igh-potential customers have total-response expectations. 1999 saw FirstMerit continue to develop and implement new programs that deliver the sophisticated solutions it takes to leverage our franchise.

For example, in Fall 1999 we launched an indexed money market product targeted to sophisticated consumer and business customers. Personal bankers who live and work in the communities they serve are generating excellent results with this new deposit account and other segment-driven financial solutions. The proactive relationships they are building also position FirstMerit advantageously for new growth opportunities in insurance and brokerage products.

Helping entry-level customers develop a sound financial foundation is another focal point of FirstMerit relationship service. Our 1999 initiative to upgrade Free Checking/MAC card customers to our Incredible Program with additional benefits including a no-charge debit card resulted in 6,000 conversions in the first month of the offer. Other significant introductions during 1999 included a new business debit product, a new mortgage product, and Platinum Visa.

With a company-wide network that totals 169 full-service branches and 184 ATMs, we now serve over 542,000 of the most attractive households and business units in our markets. Equally important, we continue to meet our annual goal of 5% household growth of existing customers.

Our Akron region, which has the largest retail, trust investment and commercial portfolio in the corporation, is FirstMerit’s corporate model for excellence in meeting total financial services needs. These highlights of Akron bank performance demonstrate why:

	Households with 3+ accounts increased by 18%, rising from 37.40% in 1998 to 44.07% in 1999
	Double-digit commercial loan growth continued for the fifth consecutive year
	Net Income grew by 19%
	Average deposits per branch grew from $26 million to $51 million over the past four years

“FirstMerit has been a partner in our success ever since they provided the loan for our first Burger King franchise. We have almost a dozen business and personal accounts with them now - including FirstMerit Investment Services - that keep our financial future on track.” - Marie & Steve Odell, Burger King

“I’ve banked with FirstMerit for years because they make it so easy for me. My Private Banker makes sure I know about financial products right for my situation and goals, and helps make certain my accounts are managed effectively. It’s a relationship that works.” - Jack DeLeo, President/CEO, Hitchcock Fleming & Associates