As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 3, 2000
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
November 3, 2000
________________________
NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Michigan 0-20167 38-2062816
(State of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3530 North Country Drive
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
________________________
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (231) 929-5600
<PAGE>
Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On November 3, 2000 North Country Financial
Corporation mailed the letter as set forth below to its
shareholders. North Country Financial Corporation does
not intend to update this information.
[NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION LETTERHEAD]
November 3, 2000
Dear North Country Shareholder:
I wanted to inform you about a new development
involving North Country Financial Corporation. Last
week, North Country's Board of Directors decided to
engage the investment banking firm of Howe Barnes
Investments, Inc. to render certain financial advisory
and investment banking services to North Country. Howe
Barnes, based in Chicago, is a well regarded firm with
particular knowledge and expertise in the area of
Midwestern financial institutions.
As North Country's directors and management
continue to review business and operational strategies
and alternatives with the goal of maximizing
shareholder value, we have determined that the
engagement of a qualified and experienced investment
banking firm would assist us in achieving this goal.
We have engaged Howe Barnes to evaluate various
strategic alternatives for North Country, as well as to
conduct a valuation assessment of the company. Howe
Barnes will consider strategic business alternatives
for North Country ranging from the opportunities
presented through future internal growth and market
expansion, to some form of possible business
combination involving North Country and another party.
Thank you for your continued support of North
Country Financial Corporation.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Ronald G. Ford
--------------------------
Ronald G. Ford
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of The Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Kristine E. Hoefler
----------------------------
Kristine E. Hoefler
Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 3, 2000.
