Against
the backdrop of a Michigan economy that moved sideways in 2005, Comerica –
the oldest banking company headquartered in the state – leveraged its
strong market position to maximize new business opportunities.
Comerica’s personal approach to relationship banking assisted business
owners and managers as they looked, for example, to establish or increase credit
lines, consider succession planning, improve their check-fraud prevention efforts,
or weigh a merger or acquisition.
“Business customers appreciate our experience and expertise, strong industry
knowledge and attention to detail,” said Mark Gregory, who heads Middle
Market Banking.
An established retail banking distribution system and dynamic sales culture
enable Comerica to compete effectively with bank and non-bank financial service
providers in Michigan.
“Our extensive banking center and ATM network, experienced team of colleagues
and excellent customer service help make Comerica a retail banking leader in
Michigan,” said Michael Aust, national Retail Banking director.
Comerica’s brand recognition in the mature Michigan market remains rock
solid. Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game at Comerica Park provided
added visibility for the “hometown bank” in 2005.
Comerica continues to play an important role in Detroit’s economic redevelopment
through the financing of projects in areas such as housing, retail, manufacturing
and entertainment. The new Merchant’s Row development along Woodward Avenue
is one such example of a project helping to redefine downtown.
Comerica is actively engaged in Central and West Michigan, opening its first
location in Genesee County in 2005. The Fenton banking center is Comerica’s
241st in the state and the 80th outside of Southeast Michigan. The Central Office
in Battle Creek relocated in 2005 to a more visible and easily accessible site,
part of a strategy to relocate some banking centers into more convenient locations
for consumers and small business owners.
Curt Brown was named market manager for Comerica’s locations in Central
and West Michigan, and works closely with business units to serve the needs
of existing customers, while expanding opportunities for new business.
Early investments in imaging technology continued to pay dividends for Comerica
in 2005. Comerica began exchanging and settling check images through the SVPCO
Image Payments Network in November.
Comerica’s check image archive is the cornerstone that continues to support
the development of new image services. “Since its creation in 1997, the
archive has built an active inventory of more than 3 billion images,”
said Paul Obermeyer, who directs Operations Services. “Beginning with
our Livonia, Michigan, image processing location and then expanding to our capture
sites in California and Texas, we have been providing customers and employees
access to check images for eight years.”
Birmingham, Michigan, is home to Munder Capital Management, Comerica’s
investment management subsidiary. Munder is the investment advisor to The Munder
Funds, a highly ranked, diversified and disciplined family of mutual funds,
and manages assets for institutional clients across the nation.
Wealth Management offices in the state help high-net-worth individuals and their
families preserve, enhance and manage their wealth.
“We build long-lasting relationships with our clients and provide customized
wealth management services that meet their needs over a lifetime,” said
Michael Conway, regional managing director of Wealth & Institutional Management
in Michigan.
Comerica’s 2005 philanthropy included more than $13 million in grants
to not-for-profit organizations nationwide. Among the notable grants in Michigan
was one supporting the Junior Achievement Finance Park in Detroit, which teaches
middle school students about financial management.
Comerica colleagues were able to celebrate their personal commitments to diversity
through a walk supporting the National Council for Community and Justice (NCCJ).
Comerica served as the event’s presenting sponsor and walkers raised funds
for NCCJ Michigan Region youth programs.
“We know the importance of being a responsible corporate citizen,”
said Linda Forte, who directs Business Affairs. 
