of Franklin Bank. "With 26 years of experience in the market Dan has the knowledge, and reputation of excellence, that we look for at Franklin Bank."
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 $3.2 billion financial services holding company based in Warren, Ohio. First Place Financial Corp. operates 41 retail locations, 2 business financial service centers and 18 loan production offices through First Place Bank and Franklin Bank divisions of First Place Bank. Additional affiliates 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.