First Financial Bank Expands to Grand Rapids

Expansion into Michigan - First Financial Bank is expanding into Michigan with the introduction of Chris Turner as commercial market president and the opening of a commercial banking office in Grand Rapids [1] - Chris Turner, a Grand Rapids native with over 32 years of experience in the financial services industry, will lead the commercial banking team and manage client relationships in the area [1][4] - The expansion into Grand Rapids follows recent expansions into Chicago, Cleveland, and Evansville, Indiana [5] Services and Solutions - First Financial will offer Michigan businesses a broad suite of sophisticated banking solutions, including commercial credit, asset-based lending, treasury management, trade finance, M&A advisory, and employee financial wellness programs [2] - Specialty banking lines of business include Bannockburn Capital Markets, Summit Funding Group, Oak Street Funding, Agile Premium Finance, and Yellow Cardinal Advisory Group [2] - The company provides end-to-end solutions for business owners, from start-up to mergers and acquisitions, business succession, and managing investment and legacy financial needs [3] Leadership and Strategy - Archie Brown, president and CEO, emphasized the importance of local market knowledge and connections in building new relationships and growing the company's presence in Grand Rapids [2] - Chris Turner highlighted the company's focus on offering a full spectrum of solutions and building strong relationships as trusted advisors for clients [4] Company Overview - First Financial Bancorp is a Cincinnati-based bank holding company with $18.6 billion in assets, $11.8 billion in loans, $14.3 billion in deposits, and $2.4 billion in shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2024 [6] - The company operates 127 full-service banking centers in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, and its Commercial Finance business lends nationwide [6] - Wealth Management services include wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage, and retirement plan services, with approximately $3.7 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024 [6]