INDEPENDENT BANK CORP /MI/
10-K, 1998-03-30
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

/X/ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 or
/ / Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from              to
                                                   -------------   ------------
Commission file Number               0-7818
                      ----------------------------------------------------------

                          INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

          MICHIGAN                                    38-2032782
- ----------------------------------            -----------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. employer 
       incorporation)                            identification no.)

 230 W. Main St., P.O. Box 491, Ionia, Michigan                     48846
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (Address of principal executive offices)                       (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code           (616)    527-9450
                                                   ---------------------------


           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                          Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

     9.25% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, $25.00 Liquidation Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X     No
                                      ---      ---

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. 
           -----
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the Registrant. (For this purpose only, the affiliates of the Registrant have
been assumed to be the executive officers and directors of the Registrant and
their associates.)

                  Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value - $168,573,923
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Based on $40.25 per common share, the last reported sales price on the Nasdaq
National Market tier of the Nasdaq Stock Market on March 17, 1998. Reference is
made to Part II, Item 5 for further information).

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

       Common stock, $1.00 par value - 4,621,631 shares at March 17, 1998

Documents incorporated by reference
Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, and appendix thereto
dated March 13, 1998, relating to its April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part II and Part III of this
form.

                      The Exhibit Index appears on Page 24


<PAGE>   2


Included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are certain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the beliefs of the
Registrant's management as well as on assumptions made by and information
currently available to the Registrant at the time such statements were made.
Actual results could differ materially from those included in such
forward-looking statements as a result of, among other things, the factors
included in or incorporated by reference in this Report, general and certain
economic and business factors, some of which may be beyond the control of the
Registrant. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainty.

                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS


Independent Bank Corporation (the "Registrant") was incorporated under the laws
of the State of Michigan on September 17, 1973, for the purpose of becoming a
bank holding company. The Registrant is registered under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended, and owns the outstanding stock of four banks
(the "Banks") which are all organized under the laws of the State of Michigan.

Aside from the stock of the Banks, the Registrant has no other substantial
assets. The Registrant conducts no business except for the provision of certain
management and operational services to the Banks, the collection of fees and
dividends from the Banks and the payment of dividends to the Registrant's
shareholders. Certain employee retirement plans (including an employee stock
ownership plan and a deferred compensation plan) as well as health and other
insurance programs have been established by the Registrant. The proportional
costs of these plans are borne by each of the Banks and their respective
subsidiaries.

The Registrant and the Banks have no material patents, trademarks, licenses or
franchises except the corporate franchises of the Banks which permit them to
engage in commercial banking pursuant to Michigan law.

The following table shows each of the Banks and their total loans and deposits
as of December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  Main
                                                 Office               Total                      Total
          Bank                                  Location            Deposits                     Loans
          ----                                  --------            --------                     -----
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                      <C>         
          Independent Bank                        Ionia             $250,738,000             $241,808,000

          Independent Bank
             West Michigan                      Rockford             151,006,000              206,991,000

          Independent Bank
             South Michigan                      Leslie              111,126,000              126,799,000

          Independent Bank
             East Michigan                        Caro               191,139,000              190,334,000

</TABLE>

Independent Bank (formerly First Security Bank) affiliated with the Registrant
on June 1, 1974. Independent Bank consolidated with North Bank, the sole banking
subsidiary of North Bank Corporation ("NBC") acquired by the Registrant
effective May 31, 1996. On that date NBC had total assets of $152,000,000.

Independent Bank West Michigan is the result of a merger in 1985 of the First
State Bank of Newaygo (acquired December 16, 1974), the Western State Bank,
Howard City (acquired February 7, 1977), and the Bank of Rockford (organized by
the Registrant as a new bank on August 18, 1975).

Independent Bank South Michigan is the result of a merger in 1985 of the Peoples
Bank of Leslie (acquired February 16, 1981) and the Olivet State Bank (acquired
on October 16, 1979).





                                       1
<PAGE>   3

ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)

  
Independent Bank East Michigan is the result of the consolidation of the former
American Home Bank (acquired October 8, 1993), Pioneer Bank (acquired October
15, 1993) and The Kingston State Bank (acquired March 7, 1994). On December 13,
1996 Independent Bank East Michigan purchased eight offices from First of
America Bank--Michigan N.A. with deposits and loans of $121,900,000 and
$22,100,000, respectively.

On November 7, 1996, the Registrant formed IBC Capital Finance, a Delaware
statutory business trust ("IBC Capital"). IBC Capital's business and affairs are
conducted by its property trustee, a Delaware trustee, and three individual
administrative trustees who are employees or officers of or affiliated with the
Registrant. IBC Capital exists for the sole purposes of selling and issuing its
preferred securities and common securities, using the proceeds from the sale of
those securities to acquire subordinated debentures issued by the Registrant and
certain related services. As a result, the sole assets of IBC Capital are the
subordinated debentures of the Registrant.

The Banks transact business in the single industry segment of commercial
banking. Most of the Banks' offices provide full service lobby and drive-in
services in the communities which they serve. Automatic teller machines are also
provided at most locations.

The Banks' activities cover all phases of commercial banking, including checking
and savings accounts, commercial and agricultural lending, direct and indirect
consumer financing, mortgage lending and deposit box services. The Banks also
offer title insurance services through a separate subsidiary. The Banks do not
offer trust services. The principal markets are the rural and suburban
communities across lower Michigan that are served by the banks' branch networks.
The local economies of the communities served by the Banks are relatively stable
and reasonably diversified. The Banks serve their markets through their four
main offices and a total of 54 branch and 9 loan production offices.

Banking is highly competitive. The Banks compete with other commercial banks,
savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage banking companies,
securities brokerage companies, insurance companies, and money market mutual
funds. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources than the
Registrant and the Banks and offer certain services that the Registrant and
Banks do not currently provide. Such competitors may also have greater lending
limits than the Banks. The number of competitors may increase as a result of the
easing of restrictions on interstate banking effected under the Riegle-Neal
Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Riegle-Neal Act").
In addition, non-bank competitors are generally not subject to the extensive
regulations applicable to the Registrant and the Banks.

Price (the interest charged on loans and/or paid on deposits) remains a
principal means of competition within the financial services industry. The Banks
also compete on the basis of service and convenience, utilizing the strengths
and benefits of the Registrant's decentralized structure to providing financial
services.

The principal sources of revenue, on a consolidated basis, are interest and fees
on loans, other interest income and non-interest income. The sources of income
for the three most recent years are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1997           1996             1995
                                                       -----          -----            ----
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>             <C>  
      Interest and fees on loans                        76.6%          76.5%           76.1%
      Other interest income                             13.5           15.0            16.3
      Non-interest income                                9.9            8.5             7.6
                                                       -----          -----           -----
                                                       100.0%         100.0%          100.0%
                                                       =====          =====           =====
</TABLE>


As of December 31, 1997, the Registrant and the Banks had 507 full-time
employees and 201 part-time employees.

Supervision and Regulation

The following is a summary of certain statutes and regulations affecting the
Registrant and the Banks. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the particular statutes and regulations. A change in applicable laws or
regulations may have a material effect on the Registrant, the Banks and the
businesses of the Registrant and the Banks.





                                       2
<PAGE>   4




 


ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)


General

Financial institutions and their holding companies are extensively regulated
under federal and state law. Consequently, the growth and earnings performance
of the Registrant and the Banks can be affected not only by management decisions
and general and local economic conditions, but also by the statutes administered
by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory
authorities. The effect of such statutes, regulations and policies and any
changes thereto can be significant and cannot be predicted.

The system of supervision and regulation applicable to the Registrant and the
Banks establishes a comprehensive framework for their respective operations and
is intended primarily for the protection of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation's (the "FDIC") deposit insurance funds, the depositors of the Banks,
and the public, rather than the shareholders of the Registrant. Federal law and
regulations, including provisions added by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") and regulations promulgated
thereunder, establish supervisory standards applicable to the lending activities
of the Banks, including internal controls, credit underwriting, loan
documentation, and loan-to-value ratios for loans secured by real property.

The Registrant

General. The Registrant is a bank holding company and, as such, is registered
with, and subject to regulation by, the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") under the Bank Holding Company Act, as
amended (the "BHCA"). Under the BHCA, the Registrant is subject to periodic
examination by the Federal Reserve, and is required to file periodic reports of
its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may
require.

In accordance with Federal Reserve policy, a bank holding company is expected to
act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks and to commit
resources to support the subsidiary banks in circumstances where the bank
holding company might not do so absent such policy. In addition, if the
Commissioner of the Michigan Financial Institutions Bureau (the "Commissioner")
deems a bank's capital to be impaired, the Commissioner may require a bank to
restore its capital by special assessment upon a bank holding company, as the
bank's sole shareholder. If the bank holding company were to fail to pay such
assessment, the directors of that bank would be required, under Michigan law, to
sell the shares of that bank stock owned by the bank holding company to the
highest bidder at either public or private auction and use the proceeds of the
sale to restore the bank's capital.

Any capital loans by a bank holding company to a subsidiary bank are subordinate
in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such
subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any
commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to
maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy
trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

Investments and Activities. Under the BHCA, bank holding companies are
prohibited, with certain limited exceptions, from engaging in activities other
than those of banking or of managing or controlling banks and from acquiring or
retaining direct or indirect ownership or control of voting shares or assets of
any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, other than subsidiary
companies furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries,
and other subsidiaries engaged in activities which, by the Federal Reserve's
determination, are closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks.

In general, any direct or indirect acquisition by a bank holding company of any
voting shares of any bank which would result in the bank holding company's
direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting
shares of such bank, and any merger or consolidation of the bank holding company
with another bank holding company, will require the prior written approval of
the Federal Reserve under the BHCA. In acting on such applications, the Federal
Reserve must consider various statutory factors. Among others, such statutory
factors include the effect of the proposed transaction on competition in
relevant geographic and product markets, and each party's financial condition,
managerial resources, and record of performance under the Community Reinvestment
Act.





                                       3
<PAGE>   5





ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)
  

In addition and subject to certain exceptions, the Change in the Bank Control
Act ("Control Act") and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Federal
Reserve, require any person acting directly or indirectly, or through or in
concert with one or more persons, to give the Federal Reserve 60 days' written
notice before acquiring control of a bank holding company. Transactions which
are presumed to constitute the acquisition of control include the acquisition of
any voting securities of a bank holding company having securities registered
under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if, after
the transaction, the acquiring person (or persons acting in

concert) owns, controls or holds with power to vote 25% or more of any class of
voting securities of the institution. The acquisition may not be consummated
subsequent to such notice if the Federal Reserve issues a notice within 60 days,
or within certain extensions of such period, disapproving the same.

The merger or consolidation of an existing bank subsidiary of a bank holding
company with another bank, or the acquisition by such a subsidiary of the assets
of another bank, or the assumption of the deposit and other liabilities by such
a subsidiary requires the prior written approval of the responsible Federal
depository institution regulatory agency under the Bank Merger Act, based upon a
consideration of statutory factors similar to those outlined above with respect
to the BHCA. In addition, in certain cases an application to, and the prior
approval of, the Commissioner under Michigan banking laws, may be required.

 With certain limited exceptions, the BHCA prohibits bank holding companies from
acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of voting shares or assets of
any company other than a bank, unless the company involved is engaged solely in
one or more activities which the Federal Reserve has determined to be closely
related to banking or managing or controlling banks. The Economic Growth and
Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 ("EGRPRA") streamlined the nonbanking
activities application process for well capitalized and well managed bank
holding companies.

Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve uses capital adequacy guidelines in
its examination and regulation of bank holding companies. If capital falls below
minimum guidelines, a bank holding company may, among other things, be denied
approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank businesses.

The Federal Reserve's capital guidelines establish the following minimum
regulatory capital requirements for bank holding companies: (i) a capital
leverage requirement expressed as a percentage of total assets, (ii) a
risk-based requirement expressed as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets,
and (iii) a Tier 1 leverage requirement expressed as a percentage of total
assets. The capital leverage requirement consists of a minimum ratio of total
capital to total assets of 6%, with an expressed expectation that banking
organizations generally should operate above such minimum level. The risk-based
requirement consists of a minimum ratio of total capital to total risk-weighted
assets of 8%, of which at least one-half must be Tier 1 capital (which consists
principally of shareholders' equity). The Tier 1 leverage requirement consists
of a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets, less goodwill, of 3% for
the most highly rated companies, with minimum requirements of 4% to 5% for all
others.

The risk-based and leverage standards presently used by the Federal Reserve are
minimum requirements, and higher capital levels will be required if warranted by
the particular circumstances or risk profiles of individual banking
organizations.

FDICIA requires the federal bank regulatory agencies biennially to review
risk-based capital standards to ensure that they adequately address interest
rate risk, concentration of credit risk and risks from non-traditional
activities. In 1995, the Federal bank regulatory agencies have also adopted
regulations requiring as part of the assessment of an institution's capital
adequacy the consideration of identified concentrations of credit risks and the
exposure of the institution to a decline in the value of its capital due to
changes in interest rates.

Dividends. Subsidiary banks are subject to statutory restrictions on their
ability to pay dividends to a bank holding company. In its policy statement, the
Federal Reserve expressed its view that a bank holding company experiencing
earnings weaknesses should not pay cash dividends exceeding its net income or
which could only be funded in ways that weakened the bank holding company's
financial health. Additionally, the Federal Reserve possesses






                                       4
<PAGE>   6



enforcement powers over bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries
to prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or
violations of applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the
ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding
companies. Similar 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)
  
enforcement powers over subsidiary banks are possessed by the FDIC. The "prompt
corrective action" provisions of FDICIA impose further restrictions on the
payment of dividends by insured banks which fail to meeting specified capital
levels and, in some cases, impose similar restrictions on their parent bank
holding companies.

 In addition to the restrictions on dividends imposed by the Federal Reserve,
the Michigan Business Corporation Act provides that dividends may be legally
declared or paid only if after the distribution a corporation can pay its debts
as they come due in the usual course of business and its total assets equal or
exceed the sum of its liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to
satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of any holders of preferred
stock whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the
distribution. The Registrant does not have any holders of its preferred stock.

The Banks

 General. The Banks are Michigan banking corporations and their deposit accounts
are principally insured by the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") of the FDIC. As
BIF-insured Michigan chartered banks, the Banks are subject to the examination,
supervision, reporting and enforcement requirements of the Commissioner, as the
chartering authority for Michigan banks, and the FDIC, as administrator of the
BIF.

 Deposit Insurance. As FDIC-insured institutions, banks are required to pay
deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. Pursuant to FDICIA, the FDIC
adopted a risk-based assessment system under which all insured depository
institutions are placed into one of nine categories and assessed insurance
premiums, based upon their level of capital and supervisory evaluation.
Institutions classified as well-capitalized and considered healthy pay the
lowest premium while institutions that are less than adequately capitalized and
considered of substantial supervisory concern pay the highest premium. The FDIC
has established the schedule of BIF-insurance assessments, ranging from 0% of
deposits for institutions in the highest category to .27% of deposits for
institutions in the lowest category.

 Capital Requirements. FDICIA establishes five capital categories, and the
federal depository institution regulators, as directed by FDICIA, have adopted,
subject to certain exceptions, the following minimum requirements for each of
such categories:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     TOTAL             TIER 1
                                   RISK-BASED        RISK-BASED
                                  CAPITAL RATIO     CAPITAL RATIO   LEVERAGE RATIO
                                  -------------     -------------   --------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>             <C>        
Well capitalized                  10% or above      6% or above     5% or above
Adequately capitalized              8% or above     4% or above     4% or above
Undercapitalized                  Less than 8%      Less than 4%    Less than 4%
Significantly undercapitalized    Less than 6%      Less than 3%    Less than 3%
Critically undercapitalized           --                --          A ratio of tangible equity
                                                                    to total assets of 2% or
                                                                    less
</TABLE>


At December 31, 1997, each of the Banks' ratios exceeded minimum requirements
for the well-capitalized category. See note 16 to the 1997 consolidated
financial statements.

FDICIA requires the federal depository institution regulators to take prompt
corrective action with respect of depository institutions that do not meet
minimum capital requirements. The scope and degree of regulatory intervention is
linked to the capital category to which a depository institution is assigned. A
depository institution may be reclassified to a lower category than is indicated
by its capital position if the appropriate federal depository institution
regulatory agency determines the institution to be otherwise in an unsafe or
unsound condition or to be engaged in an unsafe or unsound practice.





                                       5
<PAGE>   7



Commissioner Assessments. Michigan banks are required to pay supervisory fees to
the Commissioner to fund the operations of the Michigan Financial Institutions
Bureau. The amount of supervisory fees paid by a bank is based upon the bank's
total assets, as reported to the Commissioner. 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)

FICO Assessments. Pursuant to federal legislation enacted September 30, 1996,
the banks, as members of BIF, are subject to assessments to cover the payments
on outstanding obligations of the financing corporation ("FICO"). FICO was
created in 1987 to finance the recapitalization of the Federal Savings and Loan
Insurance Corporation, the predecessor to the FDIC's Savings Association
Insurance Fund (the "SAIF), which insures the deposits of thrift institutions.
Until January 1, 2000, the FICO assessments made against BIF members may not
exceed 20 percent of the amount of FICO assessments made against SAIF members.
Currently, SAIF members pay FICO assessments at a rate equal to approximately
0.063 percent of deposits, while BIF members pay FICO assessments at a rate
equal to approximately 0.013 percent of deposits. Between January 1, 2000, and
the maturity of the outstanding FICO obligations in 2019, BIF members and SAIF
members will share the cost of the interest on the FICO bonds on a pro rata
basis. It is estimated that FICO assessments during this period will be less
than 0.025 percent of deposits.

Dividends. Under Michigan law, banks are restricted as to the maximum amount of
dividends they may pay on their common stock. A Michigan state bank may not
declare or pay a dividend unless the bank will have a surplus amounting to at
least 20% of its capital after the payment of the dividend.

FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital
distribution or paying any management fee to its holding company if the
depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. The FDIC may also
prevent an insured bank from paying dividends if the bank is in default of
payment of any assessment due to the FDIC. Payment of dividends by a bank may be
prevented by the applicable federal regulatory authority if such payment is
determined, by reason of the financial condition of such bank, to be an unsafe
and unsound banking practice.

Insider Transactions. Banks are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the
Federal Reserve Act on "covered transactions" with the Registrant or its
subsidiaries. Certain limitations and reporting requirements are also placed on
extensions of credit by banks to their directors and officers, to directors and
officers of bank holding company's and their subsidiaries, to principal
shareholders of the Registrant, and to "related interests" of such directors,
officers and principal shareholders.

Safety and Soundness Standards. Pursuant to FDICIA the FDIC adopted guidelines
to establish operational and managerial standards to promote the safety and
soundness of federally insured depository institutions. The guidelines establish
standards for internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems,
loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth,
and compensation, fees and benefits. The guidelines prescribe the goals to be
achieved in each area, and each institution is responsible for establishing its
own procedures to achieve those goals. If an institution fails to comply with
any of the standards set forth in the guidelines, the institution's primary
federal regulator may require the institution to submit a plan for achieving and
maintaining compliance.

State Bank Activities. Under FDICIA, as implemented by final regulations adopted
by the FDIC, FDIC-insured state banks are prohibited, subject to certain
exceptions, from making or retaining equity investments of a type, or in an
amount, that are not permissible for a national bank. FDICIA, as implemented by
FDIC regulations, also prohibits FDIC-insured state banks and their
subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, from engaging as a principal in any
activity that is not permitted for a national bank or its subsidiary,
respectively, unless the bank meets, and continues to meet, its minimum
regulatory capital requirements and the FDIC determines the activity would not
pose a significant risk to the deposit insurance fund of which the bank is a
member. Impermissible investments and activities must be otherwise divested or
discontinued within certain time frames set by the FDIC in accordance with
FDICIA.

Consumer Banking. The Banks' business includes making a variety of types of
loans to individuals. In making these loans, the Banks are subject to State
usury and regulatory laws and to various Federal statutes, such as the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real
Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. In receiving deposits, the Banks





                                       6
<PAGE>   8

are subject to extensive regulation under state and federal law and
regulations, including the Truth in Savings Act, the Expedited Funds
Availability Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Violation of these laws could result in the
imposition of significant damages and fines upon the Banks and their respective
directors and officers. 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)

Other. The Riegle-Neal Act allows bank holding companies to acquire banks
located in any state in the United States without regard to geographic
restrictions or reciprocity requirements imposed by state law, but subject to
certain conditions, including limitations on the aggregate amount of deposits
that may be held by the acquiring holding company and all of its insured
depository institution affiliates. The Riegle-Neal Act also allows banks to
establish interstate branch networks through acquisitions of other banks,
subject to certain conditions that include limitations on the aggregate amount
of deposits that may be held by the surviving bank and all of its insured
depository institution affiliates. The establishment of de novo interstate
branches or the acquisition of individual branches of a bank in another state
(rather than the acquisition of an out-of-state bank in its entirety) is allowed
by the Riegle-Neal Act only if specifically authorized by state law. The
legislation allowed individual states to "opt-out" of certain provisions of the
Riegle-Neal Act if appropriate legislation was enacted prior to June 1, 1997.

Michigan did not opt out of the Riegle-Neal Act, and now permits both U.S. and
non-U.S. banks to establish branch offices in Michigan. The Michigan Banking
Code permits, in appropriate circumstances and with the approval of the
Commissioner, (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a
Michigan-chartered bank by an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank, or savings and
loan association located in another state, (ii) the acquisition by a
Michigan-chartered bank of all or substantially all of the assets of an
FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in
another state, (iii) the consolidation of one or more Michigan-chartered banks
and FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located
in other states having laws permitting such consolidation, with the resulting
organization chartered by Michigan, (iv) the establishment by a foreign bank,
which has not previously designated any other state as its home state under the
International Banking Act of 1978, of branches located in Michigan, and (v) the
establishment or acquisition of branches in Michigan by FDIC-insured banks
located in other states, the District of Columbia or U.S. territories or
protectorates having laws permitting Michigan-chartered banks to establish
branches in such jurisdiction. Further, the Michigan Banking Code permits, upon
written notice to the Commissioner, (i) the acquisition by a Michigan-chartered
bank of one or more branches (not comprising all or substantially all of the
assets) of an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association
located in another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or
protectorate, (ii) the establishment by Michigan-chartered banks of branches
located in other states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories or
protectorates, and (iii) the consolidation of one or more Michigan-chartered
banks and FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations
located in other states, with the resulting organization chartered by one of
such other states.

In addition to the authorization of interstate banking discussed above, Michigan
law permits banks to consolidate on a state-wide basis and to operate the
offices of merged banks as branches of a surviving bank. Also, with the written
approval of the Commissioner, banks may relocate their main office to any
location in the state, establish and operate branch banks anywhere in the state
and contract with other banks to act as branches thereof. To better serve their
customers, the Banks have entered into an interbank branching agreements,
whereby each of the Banks may act as a branch of the other three banks.





                                       7
<PAGE>   9



ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE
I.  (A)       DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY;
    (B)       INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

     The following table sets forth average balances for major categories of
interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, the interest earned
(on a tax equivalent basis) or paid on such amounts, and the average interest
rates earned or paid thereon for each of the years ended December 31,:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    1997                            1996                            1995
                            ------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------------
                             Average          Yield/      Average             Yield/     Average              Yield/
ASSETS                       Balance Interest  Rate       Balance   Interest   Rate      Balance    Interest    Rate
- ------                       ------- --------  ----       -------   --------   ----      -------    --------    ----
<S>                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                     (dollars in thousands)
   Loans--all domestic      $689,166 $65,478   9.50%     $510,434   $49,478    9.69%     $382,644    $37,654   9.84%
   Securities
     Taxable                 115,046   7,922   6.89       100,945     6,710    6.65        93,064      5,919   6.36
     Tax-exempt               52,139   4,423   8.48        39,393     3,433    8.72        31,516      2,914   9.25
   Other investments          13,145     999   7.60        13,946       971    6.96         6,153        421   6.84
                            -------- -------             --------   -------              --------    -------
       Interest earning      869,496  78,822   9.07       664,718    60,592    9.12       513,377     46,908   9.14
        assets              --------                     --------                                              ----   

   Cash and due from
     banks                    26,251                       21,573                          16,091
   Other assets, net          41,395                       21,038                          14,115
                            --------                     --------                        -------- 
       Total assets         $937,142                     $707,329                        $543,583
                            ========                     ========                        ========

LIABILITIES
   Savings and NOW          $331,959   8,480   2.55      $250,977     6,116    2.44      $217,721      5,515   2.53
   Time deposits             263,046  14,134   5.37       187,117    10,022    5.36       141,292      6,955   4.92
   Long-term debt              8,245     602   7.30         4,875       335    6.87
   Other borrowings          187,519  11,559   6.16       144,703     8,340    5.76        89,048      5,430   6.10
                            -------- -------             --------   -------              --------    -------
                            
      Interest bearing
        liabilities          790,769  34,775   4.40       587,672    24,813    4.22       448,061     17,900   4.00
                                     -------                        -------                          -------

   Demand deposits            81,191                       61,161                          46,539
   Other liabilities           9,444                        8,597                           5,296
   Shareholders' equity       55,738                       49,899                          43,687
                            --------                     --------                        --------
                            
     Total liabilities and
       shareholders' 
       equity               $937,142                     $707,329                        $543,583
                            ========                     ========                        ========

     Net interest income             $44,047                        $35,779                          $29,008
                                     =======                        =======                          =======

     Net interest income as
       a percent of 
       earning assets                          5.07%                           5.38%                           5.65%
                                               ====                            ====                            ====
</TABLE>


(1)  Average loans outstanding includes the daily average balance of
     non-performing loans. Interest on loans does not include additional
     interest of approximately $252,000, $183,000 and $199,000 for 1997, 1996
     and 1995, respectively, which would have been accrued based on the original
     terms of such non-performing loans compared with the interest that was
     actually recorded. Interest income on loans includes net origination fees
     of $4,001,000 in 1997, $3,331,000 in 1996 and $2,702,000 in 1995.

(2)  Interest on tax-exempt securities has been adjusted to reflect preferential
     taxation. The adjustment assumes a marginal tax rate of 35% in 1997 and 34%
     in 1996 and 1995. For purposes of this analysis, tax-exempt loans are
     included in tax-exempt securities.





                                       8
<PAGE>   10





ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE (Continued)
I. (C)        INTEREST RATES AND DIFFERENTIAL

     The following table summarizes the changes in interest income (on a tax
equivalent basis) and interest expense resulting from changes in volume and
changes in rates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  1997 Compared to 1996                1996 Compared to 1995
                                            ----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                                  Volume       Rate        Net       Volume      Rate       Net
                                                  ------       ----        ---       ------      ----       --- 
                                                                        (in thousands)
<S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Increase (decrease) in interest income (1)
   Loans--all domestic                          $ 17,000    $ (1,000)   $ 16,000   $ 12,395   $   (571)   $ 11,824
   Taxable securities                                964         248       1,212        516        275         791
   Tax-exempt securities (2)                       1,083         (93)        990        695       (176)        519
   Other investments                                 (58)         86          28        542          8         550
                                                --------    --------    --------   --------   --------    --------   
       Total interest income                      18,989        (759)     18,230     14,148       (464)     13,684
                                                --------    --------    --------   --------   --------    --------


Increase (decrease) in interest expense (1)
   Savings and NOW                                 2,056         308       2,364        817       (216)        601
   Time deposits                                   4,080          32       4,112      2,412        655       3,067
   Long-term debt                                    245          22         267        335                    335
   Other borrowings                                2,607         612       3,219      3,223       (313)      2,910
                                                --------    --------    --------   --------   --------    --------   
       Total interest expense                      8,988         974       9,962      6,787        126       6,913
                                                --------    --------    --------   --------   --------    --------   
         Net interest income                    $ 10,001    $ (1,733)   $  8,268   $  7,361   $   (590)   $  6,771
                                                ========    ========    ========   ========   ========    ========
</TABLE>


(1)  The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to
     volume or rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute
     dollar amounts of the change in each.

(2)  Interest on tax-exempt securities has been adjusted to reflect preferential
     taxation. The adjustment assumes a marginal tax rate of 35% in 1997 and 34%
     in 1996 and 1995.

II.           INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

     (A) The following table sets forth the book value of securities at December
31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1997          1996       1995
                                          ---------     --------   --------
                                                   (in thousands)
<S>                                       <C>           <C>        <C>
Held to maturity
   U.S. Government  agencies               $    997     $  1,484    $ 2,559
   States and political subdivisions         18,353       21,192     20,142
   Mortgage-backed securities                 2,785        3,688      4,487
   Other securities                             390          390        718
                                           --------     --------    -------
       Total                               $ 22,525     $ 26,754    $27,906
                                           ========     ========    =======

Available for sale
   U.S. Treasury                           $  7,105     $ 27,722    $23,272
   U.S. Government agencies                  15,492       21,159      6,623
   States and political subdivisions         26,849       21,854      9,290
   Mortgage-backed securities                53,147       57,528     37,722
   Other securities                           8,176        8,589     10,646
                                           --------     --------    -------
       Total                               $110,769     $136,852    $87,553
                                           ========     ========    =======

</TABLE>




                                       9
<PAGE>   11





ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE  (Continued)
II.           INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO  (Continued)

     (B) The following table sets forth contractual maturities of securities at
December 31, 1997 and the weighted average yield of such securities:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Maturing               Maturing
                                        Maturing              After One             After Five              Maturing
                                         Within              But Within             But Within               After
                                        One Year             Five Years             Ten Years              Ten Years
                                   -------------------    ------------------    -------------------    -------------------
                                     Amount      Yield     Amount    Yield       Amount     Yield        Amount    Yield
                                     ------      -----     ------    -----       ------     -----        ------    -----
                                                                     (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                   <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>
Held  to maturity                                         
   U.S. Government agencies                                                                              $   997    7.53%
   States and political               
      subdivisions                    $1,466    8.63%      $12,139   9.45%         $3,811    9.57%           937    9.09
   Mortgage-backed securities --                          
      guaranteed or issued by                             
      U.S. Government agencies           469    7.29         1,886   7.45             430    8.83
   Other securities                      200    5.45           190   6.50                              
                                      ------               -------                 ------                 ------
       Total                          $2,135    7.95%      $14,215   9.01%         $4,241    9.35%        $1,934    8.20%
                                      ======               =======                 ======                 ======
                                                          
Tax equivalent adjustment                                 
  for calculations of yield              $44                  $402                   $128                    $30
                                         ===                  ====                   ====                    ===
                                                          
Available for sale                                        
   U.S. Treasury                                           $ 7,105   6.27%
   U.S. Government agencies                                  1,000   6.00         $14,492    6.59%
   States and political                                   
      subdivisions                    $1,433    8.20%        7,044   9.40          10,008    8.66        $ 8,364    8.26%
   Mortgage backed securities                             
        Guaranteed or issued by U.S.                        
        Government agencies            1,944    7.57        34,765   7.17           2,717    6.90          8,337    7.18
      Other mortgage-backed                               
        securities                       722    7.61         4,662   6.75
   Other securities                                          5,201   6.68                                 2,975    6.88
                                      ------               -------                -------                -------
       Total                          $4,099    7.75%      $59,777   7.21%        $27,217    7.33%       $19,676    7.54%
                                      ======               =======                =======                =======
                                                          
Tax equivalent adjustment                                 
  for calculations of yield              $41                  $232                   $303                   $242
                                         ===                  ====                   ====                   ====

</TABLE>

The rates set forth in the tables above for obligations of state and political
subdivisions have been restated on a tax equivalent basis assuming a marginal
tax rate of 35% in 1997 and 34% in 1996 and 1995. The amount of the adjustment
is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   Tax-Exempt                    Rate on Tax
Held to maturity                      Rate        Adjustment   Equivalent Basis
- -----------------                 -----------     ----------   ----------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>             <C>  
   Under 1 year                       5.61%         3.02%           8.63%
   1-5 years                          6.14          3.31            9.45
   5-10 years                         6.22          3.35            9.57 
   After 10 years                     5.91          3.18            9.09
                                                                    
                                                                    
Available for sale                                                  
   Under 1 year                       5.33%         2.87%           8.20%
   1-5 years                          6.11          3.29            9.40
   5-10 years                         5.63          3.03            8.66
   After 10 years                     5.37          2.89            8.26

</TABLE>
                                                                              
                                                                              





                                       10
<PAGE>   12



ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE  (Continued)
III.          LOAN PORTFOLIO

     (A) The following table sets forth loans outstanding at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1997       1996        1995       1994       1993
                                                 ----       ----        ----       ----       ----
                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>     
Loans held for sale                            $ 21,754   $ 11,583   $ 16,047   $  5,933   $  6,376
Real estate mortgage                            416,689    331,150    225,900    166,794    136,579
Commercial and agricultural                     199,098    164,304    108,879    103,984     91,655
Installment                                     128,391    114,250     83,265     65,947     54,033
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
    Total Loans                                $765,932   $621,287   $434,091   $342,658   $288,643
                                               ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>


     The loan portfolio is periodically and systematically reviewed and the
results of these reviews are reported to the Boards of Directors of the
Registrant and the Banks. The purpose of these reviews is to assist in assuring
proper loan documentation, to provide for the early identification of potential
problem loans (which enhances collection prospects) and to evaluate the adequacy
of the allowance for loan losses.

     (B) The following table sets forth scheduled loan repayments (excluding 1-4
family residential mortgages and installment loans) at December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Due
                                                                Due          After One         Due
                                                               Within       But Within        After
                                                              One Year      Five Years     Five Years      Total
                                                              --------      ----------     ----------      -----
                                                                                (in thousands)

<S>                                                           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Real estate mortgage                                          $ 13,977       $ 27,932       $ 37,109     $ 79,018
Commercial and agricultural                                     95,574         88,305         15,219      199,098
                                                              --------       --------       --------     --------   
    Total                                                     $109,551       $116,237       $ 52,328     $278,116
                                                              ========       ========       ========     ========

</TABLE>

 The following table sets forth loans due after one year which have
predetermined (fixed) interest rates and/or adjustable (variable) interest rates
at December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     Fixed         Variable
                                                      Rate           Rate        Total
                                                    --------       --------      ------
                                                              (in thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>     
Due after one but within five years                 $ 96,758       $19,479       $116,237
Due after five years                                  37,855        14,473         52,328
                                                    --------       -------       --------
    Total                                           $134,613       $33,952       $168,565
                                                    ========       =======       ========
</TABLE>






                                       11
<PAGE>   13





ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE  (Continued)
III.          LOAN PORTFOLIO  (Continued)

     (C) The following table sets forth non-performing loans at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                1997      1996        1995         1994        1993
                                                ----      ----        ----         ----        ----
                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                                             <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
(a)  Loans accounted for on a
        non-accrual basis (1, 2)                $3,298    $1,711      $1,886       $2,052      $1,707

(b)     Aggregate amount of loans 
         ninety days or more past due
        (excludes loans in (a) above)            1,904     1,994         427          254         408

(c)     Loans not included above which 
         are "troubled debt restructurings"
         as defined in Statement of Financial 
         Accounting Standards No. 15 (2)           184       197         247          528       1,098
                                                ------    ------      ------       ------      ------

            Total non-performing loans          $5,386    $3,902      $2,560       $2,834      $3,213
                                                ======    ======      ======       ======      ======

</TABLE>

(1)  The accrual of interest income is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days
     past due and/or the borrower's capacity to repay the loan and collateral
     values appear insufficient. Non-accrual loans may be restored to accrual
     status when interest and principal payments are current and the loan
     appears otherwise collectible.

(2)  Interest in the amount of $442,000 would have been earned in 1997 had loans
     in categories (a) and (c) remained at their original terms, however, only
     $190,000 was included in interest income for the year with respect to these
     loans.

     Other loans of concern identified by the loan review department which are
not included as non-performing totaled approximately $1,000,000 at December 31,
1997. These loans involve circumstances which have caused management to place
increased scrutiny on the credits and may, in some instances, represent an
increased risk of loss to the Banks.

     At December 31, 1997, there was no concentration of loans exceeding 10% of
total loans which is not already disclosed as a category of loans in this
section "Loan Portfolio" (Item III(A)).

     There were no other interest bearing assets at December 31, 1997, that
would be required to be disclosed above (Item III(C)), if such assets were
loans.

     There were no foreign loans outstanding at December 31, 1997.





                                       12
<PAGE>   14


ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE  (Continued)
IV.           SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

     (A) The following table sets forth loan balances and summarizes the changes
in the allowance for loan losses for each of the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               1997       1996          1995         1994         1993
                                               ----       ----          ----         ----         ----
                                                               (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>     
Loans outstanding at the end of
  the year (net of unearned fees)             $765,932   $621,287      $434,091     $342,658     $288,643
                                              ========   ========      ========     ========     ========

Average loans outstanding for
  the year (net of unearned fees)             $689,166   $510,434      $382,644     $294,968     $259,334
                                              ========   ========      ========     ========     ========

Balance of allowance for loan losses
  at beginning of year                          $6,960     $5,243        $5,054       $5,053       $4,023
                                                ------     ------        ------       ------       ------
Loans charged-off
  Real estate                                       78         24            24           14           38
  Commercial and agricultural                      262         66           113          311          306
  Installment                                    1,285      1,046           575          546          370
                                                 -----     ------        ------       ------       ------
    Total loans charged-off                      1,625      1,136           712          871          714
                                                 -----     ------        ------       ------       ------
Recoveries of loans previously
  charged-off
  Real estate                                        1          8            28            6           11
  Commercial and agricultural                      149        138           115          151          156
  Installment                                      435        294           122          242          164
                                                   ---     ------        ------          ---       ------
    Total recoveries                               585        440           265          399          331
                                                   ---     ------        ------          ---       ------
    Net loans charged-off                        1,040        696           447          472          383
Additions to allowance charged to
  operating expense                              1,750      1,233           636          473          657
Allowance on loans acquired                                 1,180                                     756
                                                ------     ------        ------       ------       ------
Balance at end of year                          $7,670     $6,960        $5,243       $5,054       $5,053
                                                ======     ======        ======       ======       ======

Net loans charged-off as a percent of
  average loans outstanding for the year         0.15%      0.14%         0.12%        0.16%        0.15%

Allowance for loan losses as a
  percent of loans outstanding at
  the end of the year                            1.00       1.12          1.21         1.48         1.75
                                                 

</TABLE>


     The allowance for loan losses reflected above is a valuation allowance in
its entirety and the only allowance available to absorb future loan losses.

     Further discussion of the provision and allowance for loan losses as well
as non-performing loans is presented in Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, incorporated herein by reference
in Item 7, Part II of this report.





                                       13
<PAGE>   15

ITEM 1.       BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE  (Continued)
IV.           SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE  (Continued)

     (B) The Banks have allocated the allowance for loan losses to provide for
the possibility of losses being incurred within the categories of loans set
forth in the table below. The amount of the allowance that is allocated and the
ratio of loans within each category to total loans at December 31 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         1997                             1996                             1995
                                         ----                             ----                             ----
                                              Percent                          Percent                          Percent
                               Allowance    of Loans to         Allowance    of Loans to         Allowance    of Loans to
                                Amount      Total Loans          Amount      Total Loans          Amount      Total Loans
                             -------------- -------------     -------------- -------------     -------------- -------------
                                                                (dollars in thousands)
<S>                              <C>            <C>               <C>          <C>               <C>             <C>
Commercial and
  agricultural                   $2,200         26.4%             $2,176        26.4%             $1,612         25.8%
Real estate
  mortgage                          322         56.8                 257        55.2                 162         55.0
Installment                         892         16.8                 834        18.4                 597         19.2
Unallocated                       4,256                            3,693                           2,872               
                                 ------        -----              ------       -----              ------        -----
    Total                        $7,670        100.0%             $6,960       100.0%             $5,243        100.0%
                                 ======        =====              ======       =====              ======        =====

<CAPTION>

                                        1994                             1993
                                        ----                             ----
                                              Percent                          Percent
                               Allowance    of Loans to         Allowance    of Loans to
                                Amount      Total Loans          Amount      Total Loans
                             -------------- -------------     -------------- -------------
                                               (dollars in thousands)
<S>                              <C>            <C>               <C>          <C>               
Commercial and
  agricultural                   $1,655         30.3%             $2,222         31.8%
Real estate
  mortgage                          177          50.4                270         49.5
Installment                         474          19.3                464         18.7
Unallocated                       2,748                            2,097
                                  -----         -----             ------        -----
    Total                        $5,054         100.0%            $5,053        100.0%
                                 ======         =====             ======        =====
</TABLE>

V.            DEPOSITS

     The following table sets forth average deposit balances and the
weighted-average rates paid thereon for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         1997                             1996                             1995
                                         ----                             ----                             ----
                                Average                          Average                           Average
                                Balance        Rate              Balance        Rate               Balance        Rate
                                -------        ----              -------        ----               -------        ----
                                                                 (dollars in thousands)
<S>                             <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
Non-interest bearing demand     $ 81,191                         $ 61,161                         $ 46,539
Savings and NOW                  331,959        2.55%             250,977       2.44%              217,721       2.53%
Time deposits                    263,046        5.37              187,117       5.36               141,292       4.92
                                --------                         --------                         --------
    Total                       $676,196        3.34%            $499,255       3.23%             $405,552       3.08%
                                ========                         ========                         ========

</TABLE>

     The following table summarizes time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more
by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                (in thousands)
<S>                                                                 <C>    
                  Three months or less                              $24,375
                  Over three through six months                       5,267
                  Over six months through one year                   14,026
                  Over one year                                       8,937
                                                                    -------
                  Total                                             $52,605
                                                                    =======
</TABLE>






                                       14
<PAGE>   16




ITEM 1. BUSINESS -- STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE  (Continued)
VI.           RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

     The ratio of net income to average shareholders' equity and to average
total assets, and certain other ratios, for the years ended December 31 follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1997       1996      1995       1994       1993
                                                       ----       ----      ----       ----       ----
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>  
Net income as a percent of
   Average common equity                               16.01%    15.74%     15.59%    15.22%     15.21%
   Average total assets                                 0.95      1.11       1.25      1.25       1.33

Dividends declared per share as a
  percent of net income per share                      36.79     36.76      37.20     34.78      25.58

Average shareholders' equity as a percent
  of average total assets                               5.95      7.05       8.04      8.22       8.72
</TABLE>

     Additional performance ratios are set forth in Selected Consolidated
Financial Data, incorporated herein by reference in Item 6, Part II of this
report. Any significant changes in the current trend of the above ratios are
reviewed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations, incorporated herein by reference in Item 7, Part II of
this report.


VII.          SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

     Short-term borrowings are discussed in note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements incorporated herein by reference in Item 8, Part II of this report.





                                       15
<PAGE>   17


ITEM 2.       PROPERTIES

The Registrant and the Banks operate a total of 69 facilities in Michigan. The
individual properties are not materially significant to the Registrants' or the
Banks' business or to the consolidated financial statements.

With the exception of the potential remodeling of certain facilities to provide
for the efficient use of work space or to maintain an appropriate appearance,
each property is considered reasonably adequate for current and anticipated
needs.


ITEM 3.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Due to the nature of their business, the Banks are often subject to numerous
legal actions. These legal actions, whether pending or threatened, arise through
the normal course of business and are not considered unusual or material.

Currently, no material legal procedures are pending which involve the Registrant
or the Banks.


ITEM 4.       SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.





                                       16
<PAGE>   18


ADDITIONAL ITEM - EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Executive officers of the Registrant are appointed annually by the Board of
Directors at the meeting of Directors following the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. There are no family relationships among these officers and/or the
Directors of the Registrant nor any arrangement or understanding between any
officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was elected.

The following sets forth certain information with respect to the Registrant's
executive officers and certain key officers of its subsidiaries (included for
information purposes only) as of December 31, 1997.

                                                                First elected
                                                              as an officer of
Name (Age)                     Position with Registrant        the registrant
- ----------                     ------------------------        --------------
Charles C. Van Loan (50)       President, Chief Executive      December, 1984
                               Officer and Director

William R. Kohls (40)          Executive Vice President and       May, 1985
                               Chief Financial Officer


Jeffrey A. Bratsburg (54)      President and Chief Executive        1985
                               Officer - Independent Bank
                               West Michigan

Edward B. Swanson (44)         President and Chief Executive        1989
                               Officer - Independent Bank
                               South Michigan

Michael M. Magee, Jr. (42)     President and Chief Executive        1993
                               Officer - Independent Bank

Ronald L. Long (38)            President and Chief Executive        1993
                               Officer - Independent Bank
                               East Michigan

Prior to being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1993, Mr. Magee 
was Executive Vice President of Independent Bank.

Prior to being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1993, Mr. Long was
Vice President and Controller of the Registrant.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of each of the Registrant's subsidiary
banks serve as members of various committees of the Registrant.





                                       17
<PAGE>   19



PART II.

ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
              STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information set forth under the caption "Quarterly Summary " on Page A-32 of
the Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated March 13,
1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (as filed
with the commission and as filed as exhibit 13 to this report on Form 10-K) is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 6.       SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The information set forth under the caption "Selected Consolidated Financial
Data" on Page A-12 of the Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy
statement, dated March 13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders (as filed with the commission and as filed as exhibit 13 to this
report on Form 10-K) is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
              AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The information set forth under the caption "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages A-2 through
A-10 of the Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated March
13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (as
filed with the commission and as filed as exhibit 13 to this report on Form
10-K) is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7a.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Asset/liability management. As a financial intermediary, the Registrant must
manage interest rate risk created by differences in the pricing characteristics
of the Banks' assets and funding sources. Options embedded in certain financial 
instruments, including caps on adjustable-rate loans as well as borrowers' 
rights to prepay fixed rate loans also entail interest rate risk.

The asset/liability management efforts of the Registrant and the Banks are
intended to identify and evaluate opportunities to structure the balance sheet
in a manner that is consistent with Management's mission to maintain profitable
financial leverage within established risk parameters. Management employs
simulation analyses to monitor the Banks' risk profiles and assess potential
changes in the Banks' net interest income and market value of portfolio equity
that may result from changes in interest rates. Such analyses further
incorporate assumptions relating to changes in the prepayment rates of certain
assets and liabilities. The magnitude of changes in net interest income and the
market value of portfolio equity under various levels of parallel market
interest rate changes is monitored by the asset/liability committees of the
Registrant and the Banks.  During the year ended December 31, 1997, the changes 
in net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity associated with
such changes in interest rates were within the policy limits established by the
Banks.

Derivative financial instruments may be employed to reduce the cost of alternate
funding sources while managing the Banks' exposure to changes in interest rates.
Interest rate caps, with a notional amount of $28,000,000, establish a maximum
cost of 6.97% on the associated short-term and variable rate borrowings, while
allowing borrowing costs to decline if market rates decrease. Interest rate
collars, with a notional amount of $10,000,000, establish a maximum cost of 
6.42% and a minimum rate of 5.71% on the associated short-term and variable 
rate borrowings.

Management's evaluation of various opportunities and alternate balance sheet
strategies carefully consider the likely impact on the Banks' risk profile as
well as the anticipated contribution to earnings. The marginal cost of alternate
funds is a principal consideration in the implementation of the Banks' balance
sheet management strategies, but such evaluations further consider interest rate
and liquidity risk as well as other relevant factors.





                                       18
<PAGE>   20


PART II.

Management has determined that the retention of 15- and 30-year fixed rate
mortgages is generally inconsistent with its goal to maintain profitable
leverage or the Banks' interest-rate risk profiles. Accordingly, the majority of
such loans are sold to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates.
Generally, adjustable-rate and balloon real estate mortgage loans may be
profitable funded within established risk parameters and retention of such loans
has been a principal focus of the Banks' balance sheet management strategies. 
The following table sets forth pricing characteristics of financial instruments
at December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        
                                                         YEARS                                                   FAIR              
                                       1          2          3        4           5         5+       TOTAL       VALUE     YIELD    
                                 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS(1,2)                                                         (dollars in thousands                                          
<S>                              <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>   
      Loans and loans held                                                                                                         
      for sale                   $397,809   $ 94,224    $82,741    $69,101    $26,313  $ 95,744     $765,932   $775,400     8.94%  
      Taxable securities           26,785     19,289     10,082      7,248      1,246    35,931      100,581    100,600     6.90   
      Tax-exempt securities         2,338      6,382      6,068      2,638      2,259    25,517       45,202     46,000     8.67   
                                 --------   --------    -------    -------    -------  --------     --------                       
        Interest earning assets   426,932    119,895     98,891     78,987     29,818   157,192      911,715                       
                                 --------   --------    -------    -------    -------  --------     
                                                                                                                                   
        Non-interest earning                                                                                                       
           assets                                                                                     72,102                       
                                                                                                    --------                       
           Total assets                                                                             $983,817                       
                                                                                                    ========                       
LIABILITIES AND SHARHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                   
      Demand, savings and                                                                                                          
        NOW(3)                    143,244     32,890     32,448     32,070     32,004   155,484     $428,140   $428,100     2.03%  
      Time deposits               176,794     58,117     18,430      8,519      5,001     5,479      272,340    274,000     5.47   
      Other borrowings            158,231     26,059     10,895                          17,250      212,435    214,400     6.17   
                                 --------   --------    -------    -------    -------  --------     --------                       
        Total deposits and other
           borrowings             478,269    117,066     61,773     40,589     37,005   178,213      912,915                       
                                 --------   --------    -------    -------    -------  --------                                    
        Shareholders' equity and  
           other liabilities                                                                          70,902                       
         Total liabilities and                                                                      --------  
           shareholders' equity                                                                     $983,817
                                                                                                    ========
      Caps and collars            (38,000)    24,000      6,000      6,000      2,000                                              
                                                                                                                                   
RATE SENSITIVITY GAP AND RATIOS                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                   
      Gap for period             $(13,337)  $(21,171)   $31,118    $32,398    $(9,187) $(21,021)                                  
                                 ========   ========    =======    =======    =======  ========                                   
      Cumulative gap             $(13,337)  $(34,508)   $(3,390)   $29,008    $19,821  $ (1,200)                                  
                                 ========   ========    =======    =======    =======  ========                                   
      Ratio of rate-sensitive       
        assets to rate-sensitive 
        liabilities for period       97.0%      85.0%     145.9%     169.5%      76.0%     88.2%                                 
      Cumulative ratio of rate-       
        sensitive assets to rate-     
        sensitive liabilities        97.0       94.1       99.5      104.2      106.0      99.9                                   
                                                                                                                                   
</TABLE>

(1) The information presented is a static analysis that does not consider
    potential changes in pricing characteristics given
    changes in interest rates and other influences that are beyond the control 
    of the Registrant.  As a result, certain assets and liabilities may mature 
    or reprice in other periods or at different volumes.
(2) The analysis incorporates Management's assumptions for prepayments on
    installment and real estate mortgage loans as well as mortgage-backed 
    securities.
(3) Non-maturity deposit repricing assumptions consider the estimated life of
    the account along with Management's ability to set interest rates.






                                       19
<PAGE>   21



PART II.

ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and the
independent auditor's report are set forth on pages A-13 through A-31 of the
Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated March 13, 1998,
relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (as filed with the
commission and as filed as exhibit 13 to this report on Form 10-K) is
incorporated herein by reference.


                    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at
                      December 31, 1997 and 1996

                    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
                      December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
                      December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

                    Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
                      for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

                    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                    Independent Auditor's Report

The supplementary data required by this item set forth under the caption
"Quarterly Financial Data" on page A-32 of the Appendix to the Registrant's
definitive proxy statement, dated March 13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (as filed with the commission and as filed as
exhibit 13 to this report on Form 10-K) is incorporated herein by reference.

The portions of the Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement,
dated March 13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders (as filed with the commission and as filed as exhibit 13 to this
report on Form 10-K) which are not specifically incorporated by reference as
part of this Form 10-K are not deemed to be a part of this report.


ITEM 9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
              ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None



PART III.


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

DIRECTORS - The information with respect to Directors of the Registrant, set
forth under the caption "Election of Directors" on pages 2 through 4 of the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated March 13, 1998, relating to the
April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (as filed with the commission) is
incorporated herein by reference.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS - Reference is made to additional item under Part I of this
report on Form 10-K.






                                       20
<PAGE>   22






PART III.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information set forth under the captions "Summary Compensation Table",
"Option Grants in 1997" and "Aggregated Stock Option Exercises in 1997 and Year
End Option Values" on pages 8 through 9 of the Registrant's definitive proxy
statement, dated March 13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders (as filed with the commission) is incorporated herein by
reference. Information under the caption "Committee Report on Executive
Compensation" on pages 6 through 7 of the definitive proxy statement is not
incorporated by reference herein and is not deemed to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
         MANAGEMENT

The information set forth under the captions "Voting Securities and Record
Date", "Election of Directors" and "Securities Ownership of Management" on pages
1, 2 and 8, respectively, of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated
March 13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(as filed with the commission) is incorporated herein by reference. Information
under the captions "Shareholder Return Performance Graph" and "Committee Report
on Executive Compensation" on pages 5 through 7 of the definitive proxy
statement is not incorporated by reference herein and is not deemed to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information set forth under the caption "Transactions Involving Management"
on page 10 of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated March 13, 1998,
relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (as filed with the
commission) is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV


ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
         FORM 8-K

(a)     1.    Financial Statements
              All financial statements of the Registrant are incorporated herein
by reference as set forth in the Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy
statement, dated March 13, 1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders (filed as exhibit 13 to this report on Form 10-K.)

        2.    Financial Statement Schedules
              Not applicable

        3.    Exhibits (Numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K)
              The Exhibit Index is located on the final page of this report on
              Form 10-K.

(b)           Reports on Form 8-K
              No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of the
              year ended December 31, 1997.





                                       21
<PAGE>   23


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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, dated March 17, 1998.

INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION


  s/Charles C. Van Loan     Charles C. Van Loan, President and Chief Executive 
  --------------------------   Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

    s/William R. Kohls      William R. Kohls, Executive Vice President and 
 --------------------------   Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial 
                              Officer)

    s/James J. Twarozynski  James J. Twarozynski, Vice President and Controller
 --------------------------   (Principal Accounting Officer)


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each director of the Registrant,
who's signature appears below hereby appoints Charles C. Van Loan and William R.
Kohls and each of them severally, as his attorney-in-fact, to sign in his name
and on his behalf, as a director of the Registrant, and to file with the
Commission any and all Amendments to this Report on Form 10-K.


Keith E. Bazaire, Director              s/Keith E. Bazaire
                                        ----------------------

Terry L. Haske, Director                s/Terry L. Haske
                                        ----------------------

Thomas F. Kohn, Director                s/Thomas F. Kohn
                                        ----------------------

Robert J. Leppink, Director             s/Robert J. Leppink
                                        ----------------------

Charles A. Palmer, Director             s/Charles A. Palmer
                                        ----------------------

Charles C. Van Loan, Director           s/Charles C. Van Loan
                                        ----------------------

Arch V. Wright, Jr., Director           s/Arch V. Wright, Jr.
                                        ----------------------





                                       22
<PAGE>   24



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit number and description
EXHIBITS FILED HEREWITH

13     Appendix to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement, dated March 13,
       1998, relating to the April 21, 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
       This appendix was filed with the Commission as part of the Company's
       proxy statement and was delivered to the Company's shareholders in
       compliance with Rule 14(a)-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of
       1934, as amended.

21     List of Subsidiaries.

23     Consent of Independent Accountants

24     Power of Attorney (Included on page 22).

27     Financial Data Schedule

EXHIBITS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

3.1   Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to 
Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 
30, 1994).

3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
3(ii) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
1994).

4     Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, as amended
(incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Form S-3 Registration
Statement dated June 13, 1994, filed under Registration No. 33-80088).

4.1   Form of Indenture, dated as of December 17, 1996 (incorporated herein by
reference to the Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement dated December 6,
1996, filed under Registration No. 33-14507) .

4.2   Form of Subordinated Debenture (included as an exhibit to Exhibit 4.1),
(incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Form S-2 Registration
Statement dated December 6, 1996, filed under Registration No. 33- 14507).

4.3   Certificate of Trust of IBC Capital Finance (incorporated herein by
reference to the Registrant's Form S- 2 Registration Statement dated December 6,
1996, filed under Registration No. 33-14507).

4.4   Trust Agreement of IBC Capital Finance dated as of November 7, 1996
(incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Form S-2 Registration
Statement dated December 6, 1996, filed under Registration No. 33-14507).

4.5   Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of IBC Capital Finance dated 
as of December 17, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's 
Form S-2 Registration Statement dated December 6, 1996, filed under 
Registration No. 33-14507).

4.6   Form of Preferred Security Certificate of IBC Capital Finance (included as
an exhibit to Exhibit 4.5.), (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement dated December 6, 1996, filed under
Registration No. 33-14507).

4.7   Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement for IBC Capital Finance
(incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Form S-2 Registration
Statement dated December 6, 1996, filed under Registration No. 33-14507).





                                       23
<PAGE>   25




4.8   Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included as an
      exhibit to Exhibit 4.5), (incorporated herein by reference to the
      Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement dated December 6, 1996, 
      filed       under Registration No. 33-14507). 

EXHIBIT INDEX (Continued)

10.1  Deferred Benefit Plan for Directors (incorporated herein by reference
      to Exhibit 10(C) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year
      ended December 31, 1984).

10.2  The form of Indemnity Agreement approved by the Registrant's
      shareholders at its April 19, 1988 Annual Meeting, as executed with all of
      the Directors of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to
      Exhibit 10(F) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1988).

10.3  Incentive Share Grant Plan, as amended, approved by the Registrant's
      shareholders at its April 21, 1992 Annual Meeting (incorporated herein by
      reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the
      year ended December 31, 1992).

10.4  Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended, approved by the
      Registrant's shareholders at its April 15, 1997 Annual Meeting
      (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form
      S-8 Registration Statement dated July 28, 1997, filed under registration
      No. 333-32269).

10.5  Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended, approved by the Registrant's
      shareholders at its April 15, 1997 Annual Meeting (incorporated herein by
      reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement
      dated July 28, 1997, filed under registration No. 333-32267).

10.6  Agreement and Plan of Reorganization among the Registrant, IBC
      Interim Co., and North Bank Corporation, dated February 2, 1996
      (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report
      on 8-K filed June 16, 1996).

10.7  Agreement to Purchase Assets and Assume Liabilities By and Between
      the Registrant and First of America Bank--Michigan, National Association,
      dated September 18, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to the
      Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement dated December 6, 1996, filed
      under Registration No. 33- 14507).






                                       24

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 13

                                    APPENDIX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Independent Bank Corporation is a bank holding company with
           total assets of $984 million and a market capitalization of
           approximately $205 million. Its four subsidiary banks principally
           serve rural and suburban communities located across Michigan's lower
           peninsula.
                The Banks emphasize service and convenience as the principal
           means of competing in the delivery of financial services.
           Accordingly, the Company's community banking philosophy vests
           discretion and authority in the Banks' management while providing
           financial incentives to align the interests of such managers with
           those of its shareholders.
                To support the Banks' service and sales efforts, while providing
           the internal controls that are consistent with its decentralized
           structure, the Company has centralized common operations and provides
           administrative and operational services to the Banks.




CONTENTS

Management's Discussion and Analysis                                        A-02
Selected Consolidated Financial Data                                        A-12
Independent Auditor's Report                                                A-13
Consolidated Financial Statements                                           A-14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                  A-18
Quarterly Data                                                              A-32
Shareholder Information                                                     A-33
Executive Officers and Directors                                            A-33






                                      A-1
<PAGE>   2

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements.
     The following section presents additional information to assess the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiary
banks (the "Banks"). This section should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the supplemental financial data contained
elsewhere in this appendix.

                              RESULTS OF OPERATION

     SUMMARY OF RESULTS. Net income increased by 13.7% to $8,924,000 during
1997. A year earlier, net income increased by 15.3% to $7,852,000 from
$6,810,000 in 1995. These increases are principally the result of increases in
net interest income and non-interest income. Such increases in the Company's
revenues were, however, partially offset by increases in non-interest expense,
including the amortization of intangible assets, and federal income tax expense.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

KEY PERFORMANCE RATIOS                                    
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              1997           1996           1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>            <C>
Net income to
   Average equity                            16.01%          15.74%          15.59%
   Average assets                             0.95            1.11            1.25

Income per share
   Basic                                     $1.95           $1.74           $1.52
   Diluted                                    1.93            1.73            1.51

</TABLE>

     The increase in the Company's return on average equity and the decline in
its return on average assets principally reflects Management's efforts to
maintain profitable financial leverage. Consistent with that goal, in 1996 the
Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of North Bank Corporation ("NBC")
and one of the Banks purchased eight branch offices of First of America Bank -
Michigan, N.A. ("FoA Offices"). (See "1996 Acquisitions and financing.") The
Banks' balance sheet management strategies that rely on alternate sources of
funds also enhance the Company's return on average equity at the expense of its
return on average assets. (See "Capital resources.")

     1996 ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCING. The Company acquired NBC effective May 31,
1996, and on December 13, 1996, one of the Banks purchased the FoA Offices.
These acquisitions (the "1996 Acquisitions") were financed with a $17.0 million
unsecured credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and the issuance of $17.25
million of non-convertible, cumulative trust preferred securities (the
"Preferred Securities"). Collectively, the 1996 Acquisitions and related
financing have had a substantive impact on the Company's results of operations.
(See "Capital resources.")
     NBC was acquired for cash consideration totaling $15.8 million. On the
effective date of the transaction, NBC's assets and shareholders' equity totaled
$152.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively, and the Company recorded $7.5
million of goodwill. The FoA Offices had deposits totaling $121.9 million, and
the acquiring Bank recorded intangible assets totaling $8.8 million. The Bank
also purchased loans totaling $22.1 million as well as certain real and personal
property. Net cash proceeds from the transaction totaled $90.5 million.

     TAX EQUIVALENT NET INTEREST INCOME. Double-digit increases in the Company's
tax equivalent net interest income during 1997 and 1996 reflect increases in
average earning assets that accompanied the 1996 Acquisitions as well as the
implementation of the Banks' balance sheet management strategies. Tax equivalent
net interest income increased by 23% to $44,047,000 in 1997 and by 23% to
$35,779,000 in 1996 from $29,008,000 in 1995. Average earning assets increased
by 31% to $869,496,000 in 1997 and by 29% to $664,718,000 in 1996 from
$513,377,000 in 1995.



                                      A-2
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

AVERAGE                                             1997                             1996                            1995
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES AND TAX                        AVERAGE             YIELD/      AVERAGE              YIELD/     AVERAGE              YIELD/
EQUIVALENT RATES                        BALANCE   INTEREST   COST       BALANCE    INTEREST   COST      BALANCE    INTEREST   COST
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                   <C>          <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>  
ASSETS
   Loans-all domestic (1,2)           $ 689,166  $  65,478   9.50%    $ 510,434   $ 49,478    9.69%    $ 382,644  $ 37,654   9.84%
   Taxable securities                   115,046      7,922   6.89       100,945      6,710    6.65        93,064     5,919   6.36
   Tax-exempt securities (2)             52,139      4,423   8.48        39,393      3,433    8.72        31,516     2,914   9.25
   Other investments                     13,145        999   7.60        13,946        971    6.96         6,153       421   6.84
                                      ---------  ---------            ---------  ---------             ---------  --------
     Interest earning assets            869,496     78,822   9.07       664,718     60,592    9.12       513,377    46,908   9.14
   Cash and due from banks               26,251  ---------               21,573  ---------                16,091  --------
   Other assets, net                     41,395                          21,038                           14,115
                                      ---------                       ---------                        ---------
       Total assets                   $ 937,142                       $ 707,329                        $ 543,583
                                      =========                       =========                        =========
LIABILITIES
   Savings and NOW                    $ 331,959      8,480   2.55     $ 250,977      6,116    2.44     $ 217,721     5,515   2.53
   Time deposits                        263,046     14,134   5.37       187,117     10,022    5.36       141,292     6,955   4.92
   Long-term debt                         8,245        602   7.30         4,875        335    6.87
   Other borrowings                     187,519     11,559   6.16       144,703      8,340    5.76        89,048     5,430   6.10
                                      ---------  ---------            ---------  ---------             ---------  --------
     Interest bearing liabilities       790,769     34,775   4.40       587,672     24,813    4.22       448,061    17,900   4.00
   Demand deposits                       81,191  ---------               61,161  ---------                46,539  --------
   Other liabilities                      9,444                           8,597                            5,296
   Shareholders' equity                  55,738                          49,899                           43,687
                                      ---------                       ---------                        ---------
       Total liabilities and
         shareholders' equity         $ 937,142                       $ 707,329                        $ 543,583
                                      =========                       =========                        =========

       Net interest income                       $  44,047                       $  35,779                        $  29,008
                                                 =========                       =========                        =========

       Net interest income
         as a percent of
         earning assets                                      5.07%                            5.38%                          5.65%
                                                            =====                            =====                           ===== 
</TABLE>

(1) Interest on loans includes net origination fees totaling $4,001,000,
    $3,331,000 and $2,702,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

(2) Interest on tax-exempt securities has been adjusted to reflect preferential
    taxation. The adjustment assumes a marginal tax rate of 35% in 1997 and 34%
    in 1996 and 1995. For purposes of analysis, tax-exempt loans are included in
    tax-exempt securities.

     The 1996 Acquisitions account for approximately 80% of the $204,778,000
increase in average earning assets during 1997. Management attributes the
remainder of the increase in average earning asset to the Banks' balance sheet
management strategies. A year earlier, NBC and the balance sheet management
strategies each accounted for approximately 50% of the $151,341,000 increase in
average earning assets.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CHANGE IN TAX EQUIVALENT                          1997 COMPARED TO 1996            1996 COMPARED TO 1995
NET INTEREST INCOME                             VOLUME       RATE      NET       VOLUME      RATE      NET
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (in thousands)
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>    
Increase (decrease) in interest income (1)
   Loans-all domestic                          $17,000     $(1,000)    $16,000    $12,395      $(571)    $11,824
   Taxable securities                              964         248       1,212        516        275         791
   Tax-exempt securities (2)                     1,083         (93)        990        695       (176)        519
   Other investments                               (58)         86          28        542          8         550
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
     Total interest income                      18,989        (759)     18,230     14,148       (464)     13,684
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in interest expense (1)
   Savings and NOW                               2,056         308       2,364        817       (216)        601
   Time deposits                                 4,080          32       4,112      2,412        655       3,067
   Long-term debt                                  245          22         267        335                    335
   Other borrowings                              2,607         612       3,219      3,223       (313)      2,910
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
     Total interest expense                      8,988         974       9,962      6,787        126       6,913
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
       Net interest income                     $10,001     $(1,733)     $8,268     $7,361      $(590)     $6,771
                                               =================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) The change in interest due to changes in both balance and rate has been
    allocated to change due to balance and change due to rate in proportion to
    the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of change in each.

(2) Interest on tax exempt securities has been adjusted to reflect preferential
    taxation. The adjustment assumes a marginal tax rate of 35% in 1997 and 34%
    in 1996 and 1995.




                                      A-3
<PAGE>   4


     Tax equivalent net interest income was equal to 5.07% of average earning
assets during 1997 compared to 5.38% and 5.65% in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Management attributes the majority of the decline to the 1996 Acquisitions,
including the cost of the related non-equity financing. (See "Capital
resources.") The marginal cost of alternate sources of funds that have been
employed to implement the Banks' balance sheet management strategies have also
contributed to the decline in tax equivalent net interest income as a percent of
average earning assets. The impact of the non-equity financing and the use of
alternate sources of funds has, however, been partially offset by an increase in
loans as a percent of average earning assets.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE EARNING ASSETS                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
AND INTEREST PAYING LIABILITIES                                                                   1997       1996      1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>              <C>          <C>       
As a percent of average earning assets                                                                                         
   Loans-all domestic                                                                             79.26%    76.79%    74.53%   
   Other earning assets                                                                           20.74     23.21     25.47    
                                                                                                 ---------------------------
       Average earning assets                                                                    100.00%   100.00%   100.00%   
                                                                                                 ===========================
   Savings and NOW                                                                                38.18%    37.76%    42.41%   
   Time deposits                                                                                  30.25     28.15     27.52    
   Other borrowings and long-term debt                                                            22.51     22.50     17.35    
                                                                                                 ---------------------------
       Average interest bearing liabilities                                                       90.94%    88.41%    87.28%   
                                                                                                 ===========================
Earning asset ratio                                                                               92.78%    93.98%    94.44%   
Free-funds ratio                                                                                   9.06     11.59     12.72    
</TABLE>      
                                                                       
         
     PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES. Management's assessment of the allowance for 
loan losses is based on the aggregate amount and composition of the loan
portfolios, as well as an evaluation of specific commercial and agricultural
loans, historical loss experience and the level of non-performing and impaired
loans. This assessment is further supplemented by Management's subjective
assessment of general and local economic conditions. (See "Asset quality.")
     The provision for loan losses totaled $1,750,000 in 1997 compared to
$1,233,000 and $636,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The $517,000 increase in
the provision for loan losses during 1997 principally reflects the $134,474,000
increase in total loans, excluding loans held for sale ("Portfolio Loans"). A
year earlier, Management elected to fund additional provisions to the allowance
for loan losses based upon the application of the Company's allocation
methodology to loans associated with the NBC acquisition.

     NON-INTEREST INCOME. Non-interest income totaled $8,515,000 in 1997
compared to $5,552,000 and $3,766,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Approximately 32% and 28% of the $2,963,000 increase in non-interest income
during 1997 relates to the 1996 Acquisitions and net gains on asset sales,
respectively. Revenues associated with deposit account promotions and the Banks'
title insurance agency also contributed to the increase in non-interest income.
     During 1996, an increase in net gains on the sale of real estate mortgage
loans accounted for 64% of the $1,786,000 increase in non-interest income.
Increases in service charges on deposit accounts and other non-interest income
that principally relate to the NBC acquisition also contributed to the increase
in non-interest income during 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-INTEREST INCOME                                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1997            1996            1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>            <C>
Service charges on deposit accounts                                                    $ 3,128,000     $ 2,267,000    $ 1,919,000
Net gains (losses) on asset sales
   Real estate mortgage loans                                                            2,270,000       1,871,000        728,000
   Securities                                                                              273,000        (162,000)      (120,000)
Title insurance commissions and fees                                                       585,000          40,000
Real estate mortgage loan servicing                                                        532,000         412,000        371,000
Other                                                                                    1,727,000       1,124,000        868,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------------------
       Total non-interest income                                                       $ 8,515,000     $ 5,552,000    $ 3,766,000
                                                                                       ==========================================

</TABLE>

     Net gains on the sale of real estate mortgage loans totaled $2,270,000
during 1997 compared to $1,871,000 in 1996 and $728,000 in 1995. Management
attributes the increase in net gains relative to the volume of loans sold
principally to an increase in the capitalization of related servicing rights as
well as an increase in the portion of loans sold that have been underwritten
pursuant to government guarantees. The increase in the amount of servicing
rights capitalized is attributed to a decline in interest rates during 1997 and
a corresponding decrease in estimated prepayment rates on real estate mortgage
loans. In addition to an increase in aggregate loans sold, Management attributes
approximately 45% of the $1,143,000 increase in net gains during 1996 to the
sale and/or capitalization of related servicing rights as well as an increase in
loans underwritten pursuant to government guarantees.




                                      A-4
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NET GAINS ON THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
MORTGAGE LOANS                                                  1997            1996             1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                         <C>             <C>             <C>         
Real estate mortgage loans originated                       $272,200,000    $227,600,000    $163,500,000
Real estate mortgage loan sales                              114,500,000     108,700,000      52,000,000
Real estate mortgage loan servicing rights sold               24,200,000      37,900,000      19,700,000
Net gains on the sale of real estate mortgage loans            2,270,000       1,871,000         728,000
Net gains as a percent of real estate mortgage loan sales           1.98%           1.72%           1.40%
</TABLE>

     The volume of loans sold is dependent upon the Banks' ability to originate
real estate mortgage loans as well as the demand for fixed-rate obligations.
(See "Asset/liability management.") Net gains on real estate mortgage loans are
also dependent upon economic and competitive factors as well as the Banks'
ability to effectively manage exposure to changes in interest rates.
     The Banks realized net gains on the sale of securities available for sale
totaling $273,000 during 1997 compared to net losses of $162,000 and $120,000
during 1996 and 1995, respectively. Future gains and losses will be dependent
upon the Banks' asset/liability needs as well as the slope of the yield curve,
the level of interest rates and other pertinent factors. (See "Asset/liability
management.")

     NON-INTEREST EXPENSE. Non-interest expense totaled $36,845,000 in 1997
compared to $27,861,000 and $21,702,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Salaries
and benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, totaled $20,280,000
in 1997 compared to $15,685,000 in 1996 and $12,163,000 in 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 1997           1996           1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>        
Salaries                                      $13,409,000   $10,280,000    $8,005,000
Performance-based compensation and benefits     3,877,000     3,106,000     2,351,000
Other benefits                                  2,994,000     2,299,000     1,807,000
                                              ---------------------------------------
   Salaries and benefits                       20,280,000    15,685,000    12,163,000
Occupancy, net                                  2,786,000     2,042,000     1,548,000
Furniture and fixtures                          2,245,000     1,864,000     1,345,000
Amortization of intangible assets               1,523,000       583,000       273,000
Computer processing                             1,340,000     1,063,000       818,000
Advertising                                     1,329,000       827,000       344,000
Communications                                  1,280,000     1,007,000       791,000
Supplies                                        1,019,000       804,000       561,000
Loan and collection                               939,000       663,000     1,030,000
Other                                           4,104,000     3,323,000     2,829,000
                                              ---------------------------------------
     Total non-interest expense               $36,845,000   $27,861,000   $21,702,000
                                              =======================================
</TABLE>

     Management estimates that the 1996 Acquisitions account for approximately
55% of the $4,595,000 increase in salaries and benefits and approximately 60% of
the increase in total non-interest expense during 1997. A year earlier, the NBC
acquisition accounted for 35% of the increases in salaries and benefits and 45%
of the increase in total non-interest expense.
     The Company and each of the Banks maintain compensation plans that provide
incentives for superior performance. In addition to commissions and cash
incentive awards, performance-based compensation plans include the Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, the Employee Stock Option Plan and the Incentive Share
Grant Plan. Management believes that these equity-based plans help align the
interests of the Company's officers and employees with those of its
shareholders. Performance-based compensation comprised nearly 20% of salaries
and benefits during 1997, 1996 and 1995. Performance-based compensation
accounted for 17% and 21% of the increases in salaries and benefits during 1997
and 1996, respectively.
     Operation of the Banks' title insurance agency as well as marketing costs
related to certain deposit account promotions also contributed to the increase
in non-interest expense during 1997. Costs associated with new branch
facilities, a write down of other real estate as well as the introduction of the
EZ Money check card and related ATM conversion also contributed to the increase
in non-interest expense during 1996. Costs associated with the origination of
real estate mortgage loans contributed to increases in total non-interest
expense during both 1997 and 1996.




                                      A-5
<PAGE>   6


                               FINANCIAL CONDITION


     SUMMARY. Total assets increased to $983.8 million at December 31, 1997,
from $888.6 million a year earlier. A $134.5 million increase in Portfolio
Loans, principally residential real estate loans, accounts for the $95.2 million
increase in total assets.
     In addition to cash proceeds from the FoA Offices, the Banks have relied on
other borrowings and brokered certificates of deposit ("Brokered CDs") to fund
the increase in total loans. The use of such alternate funding sources,
principally advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB") complements
the Banks' relatively stable base of core deposits. (See "Deposits and
borrowings.") The Banks also utilized proceeds from the sale or maturity of
securities to fund a portion of the increase in total loans.

     SECURITIES. The Banks maintain securities portfolios that include
obligations of the U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies as well as
securities issued by states and political subdivisions, corporate notes and
mortgage-backed securities. Management continually evaluates the Banks'
asset/liability management needs and attempts to maintain a portfolio structure
that provides sufficient liquidity and cash flow. The sale of securities
available for sale is dependent upon Management's assessment of reinvestment
opportunities and the Banks' asset/liability management needs.
(See "Non-interest income.")
     Securities available for sale are carried at fair value and unrealized
gains and losses, after consideration of applicable taxes, are recognized as a
separate component of shareholders' equity. Management has the intent and the
Banks have the ability to hold other securities to maturity. These securities
are carried at amortized cost without adjustment for unrealized gains and
losses.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SECURITIES                     AMORTIZED                      UNREALIZED        FAIR
                                 COST              GAINS         LOSSES         VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>               <C>              <C>        <C>          
Securities Available for Sale
   December 31, 1997            $108,231,000     $2,775,000       $237,000   $110,769,000
   December 31, 1996             135,290,000      1,870,000        308,000    136,852,000

Securities Held to Maturity
   December 31, 1997            $ 22,525,000     $  838,000       $  9,000   $ 23,354,000
   December 31, 1996              26,754,000        929,000         38,000     27,645,000

</TABLE>

     In view of the relatively flat U.S. Treasury yield curve and the general
decline in market yields relative to the cost of alternate sources of funds,
Management has liquidated a portion of the Banks' securities portfolios. (See
"Asset/liability management.") The Banks sold securities available for sale with
an aggregate market value of $59,727,000 in 1997, compared to $18,145,000 and
$14,054,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Banks realized net gains of
$273,000 in 1997 compared to net losses of $162,000 and $120,000 in 1996 and
1995, respectively, on such sales.

     LOAN PORTFOLIOS. Portfolio Loans increased by 22% to $744.2 million at
December 31, 1997, from $609.7 million a year earlier. Residential real estate
mortgage loans, including home equity loans and other junior mortgages, account
for approximately 55% of the $134.5 million increase in total loans.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                           1997            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>         
Real estate
   Residential first mortgages                          $328,968,000   $275,660,000
   Residential home equity and other junior mortgages     55,987,000     35,673,000
   Construction and land development                      62,721,000     49,017,000
   Other                                                 134,058,000     92,253,000
Consumer                                                  91,723,000     90,284,000
Commercial                                                48,576,000     45,013,000
Agricultural                                              22,145,000     21,804,000
                                                        ---------------------------
       Total loans                                      $744,178,000   $609,704,000
                                                        ===========================
</TABLE>

     Management believes that the Company's decentralized structure provides the
Banks with important advantages in serving the credit needs of the principal
lending markets. Although the Management and Board of Directors of each Bank
retain authority and responsibility for credit decisions, each of the Banks has
adopted uniform underwriting standards. Further, the Company's loan committee as
well as the centralization of commercial loan credit services and loan review
functions promote compliance with such established underwriting standards. The
centralization of retail loan services also provides for consistent service
quality and facilitates compliance with consumer protection laws and
regulations.





                                      A-6
<PAGE>   7


     In addition to the communities served by the Banks' branch networks and
loan production offices, the principal lending markets include nearby
communities and metropolitan areas. Subject to established underwriting
criteria, the Banks also participate in commercial lending transactions with
certain non-affiliated banks and purchase real estate mortgage loans from
third-party originators. The Banks also deployed a portion of the cash proceeds
from the FoA Offices by purchasing $29.8 million in seasoned pools of
residential real estate mortgage loans from unaffiliated lenders during 1997.
     Non-accrual loans totaled $3.3 million at December 31, 1997, compared to
$1.7 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Total
non-performing loans at those same dates were $5.4 million, $3.9 million and
$2.6 million, respectively.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997           1996          1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>           <C>        
Non-accrual loans                                                $3,298,000    $1,711,000    $1,886,000
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest        1,904,000     1,994,000       427,000
Restructured loans                                                  184,000       197,000       247,000
                                                                 --------------------------------------
   Total non-performing loans                                     5,386,000     3,902,000     2,560,000
Other real estate                                                   331,000       730,000       760,000
                                                                 --------------------------------------
       Total non-performing assets                               $5,717,000    $4,632,000    $3,320,000
                                                                 ======================================
As a percent of Portfolio Loans
   Non-performing loans                                                0.72%         0.64%         0.61%
   Non-performing assets                                               0.77          0.76          0.79
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of Portfolio Loans              1.03          1.14          1.25
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans          142           178           205
</TABLE>

     An agricultural credit that was purchased in conjunction with the FoA
Offices accounts for nearly 40% of the $1.6 million increase in non-accrual
loans during 1997, of which management does not anticipate a material impact on
the Company's financial condition or results of operation. The 1996 Acquisitions
account for the $1.3 million increase in non-performing loans, principally loans
90 days or more past due and still accruing interest, during 1996.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      1997              1996             1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>            <C>        
Balance at beginning of period                                        $6,960,000      $5,243,000      $5,054,000
   Allowance on loans acquired                                                         1,180,000
   Provision charged to operating expense                              1,750,000       1,233,000         636,000
   Recoveries credited to allowance                                      585,000         440,000         265,000
   Loans charged against allowance                                    (1,625,000)     (1,136,000)       (712,000)
                                                                      ------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period                                              $7,670,000      $6,960,000      $5,243,000
                                                                      ==========================================
Net loans charged against the allowance to average Portfolio Loans          0.15%           0.14%           0.12%
</TABLE>

      Loans charged against the allowance for loan losses, net of recoveries
("Net Losses"), were $1,040,000 during 1997, compared to $696,000 in 1996 and
$447,000 in 1995. In addition to an increase in Portfolio Loans, a portion of
the increase can be attributed to the 1996 Acquisitions. Net Losses on loans
that were acquired in conjunction with the 1996 Acquisitions totaled
approximately $495,000 and $153,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              
ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                        1997          1996             1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                  <C>           <C>            <C>        
Commercial and agricultural                           $2,200,000    $2,176,000    $1,612,000
Real estate mortgage                                     322,000       257,000       162,000
Installment                                              892,000       834,000       597,000
Unallocated                                            4,256,000     3,693,000     2,872,000
                                                      --------------------------------------
       Total                                          $7,670,000    $6,960,000    $5,243,000
                                                      ======================================
Allocated allowance as a percent of total allowance         44.5%         46.9%         45.2%

</TABLE>




                                      A-7
<PAGE>   8


     The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that Management
considers appropriate based upon its assessment of relevant circumstances. (See
"Provision for loan losses.") In performing its assessment, Management allocates
portions of the allowance to specific loans and loan portfolios. At December 31,
1997, the unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses was equal to
55.5% of the total allowance compared to 53.1% and 54.8% at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.

     DEPOSITS AND BORROWINGS. Deposits totaled $700.5 million at December 31,
1997, and include Brokered CDs totaling $14.4 million. A year earlier, deposits
totaled $672.5 million. Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds totaled
$195.2 million at December 31, 1997, compared to $137.0 million a year earlier.
In addition to FHLB advances, other borrowed funds include the Credit Facility
and securities sold under repurchase agreements.
     The Banks' competitive position within many of the markets served by the
branch networks limits the ability to materially increase retail deposits
without adversely impacting the weighted-average cost of core deposits.
Accordingly, the use of alternate funding sources is an integral component of
the Banks' balance sheet management strategies.
     Management believes that such alternate sources of funds, including
advances from the FHLB and Brokered CDs, complements the Banks' stable base of
core deposits and may further reduce exposure to depositors' options to withdraw
funds prior to maturity. In addition to the Banks' interest rate risk profile
and liquidity needs, Management's evaluation of funding strategies considers the
relative cost and collateral requirements associated with the use of alternate
sources of funds. (See "Asset/liability management.")

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         NOTIONAL     AVERAGE          CAP        FLOOR            ANNUAL      AMORTIZED      FAIR
TYPE                                       AMOUNT     MATURITY        STRIKE      STRIKE            COST         COST         VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                      <C>             <C>               <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>          <C> 
Interest rate caps                     $28,000         2.3 years      6.71%                        0.26%      $   168         $  87
Interest rate collars                   10,000         2.7 years      6.42          5.71%                                       (10)
</TABLE>

     Derivative financial instruments may be employed to reduce the cost of
alternate funding sources while managing the Banks' exposure to changes in
interest rates. Interest rate caps establish a maximum cost of 6.97% on the
associated short-term and variable rate borrowings, while allowing borrowing
costs to decline if market rates decrease. Premiums paid to establish these
positions totaled $246,000 of which $67,000 was amortized as interest expense
during 1997. Premiums are amortized over the life of the agreements. Interest
rate collars establish a maximum cost of 6.42% and a minimum rate of 5.71% on
the associated short-term or variable rate borrowings. There are no premiums
associated with the Banks' interest-rate collars.

     CAPITAL RESOURCES. Management recognizes that the ability to maintain
financial leverage is critical to its mission to create value for the Company's
shareholders. To profitably deploy capital within existing markets, the Banks
have implemented balance sheet management strategies that combine effective loan
origination efforts with disciplined funding strategies. Management believes
that acquisitions, including the 1996 Acquisitions, are also consistent with its
goal to create shareholder value.
     The Company's cost of capital is also a crucial factor in creating
shareholder value and, therefore, Management funded the 1996 Acquisitions with
the Credit Facility and by issuing the Preferred Securities. The Preferred
Securities are presented within the liability section of the consolidated
balance sheets as guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company's
subordinated debentures. Although the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
has approved the use of such cumulative preferred stock instruments as Tier 1
capital for bank holding companies, the Preferred Securities are not considered
equity under generally accepted accounting principles. The quarterly
distributions paid on the Preferred Securities are included in interest expense
and are deductible for federal income tax purposes.
     Management's efforts to effectively manage the Company's capital resources
have had an adverse impact on certain financial ratios, including tax equivalent
net interest income as a percent of average earning assets and its return on
average assets. Management nonetheless believes that such efforts to maintain
financial leverage have made important contributions to the Company's return on
average equity and its earnings per share.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL RATIOS                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997      1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>      <C>   
Equity capital                                                      6.05%    5.83%
Average shareholders equity to average assets                       5.95     7.05 
Tier 1 leverage (tangible equity capital)                           6.02     5.72 
Tier 1 risk-based capital                                           8.76     9.01 
Total risk-based capital                                            9.91    10.26 
</TABLE>

     Shareholders' equity totaled $59.5 million at December 31, 1997. The $7.7
million increase from $51.8 million at December 31, 1996, reflects the retention
of earnings and the issuance of common stock pursuant to various equity-based
incentive compensation plans. An increase in net unrealized gains on securities
available for sale also contributed to the increase in shareholders' equity.



                                      A-8
<PAGE>   9

     ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT. As a financial intermediary, the Company must
manage interest rate risk that may be created by differences in the pricing
characteristics of the Banks' assets and funding sources. Options embedded in
certain financial instruments, including caps on adjustable-rate loans as well
as borrowers' rights to prepay fixed rate loans also entail interest rate risk.
     The asset/liability management efforts of the Company and the Banks are
intended to identify and evaluate opportunities to structure the balance sheet
in a manner that is consistent with Management's mission to maintain profitable
financial leverage within established risk parameters. Management employs
simulation analyses to monitor the Banks' risk profiles and assess potential
changes in the Banks' net interest income and market value of portfolio equity
that may result from changes in interest rates. Such analyses further
incorporate assumptions relating to changes in the prepayment rates of certain
assets and liabilities.
     Management's evaluation of various opportunities and alternate balance
sheet strategies carefully consider the likely impact on the Banks' risk profile
as well as the anticipated contribution to earnings. The marginal cost of
alternate funds is a principal consideration in the implementation of the Banks'
balance sheet management strategies, but such evaluations further consider
interest rate and liquidity risk as well as other relevant factors.
     Management has determined that the retention of 15- and 30-year fixed rate
mortgages is generally inconsistent with its goal to maintain profitable
leverage or the Banks' interest-rate risk profiles. Accordingly, the majority of
such loans are sold to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates.
Generally, adjustable-rate and balloon real estate mortgage loans may be
profitably funded within established risk parameters and retention of such loans
has been a principal focus of the Banks' balance sheet management strategies.
(See "Non-interest income.")
     Management has further determined, given the general decline in security
yields relative to the cost of alternate sources of funds, that retention of
certain low yielding securities was inconsistent with its goals. Accordingly,
the Banks liquidated a portion of the portfolios and the sale proceeds have been
used to partially fund the increase in loans.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICING CHARACTERISTICS OF                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1997
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS                               DAYS                        YEARS                             
                                            ---------------------        -------------------------                FAIR         
                                            0 - 180       181-365        1 - 5          5+           TOTAL        VALUE      YIELD
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>  
ASSETS (1, 2)
   Loans and loans held for sale                $ 259,679     $ 138,130     $ 272,379    $  95,744     $ 765,932   $ 775,400  8.94%
   Taxable securities                              18,172         8,613        37,865       35,931       100,581     100,600  6.90
   Tax-exempt securities                            1,106         1,232        17,347       25,517        45,202      46,000  8.67
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
     Interest earning assets                      278,957       147,975       327,591      157,192       911,715
                                                --------------------------------------------------
   Non-interest earning assets                                                                            72,102
                                                                                                       ---------
       Total assets                                                                                    $ 983,817
                                                                                                       =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY(1)
   Demand, savings and NOW (3)                    104,506        38,738       129,412      155,484     $ 428,140   $ 428,100  2.03%
   Time deposits                                  116,449        60,345        90,067        5,479       272,340     274,000  5.47
   Other borrowings                               117,231        41,000        36,954       17,250       212,435     214,400  6.17
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
     Total deposits and other borrowings          338,186       140,083       256,433      178,213       912,915
   Shareholders' equity and other liabilities   --------------------------------------------------        70,902
     Total liabilities and                                                                             ---------
         shareholders' equity                                                                          $ 983,817
Caps and collars                                  (38,000)                     38,000                  =========

RATE SENSITIVITY GAP AND RATIOS
   Gap for period                               $ (21,229)    $   7,892     $  33,158    $ (21,021)
                                                ==================================================
   Cumulative gap                               $ (21,229)    $ (13,337)    $  19,821    $  (1,200)
   Ratio of rate-sensitive assets to            ==================================================
     rate-sensitive liabilities for period          92.9%         105.6%        111.3%        88.2%
   Cumulative ratio of rate-sensitive assets       
     to rate-sensitive liabilities                  92.9           97.0         102.7         99.9

</TABLE>

(1) The information presented is a static analysis that does not consider
    potential changes in pricing characteristics given a change in interest
    rates.

(2) The analysis incorporates Management's assumptions for prepayments on
    installment and real estate mortgage loans as well as mortgage-backed
    securities.

(3) Non-maturity deposit repricing assumptions consider the estimated life of
    the account along with Management's ability to set interest rates.



                                      A-9
<PAGE>   10


     YEAR 2000. Management has appointed a committee that has evaluated the
likely impact of the Year 2000 issue on the operating systems of the Company and
the Banks. Based on its continuing evaluation, the committee does not anticipate
material expenditures to ensure that these systems are compliant.

     STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS. The Financial Accounting
Standards Board adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income," (SFAS #130) and Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information," (SFAS #131) in June of 1997.
     SFAS #130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive
income and its components, including but not limited to unrealized gains or
losses on securities available for sale, in the financial statements. This
statement is effective for both interim and annual periods beginning after
December 15, 1997, with earlier application permitted.
SFAS #130 will require reclassification of all prior period amounts.
     SFAS #131 establishes standards for the way that public entities report
information about operating segments in financial statements. This statement is
effective for both interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 1997,
with restatement of prior period information required. The adoption of this
statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's reporting
disclosures.




                                      A-10
<PAGE>   11


























                                      A-11
<PAGE>   12
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                       1997        1996        1995          1994       1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
   Interest income                                    $ 77,414    $ 59,485    $ 45,982    $ 37,820    $ 34,370
   Interest expense                                     34,775      24,813      17,900      12,585      12,305
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
     Net interest income                                42,639      34,672      28,082      25,235      22,065
   Provision for loan losses                             1,750       1,233         636         473         657
   Non-interest income                                   8,515       5,552       3,766       3,101       3,898
   Non-interest expense                                 36,845      27,861      21,702      19,503      17,535
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
     Income before federal income tax expense           12,559      11,130       9,510       8,360       7,771
   Federal income tax expense                            3,635       3,278       2,700       2,329       2,165
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
         Net income                                   $  8,924    $  7,852    $  6,810    $  6,031    $  5,606
                                                      ========================================================
PER COMMON SHARE DATA (1)
   Net income (2)
     Basic                                            $   1.95    $   1.74    $   1.52    $   1.33    $   1.24
     Diluted                                              1.93        1.73        1.51        1.32        1.24
   Cash dividends declared                                0.71        0.64        0.57        0.46        0.32
   Book value                                            12.98       11.50       10.51        8.97        8.62

SELECTED BALANCES
   Assets                                             $983,817    $888,597    $590,147    $516,211    $482,027
   Loans and loans held for sale                       765,932     621,287     434,091     342,658     288,643
   Allowance for loan losses                             7,670       6,960       5,243       5,054       5,053
   Deposits                                            700,480     672,534     411,624     409,471     423,620
   Shareholders' equity                                 59,516      51,836      47,025      40,311      39,049
   Long-term debt                                        5,000       7,000                               2,750

SELECTED RATIOS
   Tax-equivalent net interest income
     to average earning assets                            5.07%       5.38%       5.65%       5.88%       5.85%
   Net income to
     Average common equity                               16.01       15.74       15.59       15.22       15.21
     Average assets                                       0.95        1.11        1.25        1.25        1.33
   Dividend payment ratio                                36.54       36.53       36.80       34.62       25.54
     Average shareholders' equity to average assets       5.95        7.05        8.04        8.22        8.72
   Tier 1 leverage (tangible equity capital) ratio        6.02        5.72        7.47        7.76        7.61
   Non-performing loans to Portfolio Loans                0.72        0.64        0.61        0.84        1.14

</TABLE>

(1) Per share data has been adjusted for a three-for-two stock split in 1997 and
    5% stock dividends in 1997, 1996 and 1995.

(2) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share,"
    effective during 1997, has been retroactively applied. (See note 10 to
    consolidated financial statements.)






                                      A-12
<PAGE>   13


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT





BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION
IONIA, MICHIGAN

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
condition of Independent Bank Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express our
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Independent
Bank Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
     As discussed in notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company changed its method of accounting for mortgage servicing rights to adopt
the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights," in
1996.





/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Lansing, Michigan
February 2, 1998




                                      A-13
<PAGE>   14


                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                            1997              1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>              <C>          
ASSETS
   Cash and Cash Equivalents
     Cash and due from banks                                                           $  30,371,000    $  40,631,000
     Federal funds sold                                                                                    10,000,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
       Total Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                    30,371,000       50,631,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------

   Securities available for sale                                                         110,769,000      136,852,000
   Securities held to maturity (fair value of $23,354,000 at December 31, 1997 and
     $27,645,000 at December 31, 1996)                                                    22,525,000       26,754,000
   Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost                                                  12,489,000       11,076,000
   Loans held for sale                                                                    21,754,000       11,583,000
   Loans
     Commercial and agricultural                                                         199,098,000      164,304,000
     Real estate mortgage                                                                416,689,000      331,150,000
     Installment                                                                         128,391,000      114,250,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
        Total Loans                                                                      744,178,000      609,704,000
     Allowance for loan losses                                                            (7,670,000)      (6,960,000)
                                                                                       ------------------------------
       Net Loans                                                                         736,508,000      602,744,000
   Property and equipment, net                                                            21,067,000       18,462,000
   Accrued income and other assets                                                        28,334,000       30,495,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
           Total Assets                                                                $ 983,817,000    $ 888,597,000
                                                                                       ==============================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Deposits
     Non-interest bearing                                                              $  88,546,000    $  84,671,000
     Savings and NOW                                                                     339,594,000      327,627,000
     Time                                                                                272,340,000      260,236,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
       Total Deposits                                                                    700,480,000      672,534,000
   Federal funds purchased                                                                28,000,000        1,700,000
   Other borrowings                                                                      167,185,000      135,294,000
   Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company's subordinated debentures         17,250,000       17,250,000
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                                 11,386,000        9,983,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
     Total Liabilities                                                                   924,301,000      836,761,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------

   Commitments and contingent liabilities

   Shareholders' Equity
     Preferred stock, no par value-200,000 shares authorized; none issued or
     outstanding 
     Common stock, $1.00 par value-14,000,000 shares authorized;
     issued and outstanding:  4,586,733 shares at December 31, 1997 and 2,861,535 
     shares at December 31, 1996                                                           4,587,000        2,862,000
     Capital surplus                                                                      30,011,000       23,230,000
     Retained earnings                                                                    23,243,000       24,713,000
     Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of related tax effect       1,675,000        1,031,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
       Total Shareholders' Equity                                                         59,516,000       51,836,000
                                                                                       ------------------------------
           Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                  $ 983,817,000    $ 888,597,000
                                                                                       ==============================
</TABLE>



See notes to consolidated financial statements







                                      A-14
<PAGE>   15



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1997           1996             1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>             <C>         
INTEREST INCOME
   Interest and fees on loans                              $ 65,830,000   $ 49,768,000    $ 37,861,000
   Securities available for sale                              9,023,000      6,337,000       2,692,000
   Securities held to maturity
     Taxable                                                    356,000      1,209,000       3,227,000
     Tax-exempt                                               1,206,000      1,200,000       1,781,000
Other investments                                               999,000        971,000         421,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Total Interest Income                                   77,414,000     59,485,000      45,982,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------

INTEREST EXPENSE
   Deposits                                                  22,614,000     16,138,000      12,470,000
   Other borrowings                                          12,161,000      8,675,000       5,430,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Total Interest Expense                                  34,775,000     24,813,000      17,900,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Net Interest Income                                     42,639,000     34,672,000      28,082,000
Provision for loan losses                                     1,750,000      1,233,000         636,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses     40,889,000     33,439,000      27,446,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------

NON-INTEREST INCOME
   Service charges on deposit accounts                        3,128,000      2,267,000       1,919,000
   Net gains (losses) on asset sales
     Real estate mortgage loans                               2,270,000      1,871,000         728,000
     Securities                                                 273,000       (162,000)       (120,000)
   Other income                                               2,844,000      1,576,000       1,239,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Total Non-interest Income                                8,515,000      5,552,000       3,766,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
   Salaries and employee benefits                            20,280,000     15,685,000      12,163,000
   Occupancy, net                                             2,786,000      2,042,000       1,548,000
   Furniture and fixtures                                     2,245,000      1,864,000       1,345,000
   Other expenses                                            11,534,000      8,270,000       6,646,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Total Non-interest Expense                              36,845,000     27,861,000      21,702,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
     Income Before Federal Income Tax                        12,559,000     11,130,000       9,510,000
Federal income tax expense                                    3,635,000      3,278,000       2,700,000
                                                           -------------------------------------------
         Net Income                                        $  8,924,000   $  7,852,000    $  6,810,000
                                                           ===========================================
Income per common share
   Basic                                                   $       1.95   $       1.74    $       1.52
                                                           ===========================================
   Diluted                                                 $       1.93   $       1.73    $       1.51
                                                           ===========================================

Cash dividends declared per common share                   $       0.71   $       0.64    $       0.57
                                                           ===========================================

</TABLE>






See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                     A-15
<PAGE>   16



                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              1997              1996              1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>              <C>              <C>          
Net Income                                                              $   8,924,000    $   7,852,000    $   6,810,000
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale                             116,803,000      110,593,000       51,976,000
   Disbursements for loans held for sale                                 (124,704,000)    (101,786,000)     (54,262,000)
   Provision for loan losses                                                1,750,000        1,233,000          636,000
   Deferred federal income tax credit                                        (352,000)        (230,000)      (1,208,000)
   Deferred loan fees                                                         640,000          334,000          109,000
   Depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and premiums and
     accretion of discounts on securities and loans                         4,204,000        2,759,000        2,247,000
   Net gains on sales of real estate mortgage loans                        (2,270,000)      (1,871,000)        (728,000)
   Net (gains) losses on sales of securities                                 (273,000)         162,000          120,000
   (Increase) decrease in accrued income and other assets                     638,000       (7,906,000)         286,000
   Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities                       1,950,000          356,000        2,587,000
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
       Total Adjustments                                                   (1,614,000)       3,644,000        1,763,000
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
       Net Cash from Operating Activities                                   7,310,000       11,496,000        8,573,000
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale                 59,727,000       18,145,000       14,054,000
   Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale              4,053,000       16,385,000
   Proceeds from the maturity of securities held to maturity                4,713,000        3,015,000       13,920,000
   Principal payments received on securities available for sale            11,643,000        9,601,000        1,347,000
   Principal payments received on securities held to maturity                 799,000          694,000        5,116,000
   Purchases of securities available for sale                             (51,035,000)     (60,396,000)        (732,000)
   Purchases of securities held to maturity                                                   (295,000)     (19,423,000)
   Portfolio loans made to customers, net of principal payments received (108,968,000)     (80,233,000)     (88,906,000)
   Acquisition of bank, less cash received                                                   9,478,000
   Acquisition of branch offices, less cash received                                        89,864,000       13,949,000
   Portfolio loans purchased                                              (29,758,000)      (5,603,000)
   Principal payments on portfolio loans purchased                          2,572,000          270,000
   Capital expenditures                                                    (5,038,000)      (3,709,000)      (1,642,000)
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
     Net Cash from Investing Activities                                  (111,292,000)      (2,784,000)     (62,317,000)
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Net increase (decrease) in total deposits                               27,946,000        7,468,000      (12,273,000)
   Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings                        16,237,000      (13,300,000)        (347,000)
   Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances                          115,954,000       63,000,000      104,000,000
   Payments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances                            (72,000,000)     (55,000,000)     (41,000,000)
   Proceeds from long-term debt                                                             10,000,000
   Retirement of long-term debt                                            (2,000,000)      (1,000,000)
   Proceeds from issuance of guaranteed preferred beneficial
     interests in Company's subordinated debentures                                         16,220,000
   Dividends paid                                                          (3,186,000)      (2,736,000)      (2,392,000)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                     771,000           59,000          138,000
   Repurchase of common stock                                                                                  (893,000)
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
     Net Cash from Financing Activities                                    83,722,000       24,711,000       47,233,000
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
     Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                 (20,260,000)      33,423,000       (6,511,000)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period                           50,631,000       17,208,000       23,719,000
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
         Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                     $  30,371,000    $  50,631,000    $  17,208,000
                                                                        ===============================================
Cash paid during the period for
   Interest                                                             $  35,049,000    $  23,736,000    $  17,604,000
   Income taxes                                                             3,743,000        3,890,000        3,110,000
Transfer of loans to other real estate                                        431,000          996,000          555,000
Transfer of portfolio loans to held for sale                               10,000,000                         7,100,000
Transfer of securities held to maturity to available for sale                                                52,601,000
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements


                                      A-16
<PAGE>   17



                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    NET UNREALIZED
                                                                                                    GAIN (LOSS) ON
                                                                                                      SECURITIES          TOTAL
                                                    COMMON          CAPITAL           RETAINED        AVAILABLE       SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                     STOCK           SURPLUS          EARNINGS         FOR SALE          EQUITY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>          
Balances at January 1, 1995                      $ 2,589,000      $ 16,932,000     $  22,910,000     $ (2,120,000)    $  40,311,000
Net income for 1995                                                                    6,810,000                          6,810,000
Cash dividends declared, $0.57 per share                                              (2,506,000)                        (2,506,000)
5% stock dividend                                    129,000         3,386,000        (3,531,000)                           (16,000)
Issuance of 22,430 shares of common stock             22,000           463,000                                              485,000
Repurchase of 35,900 shares of               
   common stock                                      (36,000)         (857,000)                                            (893,000)
Transfer of securities held to maturity to
   available for sale, net of $443,000 of
   related tax effect                                                                                     859,000           859,000
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on
   securities available for sale, net of
   $1,017,000 of related tax effect                                                                     1,975,000         1,975,000
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at December 31, 1995                      2,704,000        19,924,000        23,683,000          714,000        47,025,000
Net income for 1996                                                                    7,852,000                          7,852,000
Cash dividends declared, $0.64 per share                                              (2,868,000)                        (2,868,000)
5% stock dividend                                    136,000         3,799,000        (3,954,000)                           (19,000)
Issuance of 21,834 shares of common stock             22,000           537,000                                              559,000
Net issuance costs                                                  (1,030,000)                                          (1,030,000)
Net change in unrealized gain on
   securities available for sale, net of
   $163,000 of related tax effect                                                                         317,000           317,000
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at December 31, 1996                      2,862,000        23,230,000        24,713,000        1,031,000        51,836,000
Net income for 1997                                                                    8,924,000                          8,924,000
Cash dividends declared, $0.71 per share                                              (3,261,000)                        (3,261,000)
5% stock dividend                                    217,000         6,895,000        (7,133,000)                           (21,000)
Issuance of 62,520 shares of common stock             62,000         1,340,000                                            1,402,000
Three-for-two stock split                          1,446,000        (1,454,000)                                              (8,000)
Net change in unrealized gain on
   securities available for sale, net of
   $332,000 of related tax effect                                                                         644,000           644,000
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Balances at December 31, 1997                 $ 4,587,000      $ 30,011,000     $  23,243,000     $  1,675,000     $  59,516,000
                                                 ==================================================================================
</TABLE>







                                      A-17
<PAGE>   18


                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     The accounting and reporting policies and practices of Independent Bank
Corporation and subsidiaries conform with generally accepted accounting
principles and prevailing practices within the banking industry. The following
summaries describe the significant accounting and reporting policies that are
employed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
     The Banks transact business in the single industry segment of commercial
banking. The Banks' activities cover traditional phases of commercial banking,
including checking and savings accounts, commercial and agricultural lending,
direct and indirect consumer financing, mortgage lending and deposit box
services. The principal markets are the rural and suburban communities across
lower Michigan that are served by the Banks' branches and loan production
offices. Subject to established underwriting criteria, the Banks may also
participate in commercial lending transactions with certain non-affiliated banks
and purchase real estate mortgage loans from third-party originators. The local
economies of the communities served by the Banks are relatively stable and
reasonably diversified.
     Management is required to make estimates and assumptions in the preparation
of the financial statements which affect the amounts reported. Material
estimates that are particularly susceptible to changes in the near-term relate
to the determination of the allowance for loan losses. While Management uses
relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for
related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions and
customer circumstances.

     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Independent Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries. The income,
expenses, assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are included in the
respective accounts of the consolidated financial statements, after elimination
of all material intercompany accounts and transactions.

     STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and
cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and federal funds
sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods. The Company reports
net cash flows for customer loan and deposit transactions.

     LOANS HELD FOR SALE - Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of
aggregate amortized cost or market value. Lower of cost or market value
adjustments, as well as realized gains and losses, are recorded in current
earnings. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights," ("SFAS #122") on January 1,
1996. SFAS #122 requires the Banks to recognize as separate assets the rights to
service mortgage loans for others that have been acquired by purchase or the
origination and subsequent sale of a loan. The fair value of capitalized
originated mortgage servicing rights has been determined based upon market value
quotes for similar servicing. These mortgage servicing rights are amortized in
proportion to and over the period of estimated net loan servicing income. SFAS
#122 also requires the Banks to assess mortgage servicing rights for impairment
based on the fair value of those rights. For purposes of measuring impairment,
the characteristics used by the Banks include interest rate, term and type.
     The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities," ("SFAS #125") on January 1, 1997. The adoption of SFAS #125 did
not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

     SECURITIES - The Company classifies its securities as trading, held to
maturity or available for sale. Trading securities are bought and held
principally for the purpose of selling them in the near-term and are reported at
fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
The Company does not have any trading securities. Securities held to maturity
represent those securities for which the Banks have the positive intent and
ability to hold until maturity and are reported at cost, adjusted for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts computed on the level yield
method. Securities available for sale represent those securities not classified
as trading or held to maturity and are reported at fair value with unrealized
gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, reported as a separate
component of shareholders' equity. Gains and losses realized on the sale of
securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification
method and are recognized on a trade-date basis. Premiums and discounts are
recognized in interest income computed on the level yield method.

     LOAN REVENUE RECOGNITION - Interest on loans is accrued based on the
principal amounts outstanding. The accrual of interest income is discontinued
when a loan becomes 90 days past due and the borrower's capacity to repay the
loan and collateral values appear insufficient. A non-accrual loan may be
restored to accrual status when interest and principal payments are current and
the loan appears otherwise collectible.
     Certain loan fees, net of direct loan origination costs, are deferred and
recognized as an adjustment of yield over the life of the related loan. Fees
received in connection with loan commitments are deferred until the loan is
advanced and are then recognized over the life of the loan as an adjustment of
yield. Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized at expiration. Fees
received for a letter of credit are recognized as fee revenue over its life.



                                      A-18
<PAGE>   19


     ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Some loans will not be repaid in full.
Therefore, an allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which
management has determined to be adequate to absorb inherent losses. Management's
assessment of the allowance is based on the aggregate amount and composition of
the loan portfolios, as well as an evaluation of specific commercial and
agricultural loans, historical loss experience and the level of non-performing
and impaired loans. Increases in the allowance are recorded by a provision for
loan losses charged to expense and, although Management periodically allocates
portions of the allowance to specific loans and loan portfolios, the entire
allowance is available for any losses which occur. Collection efforts may
continue and future recoveries may occur after a loan is charged against the
allowance.
     The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," ("SFAS #114"). SFAS
#114, which has been subsequently amended by SFAS #118, requires the Company to
measure its investment in an impaired loan based on one of three methods: the
loan's observable market price, the fair value of the collateral or the present
value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest
rate. This statement does not apply to homogenous residential mortgage and
installment loans. The adoption of this Statement in 1995 did not have a
significant effect on the allowance for loan losses.

     PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Property and equipment is stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is
computed using both straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets.

     OTHER REAL ESTATE - Other real estate represents properties acquired
through foreclosure or by acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The
carrying values of these properties are periodically evaluated and are adjusted
to the lower of cost or fair value minus estimated costs to sell. Other real
estate and repossessed assets totaling $331,000 and $730,000 at December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively, are included in other assets.

     INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase
price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired, is amortized on a
straight-line basis over the period of expected benefit, generally 12 to 20
years. Goodwill totaled $7,708,000 and $8,289,000 as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Other intangible assets are amortized using both
straight-line and accelerated methods over 12 to 15 years. Other intangibles
amounted to $9,340,000 and $10,056,000 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

     INCOME TAXES - The Company employs the asset and liability method of
accounting for income taxes. The objective of this method is to establish
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the
financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and
liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are
realized or settled. Under the asset and liability method, the effect of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date. The deferred tax asset is subject to a valuation allowance for
that portion of the asset for which it is more likely than not that it will not
be realized.
     The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax
return. Intercompany tax liabilities are settled as if each subsidiary filed a
separate return.

     COMMON STOCK - At December 31, 1997, 158,076 shares of common stock were
reserved for issuance under the Incentive Share Grant Plan, 28,066 shares of
common stock were reserved for issuance under the dividend reinvestment plan and
505,695 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under stock option
plans.

     RETIREMENT PLANS - The Company maintains an employee stock ownership plan
as well as a 401(k) plan for substantially all full-time employees.

     RECLASSIFICATION - Certain amounts in the 1996 and 1995 financial
statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation.





                                      A-19
<PAGE>   20



NOTE 2 - ACQUISITIONS
     In June 1996, the Company acquired North Bank Corporation ("NBC") for cash
consideration totaling approximately $15,800,000. At the effective date of the
acquisition, NBC's assets totaled $152,000,000 and its loans and deposits
totaled $84,000,000 and $131,600,000, respectively. The transaction was
accounted for as a purchase and the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed
have been recorded at fair value. The Company's results of operations include
revenues and expenses relating to NBC since May 31, 1996. Goodwill totaled
$7,500,000 and is being amortized over 15 years. NBC's sole banking subsidiary
consolidated with an existing subsidiary of the Company during the third quarter
of 1996.
     The pro-forma information presented in the following table is based on
historical results of the Company and NBC. The information has been combined to
present the results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the
beginning of the period presented. The following pro-forma results for the year
ended December 31, 1996, are not necessarily indicative of the results which
would have actually been attained if the acquisition had been consummated in the
past or what may be attained in the future.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (unaudited)
<S>                                                         <C>           
Total revenue                                               $   70,200,000
Net income                                                       7,600,000
Earnings per share
   Basic                                                              1.69
   Diluted                                                            1.67
</TABLE>

     On December 13, 1996, one of the Banks purchased certain loans as well as
real and personal property and assumed deposit liabilities associated with eight
branch offices from First of America Bank - Michigan, NA ("FoA Purchase"). On
that date, loans purchased and deposit liabilities assumed totaled $22,100,000
and $121,900,000, respectively. The assets purchased and the liabilities assumed
have been recorded at fair value. The Company's results of operations include
revenues and expenses relating to the FoA Purchase since December 13, 1996. An
intangible asset of $8,800,000 is being amortized over 12 years.

NOTE 3 - RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
     The Banks' legal reserve requirements were satisfied by maintaining average
non-interest earning vault cash balances of $5,504,000 in 1997 and $4,316,000 in
1996. The Banks do not maintain compensating balances with correspondent banks.

NOTE 4 - SECURITIES

     Securities available for sale consist of the following at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AMORTIZED                  UNREALIZED                    FAIR
                                                                   COST                GAINS           LOSSES             VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                 <C>              <C>               <C>          
1997
   U.S. Treasury                                               $   7,028,000       $    77,000                        $   7,105,000
   U.S. Government agencies                                       14,819,000           673,000                           15,492,000
   Mortgage-backed securities                                     52,581,000           797,000       $ 231,000           53,147,000
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions               25,695,000         1,160,000           6,000           26,849,000
   Other securities                                                8,108,000            68,000                            8,176,000
                                                               --------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total                                                $ 108,231,000        $2,775,000       $ 237,000        $ 110,769,000
                                                               ====================================================================
1996
   U.S. Treasury                                               $  27,561,000       $   174,000       $  13,000        $  27,722,000
   U.S. Government agencies                                       20,839,000           337,000          17,000           21,159,000
   Mortgage-backed securities                                     57,113,000           671,000         256,000           57,528,000
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions               21,183,000           688,000          17,000           21,854,000
   Other securities                                                8,594,000                             5,000            8,589,000
                                                               --------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total                                                $ 135,290,000       $ 1,870,000        $ 308,000       $ 136,852,000
                                                               ====================================================================
</TABLE>




                                      A-20
<PAGE>   21


Securities held to maturity consist of the following at December 31:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   AMORTIZED                  UNREALIZED                   FAIR
                                                                     COST                GAINS            LOSSES           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                 <C>                   <C>           <C>         
1997
   U.S. Government agencies                                      $    997,000         $    3,000                       $  1,000,000
   Mortgage-backed securities                                       2,785,000             13,000         $   9,000        2,789,000
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions                18,353,000            822,000                         19,175,000
   Other securities                                                   390,000                                               390,000
                                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total                                                     $ 22,525,000         $  838,000         $   9,000     $ 23,354,000
                                                                 ==================================================================

1996
   U.S. Government agencies                                      $  1,484,000         $   13,000         $   4,000     $  1,493,000
   Mortgage-backed securities                                       3,688,000             17,000            11,000        3,694,000
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions                21,192,000            899,000            23,000       22,068,000
   Other securities                                                   390,000                                               390,000
                                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total                                                     $ 26,754,000         $  929,000         $  38,000     $ 27,645,000
                                                                 ==================================================================
</TABLE>

     The amortized cost and approximate fair value of securities at December 31,
1997, by contractual maturity, follow. Actual maturities will differ from
contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations with or without penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       AVAILABLE FOR SALE                   HELD TO MATURITY
                                                                  AMORTIZED            FAIR            AMORTIZED           FAIR
                                                                    COST               VALUE             COST              VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>                <C>               <C>         
Maturing within one year                                       $    1,423,000     $    1,433,000     $   1,666,000     $  1,681,000
Maturing after one year but within five years                      19,950,000         20,350,000        12,329,000       12,817,000
Maturing after five years but within ten years                     23,313,000         24,500,000         3,811,000        4,057,000
Maturing after ten years                                           10,462,000         10,837,000         1,934,000        2,010,000
                                                               --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   55,148,000         57,120,000        19,740,000       20,565,000
Mortgage-backed securities                                         52,581,000         53,147,000         2,785,000        2,789,000
Other securities                                                      502,000            502,000
                                                               --------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total                                                   $  108,231,000     $  110,769,000     $  22,525,000     $ 23,354,000
                                                               ====================================================================
</TABLE>

A summary of proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale realized
gains and losses follows:  

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        REALIZED    REALIZED
                                          PROCEEDS       GAINS      LOSSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<C>                                   <C>            <C>          <C>       
1997                                  $  59,727,000  $   354,000  $   81,000
1996                                     18,145,000       42,000     204,000
1995                                     14,054,000        8,000     128,000
</TABLE>

     Securities with a book value of $31,660,000 and $14,882,000 at December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for
other purposes as required by law.
     There were no investment obligations of state and political subdivisions
that were payable from or secured by the same source of revenue or taxing
authority that exceeded 10% of consolidated shareholders' equity at December 31,
1997 or 1996.
     During November 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a
"Guide to Implementation of Statement #115 on Accounting for Certain Investment
in Debt and Equity Securities." This guide allowed for a one-time change in the
classification of securities pursuant to SFAS #115 as of the date of the
implementation guide, but no later than December 31, 1995. As a result, the
Banks made a transfer of $52,601,000 to securities available for sale.




                                      A-21
<PAGE>   22


NOTE 5 - LOANS
     An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December
31 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             1997              1996             1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>               <C>        
Balance at beginning of period                           $ 6,960,000       $  5,243,000      $ 5,054,000
   Allowance on loans acquired                                                1,180,000
   Provision charged to operating expense                  1,750,000          1,233,000          636,000
   Recoveries credited to allowance                          585,000            440,000          265,000
   Loans charged against allowance                        (1,625,000)        (1,136,000)        (712,000)
                                                         -----------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period                                 $ 7,670,000       $  6,960,000      $ 5,243,000
                                                         ===============================================
</TABLE>

     Loans are presented net of deferred income of $2,408,000 at December
31, 1997, and $1,768,000 at December 31, 1996. Loans on non-accrual status, 90
days or more past due and still accruing interest, or restructured amounted to
$5,386,000, $3,902,000 and $2,560,000 at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. If these loans had continued to accrue interest in accordance
with their original terms, approximately $442,000, $288,000, and $263,000 of
interest income would have been realized in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Interest income realized on these loans was approximately $190,000, $105,000
and $64,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
     Impaired loans totaled approximately $2,800,000, $3,800,000 and $3,200,000
at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Banks' average investment
in impaired loans was approximately $3,300,000, $2,500,000 and $2,300,000 in
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Cash receipts on impaired loans on
non-accrual status are generally applied to the principal balance. Interest
income recognized on impaired loans in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was approximately
$165,000, $130,000 and $70,000, respectively. Certain impaired loans with a
balance of approximately $1,300,000, $2,300,000 and $700,000 had specific
allocations of the allowance for loan losses calculated in accordance with SFAS
#114 totaling approximately $200,000, $500,000 and $250,000 at December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
     The Banks capitalized approximately $583,000 and $370,000 of servicing
rights relating to loans that were originated and sold during the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Amortization of capitalized servicing
rights during those years was $131,000 and $56,000, respectively. The fair value
of capitalized servicing rights approximated the book value of $764,000 at
December 31, 1997, therefore no valuation allowance relating to impairment was
considered necessary. The capitalized servicing rights relate to approximately
$129,000,000 of loans sold and serviced at December 31, 1997.
     At December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Banks serviced loans totaling
approximately $245,000,000, $181,000,000 and $124,000,000, respectively, for the
benefit of third parties.

NOTE 6 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
     A summary of property and equipment at December 31 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997            1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>
Land                                                 $    3,067,000     $  2,969,000
Buildings                                                18,182,000       15,109,000
Equipment                                                13,242,000       11,511,000
                                                     -------------------------------
                                                         34,491,000       29,589,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization               (13,424,000)     (11,127,000)
                                                     -------------------------------
       Property and equipment, net                   $   21,067,000     $ 18,462,000
                                                     ===============================
</TABLE>

NOTE 7 - DEPOSITS

     A summary of interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31
follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1997              1996               1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>               <C>         
Savings and NOW                                                                  $  8,480,000      $   6,116,000     $  5,515,000
Time deposits under $100,000                                                       11,997,000          8,718,000        6,072,000
Time deposits of $100,000 or more                                                   2,137,000          1,304,000          883,000
                                                                                 ------------------------------------------------
       Total                                                                     $ 22,614,000      $  16,138,000     $ 12,470,000
                                                                                 ================================================
</TABLE>

     Aggregate time certificates of deposit and other time deposits in
denominations of $100,000 or more amounted to $52,605,000, $31,053,000, and
$19,497,000 at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.



                                      A-22
<PAGE>   23


     Maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 1997 follow:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<C>                                                          <C>         
1998                                                         $176,794,000
1999                                                           61,118,000
2000                                                           20,430,000
2001                                                            8,519,000
2002 and thereafter                                             5,479,000
                                                             ------------
        Total                                                $272,340,000
                                                             ============
</TABLE>

NOTE 8 - OTHER BORROWINGS
     A summary of other borrowings at December 31 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1997                 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                                              <C>                 <C>           
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                                                             $ 145,954,000       $  111,000,000
Notes payable                                                                                       12,000,000           14,000,000
U.S. Treasury demand notes                                                                           1,450,000            1,858,000
Repurchase agreements                                                                                7,772,000            8,424,000
Other                                                                                                    9,000               12,000
                                                                                                 ----------------------------------
       Total                                                                                     $ 167,185,000       $  135,294,000
                                                                                                 ================================== 
</TABLE>

     Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") at December 31, 1997 and
1996, are secured by the Banks' unencumbered qualifying mortgage loans as well
as U.S. Treasury and government agency securities equal to at least 160% of
outstanding advances. Interest expense on advances amounted to $7,877,000,
$6,757,000 and $3,836,000 for the years ending December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
     As members of the FHLB system, the Banks must own FHLB stock equal to the
greater of 1.0% of the unpaid principal balances of residential mortgage loans,
0.3% of its total assets, or 5.0% of its outstanding advances. At December 31,
1997, the Banks were in compliance with the FHLB stock ownership requirements.
     Maturities and weighted average interest rates at December 31 follow:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1997                                1996
                                                                       AMOUNT           RATE                AMOUNT    RATE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed rate advances
<S>                                                             <C>                    <C>          <C>              <C>  
   1997                                                                                              $  46,000,000   5.92%
   1998                                                        $   42,000,000            5.97%          36,000,000   5.98
   1999                                                            26,059,000            5.98            8,000,000   6.07
   2000                                                            10,895,000            6.03
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------
Total fixed rate advances                                          78,954,000            5.98           90,000,000   5.96
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------

Variable rate advances
   1997                                                                                                 12,000,000   5.47
   1998                                                            46,000,000            5.74            9,000,000   5.52
   1999                                                             5,000,000            5.83
   2000                                                            16,000,000            5.70
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------
     Total variable rate advances                                  67,000,000            5.74           21,000,000   5.49
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------
       Total advances                                           $ 145,954,000            5.87%      $  111,000,000   5.87%
                                                                =========================================================
</TABLE>

      The Company has established a $17,000,000 unsecured credit facility
comprised of a $10,000,000 five-year term loan, payable in equal quarterly
installments and a $7,000,000 revolving credit agreement. At December 31, 1997,
the term note had an unpaid principal balance of $7,000,000 and the revolving
credit facility had an unpaid principal balance of $5,000,000. The term note and
the revolving credit facility accrue interest at LIBOR, plus 1.00% and federal
funds, plus .75%, respectively.

     Maturities of the notes payable at December 31, 1997 follow:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                                            <C>         
1998                                                                                                           $  7,000,000
1999                                                                                                              2,000,000
2000                                                                                                              2,000,000
2001                                                                                                              1,000,000
                                                                                                               ------------
           Total                                                                                               $ 12,000,000
                                                                                                               ============

</TABLE>
                                      A-23
<PAGE>   24

NOTE 9 - GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTERESTS
IN COMPANY'S SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
     On December 13, 1997, IBC Capital Finance, a trust subsidiary of the
Company, completed the public offering of 690,000 shares of cumulative trust
preferred securities ("Preferred Securities") with a liquidation preference of
$25 per security. The proceeds of the offering were loaned to the Company in
exchange for subordinated debentures with terms that are similar to the
Preferred Securities. Distributions on the securities are payable quarterly at
the annual rate of 9.25% of the liquidation preference and are included in
interest expense in the consolidated financial statements.
     The Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption at the
liquidation preference, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the subordinated
debentures at maturity or their earlier redemption. The subordinated debentures
are redeemable prior to the maturity date of December 31, 2026, at the option of
the Company on or after December 31, 2001, in whole at any time or in part from
time to time. The subordinated debentures are also redeemable at any time, in
whole, but not in part, upon the occurrence of specific events defined within
the trust indenture. The Company has the option to defer distributions on the
subordinated debentures from time to time for a period not to exceed 20
consecutive quarters.

NOTE 10 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

     The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share," ("SFAS #128") effective December 31, 1997. SFAS #128
replaced primary earnings per share ("Primary") and fully diluted earnings per
share ("Fully Diluted") with basic earnings per share ("Basic") and diluted
earnings per share ("Diluted"). This statement requires a dual presentation and
reconciliation of Basic and Diluted. Basic, unlike Primary, excludes any
dilution from common stock equivalents, while Diluted, like Fully Diluted,
reflects the potential dilution of all common stock equivalents.

     A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years
ended December 31 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      1997              1996              1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic earnings per share
<S>                                                                               <C>               <C>               <C>        
   Net income                                                                     $ 8,924,000       $  7,852,000      $ 6,810,000
                                                                                  ===============================================
   Shares outstanding                                                               4,574,000          4,503,000        4,483,000
                                                                                  ===============================================
   Per share amount                                                               $      1.95       $       1.74      $      1.52
                                                                                  ===============================================

Diluted earnings per share
   Net income                                                                     $ 8,924,000       $  7,852,000      $ 6,810,000
                                                                                  ===============================================
   Shares outstanding                                                               4,574,000          4,503,000        4,483,000
   Effect of dilutive securities - stock options                                       53,000             39,000           24,000
                                                                                  -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                    4,627,000          4,542,000        4,507,000
                                                                                  ===============================================
   Per share amount                                                               $      1.93       $       1.73      $      1.51
                                                                                  ===============================================


</TABLE>

NOTE 11 - FEDERAL INCOME TAX
     The composition of federal income tax expense for the years ended December
31 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1997              1996              1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>               <C>               <C>        
Current                                                                           $ 3,987,000       $  3,508,000      $ 3,908,000
Deferred                                                                             (352,000)          (230,000)      (1,208,000)
                                                                                  -----------------------------------------------
     Federal income tax expense                                                   $ 3,635,000       $  3,278,000      $ 2,700,000
                                                                                  ===============================================
</TABLE>







                                      A-24
<PAGE>   25


     A reconciliation of federal income tax expense to the amount computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in 1997 and 34% in 1996
and 1995, to income before federal income tax for the years ended December 31
follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      1997              1996              1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                               <C>               <C>               <C>        
Statutory rate applied to income before federal income tax                        $ 4,396,000       $  3,784,000      $ 3,233,000
Tax-exempt interest income                                                           (906,000)          (698,000)        (587,000)
Amortization of goodwill                                                              226,000            150,000           54,000
Other, net                                                                            (81,000)            42,000
                                                                                  -----------------------------------------------
       Federal income tax expense                                                 $ 3,635,000       $  3,278,000      $ 2,700,000
                                                                                  ===============================================
</TABLE>

     The deferred federal income tax benefit of $352,000, $230,000 and
$1,208,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, resulted from the tax effect of
temporary differences. There was no impact for changes in tax laws and rates or
changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.
     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31
follow:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         1997             1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets
<S>                                                                                                  <C>              <C>        
   Allowance for loan losses                                                                         $ 1,965,000      $ 1,534,000
   Deferred compensation                                                                                 778,000          691,000
   Purchase discounts                                                                                    376,000          427,000
   Deferred loan fees                                                                                    218,000          316,000
   Deferred credit life premiums                                                                         125,000          145,000
   Other                                                                                                 683,000          836,000
                                                                                                     ----------------------------
     Gross deferred tax assets                                                                         4,145,000        3,949,000
                                                                                                     ----------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities
   Unrealized gain on securities available for sale                                                      863,000          531,000
   Fixed assets                                                                                          327,000          483,000
                                                                                                     ----------------------------
     Gross deferred tax liabilities                                                                    1,190,000        1,014,000
                                                                                                     ----------------------------
       Net deferred tax assets                                                                       $ 2,955,000      $ 2,935,000
                                                                                                     ============================
</TABLE>

NOTE 12 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
     The Company maintains stock option plans for certain employees of the
Company and subsidiaries and for non-employee directors of the Company. An
aggregate of 571,430 shares of common stock has been authorized for issuance
under the plans. Options granted under these plans are exercisable not earlier
than one year after the date of grant, at a price equal to the fair market value
of the common stock on the date of grant, and expire five years after the date
of grant.
     On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," ("SFAS #123").
SFAS #123 encourages companies to adopt a fair value method of accounting for
stock compensation plans. Companies that do not adopt a fair value method are
required to make pro-forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as
if they had adopted the fair value accounting method. The Company has elected
the pro-forma disclosure method.
     The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted in 1997
and 1996 was obtained using the Black Scholes options pricing model. A summary
of the assumptions used and values obtained follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          1997              1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                                                          <C>              <C>  
Expected dividend yield                                                                                     2.86%            3.64%
Risk free interest rate                                                                                     6.76             6.53
Expected life                                                                                            5 years          5 years
Expected volatility                                                                                       .14414           .16262

Per share weighted-average fair value                                                                      $4.65            $2.95
</TABLE>



                                      A-25
<PAGE>   26


     The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its plans and,
accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in
the financial statements. The following table summarizes the impact on the
Company's net income had compensation cost included the estimated fair value of
options at the grant date:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        1997              1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income
<S>                                                                                                  <C>              <C>        
   As reported                                                                                       $ 8,924,000      $ 7,852,000
   Pro-forma                                                                                           8,747,000        7,762,000

Net income per share
   Basic
     As reported                                                                                     $      1.95      $      1.74
     Pro-forma                                                                                              1.91             1.72
   Diluted
     As reported                                                                                     $      1.93      $      1.73
     Pro-forma                                                                                              1.89             1.71
</TABLE>

     A summary of outstanding stock option grants and transactions follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         NUMBER            AVERAGE 
                                                                                                           OF              EXERCISE
                                                                                                         SHARES              PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                      <C>             <C>     
Outstanding at January 1, 1995                                                                           102,449         $  10.73
   Granted                                                                                                41,675            14.33
   Exercised                                                                                             (13,284)           10.30
   Forfeited                                                                                              (1,736)           14.11
                                                                                                        -------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995                                                                         129,104            11.89
   Granted                                                                                                46,222            17.28
   Exercised                                                                                              (5,209)           11.42
   Forfeited                                                                                              (1,736)           17.23
                                                                                                        -------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996                                                                         168,381            13.33
   Granted                                                                                                57,566            24.60
   Exercised                                                                                             (45,503)           10.55
                                                                                                        -------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1997                                                                         180,444         $  17.63
                                                                                                        =========================
</TABLE>

     At December 31, 1997, the range of exercise prices of outstanding options
was $11.52 to $24.60.
     The Company has a 401(k) and an employee stock ownership plan covering
substantially all full-time employees of the Company and subsidiaries. The
Company matches employee contributions to the 401(k) up to a maximum of 3% of
participating employees' eligible wages. Contributions to the employee stock
ownership plan are determined annually and require approval of the Company's
Board of Directors. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
$1,157,000, $850,000 and $704,000 respectively, was expensed for these
retirement plans.
     Officers of the Company and subsidiaries participate in various
performance-based compensation plans. The Incentive Share Grant Plan provides
that the Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, may award restricted shares
of common stock to the participants in the Management Incentive Compensation
Plan in lieu of cash bonuses. The market value of such incentive shares at the
date of grant must equal twice the amount of the cash incentive otherwise
payable. Shares of common stock issued pursuant to the Incentive Share Grant
Plan vest over four years. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
amounts expensed for all incentive plans totaled $1,338,000, $1,026,000, and
$876,000, respectively.
     The Company also provides certain health care and life insurance programs
to substantially all full-time employees. These insurance programs are available
to retired employees at their expense.

NOTE 13 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
     In the normal course of business, the Banks enter into financial
instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of customers
or to reduce exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial
instruments may include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit
and interest rate derivatives. Financial instruments involve varying degrees of
credit and interest rate risk in excess of amounts reflected in the consolidated
balance sheets. Exposure to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the
counterparties to the financial instruments for loan commitments to extend
credit and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those
instruments. Management does not, however, anticipate material losses as a
result of these financial instruments.



                                      A-26
<PAGE>   27


     A summary of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at December
31 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1997                1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>                 <C>         
Financial instruments whose risk is represented by contract amounts
   Commitments to extend credit                                                                  $  85,738,000       $ 58,827,000
   Standby letters of credit                                                                         2,793,000          2,182,000

Interest rate derivative financial instruments
   Interest rate cap agreements
     Notional amount                                                                             $  28,000,000       $  9,000,000
     Strike                                                                                               6.71%              7.00%
     Weighted average maturity                                                                       2.3 years          2.3 years
     Amortized cost                                                                              $     168,000       $     83,000
     Fair value                                                                                         87,000             70,000
   Interest rate collar agreements
     Notional amount                                                                             $  10,000,000
     Cap strike                                                                                           6.42%
     Floor strike                                                                                         5.71
     Weighted average maturity                                                                       2.7 years
     Fair value                                                                                  $     (10,000)
</TABLE>

     Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses
and generally require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are
expected to expire without being drawn upon, the commitment amounts do not
represent future cash requirements. Commitments are issued subject to similar
underwriting standards, including collateral requirements, as are generally
involved in the extension of credit facilities.
     Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued to
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party, primarily public and
private borrowing arrangements. Standby letters of credit generally extend for
periods of less than one year. The credit risk involved in such transactions is
essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities and,
accordingly, standby letters of credit are issued subject to similar
underwriting standards, including collateral requirements, as are generally
involved in the extension of credit facilities.
NOTE 14 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
     Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and the Banks,
including companies in which they are officers or have significant ownership,
were loan customers of the Banks during 1997 and 1996.
     A summary of loans to directors and executive officers whose borrowing
relationship exceeds $60,000, and to entities in which they own a 10% or more
voting interest for the years ended December 31 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      1997               1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                                               <C>                 <C>        
Balance at beginning of period                                                                    $  3,944,000        $ 4,687,000
   New loans and advances                                                                            3,481,000          3,413,000
   Repayments                                                                                       (3,961,000)        (4,156,000)
                                                                                                  -------------------------------
Balance at end of period                                                                          $  3,464,000        $ 3,944,000
                                                                                                  ===============================
</TABLE>

NOTE 15 - OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
     Other operating expenses for the years ended December 31 follow:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1997                 1996                1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>        
Amortization of intangible assets                                             $  1,523,000        $    583,000        $   273,000
Computer processing                                                              1,340,000           1,063,000            818,000
Advertising                                                                      1,329,000             827,000            344,000
Communications                                                                   1,280,000           1,007,000            791,000
Supplies                                                                         1,019,000             804,000            561,000
Loan and collection                                                                939,000             663,000          1,030,000
State taxes                                                                        824,000             638,000            537,000
Other                                                                            3,280,000           2,685,000          2,292,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
         Total                                                                $ 11,534,000        $  8,270,000        $ 6,646,000
                                                                              ===================================================
</TABLE>




                                      A-27
<PAGE>   28



NOTE 16 - REGULATORY MATTERS
     Capital guidelines adopted by Federal and State regulatory agencies and
restrictions imposed by law limit the amount of cash dividends the Banks can pay
to the Company. At December 31, 1997, using the most restrictive of these
conditions for each Bank, the aggregate cash dividends that the Banks can pay
the Company without prior approval is approximately $30,900,000. It is not the
intent of Management to have dividends paid in amounts which would reduce the
capital of the Banks to levels below those which are considered prudent by
Management and in accordance with guidelines of regulatory authorities.
     The Company and the Banks are also subject to various regulatory capital
requirements. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain
mandatory, and possibly discretionary, actions by regulators that could have a
material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy
guidelines, the Company and the Banks must meet specific capital requirements
that involve quantitative measures as well as qualitative judgments by the
regulators. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital
adequacy require minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to
risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to average assets. Actual capital
amounts and ratios for the Company and the Banks at December 31 follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  MINIMUM RATIOS            MINIMUM RATIOS FOR
                                                                                  FOR ADEQUATELY             WELL-CAPITALIZED
                                                          ACTUAL             CAPITALIZED INSTITUTIONS          INSTITUTIONS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 AMOUNT         RATIO           AMOUNT        RATIO           AMOUNT        RATIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>          <C>               <C>        <C>               <C>   
1997
   Total capital to risk-weighted assets
     Consolidated                             $ 66,332,000      9.91%        $ 53,561,000      8.00%      $  66,951,000     10.00%
     Independent Bank                           25,409,000     10.76           18,887,000      8.00          23,608,000     10.00
     Independent Bank West Michigan             17,122,000     10.56           12,975,000      8.00          16,218,000     10.00
     Independent Bank South Michigan            11,815,000     10.97            8,619,000      8.00          10,774,000     10.00
     Independent Bank East Michigan             18,129,000     11.41           12,711,000      8.00          15,889,000     10.00

   Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
     Consolidated                             $ 58,662,000      8.76%        $ 26,781,000      4.00%      $  40,171,000      6.00%
     Independent Bank                           22,693,000      9.61            9,443,000      4.00          14,165,000      6.00
     Independent Bank West Michigan             15,240,000      9.40            6,487,000      4.00           9,731,000      6.00
     Independent Bank South Michigan            10,467,000      9.72            4,310,000      4.00           6,464,000      6.00
     Independent Bank East Michigan             16,540,000     10.41            6,356,000      4.00           9,533,000      6.00

   Tier 1 capital to average assets
     Consolidated                             $ 58,662,000      6.13%        $ 38,286,000      4.00%      $  47,857,000      5.00%
     Independent Bank                           22,693,000      6.75           13,456,000      4.00          16,820,000      5.00
     Independent Bank West Michigan             15,240,000      6.77            9,006,000      4.00          11,258,000      5.00
     Independent Bank South Michigan            10,467,000      6.87            6,098,000      4.00           7,622,000      5.00
     Independent Bank East Michigan             16,540,000      6.91            9,568,000      4.00          11,960,000      5.00

1996
   Total capital to risk-weighted assets
     Consolidated                             $ 57,094,000     10.26%        $ 44,502,000      8.00%      $  55,628,000     10.00%
     Independent Bank                           24,935,000     11.84           16,847,000      8.00          21,059,000     10.00
     Independent Bank West Michigan             15,492,000     11.68           10,607,000      8.00          13,259,000     10.00
     Independent Bank South Michigan            10,431,000     11.73            7,115,000      8.00           8,894,000     10.00
     Independent Bank East Michigan             15,567,000     12.38           10,058,000      8.00          12,573,000     10.00

   Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
     Consolidated                             $ 50,140,000      9.01%        $ 22,251,000      4.00%      $  33,377,000      6.00%
     Independent Bank                           22,310,000     10.59            8,424,000      4.00          12,635,000      6.00
     Independent Bank West Michigan             13,833,000     10.43            5,303,000      4.00           7,955,000      6.00
     Independent Bank South Michigan             9,318,000     10.48            3,563,000      4.00           5,336,000      6.00
     Independent Bank East Michigan             14,248,000     11.33            5,029,000      4.00           7,544,000      6.00

   Tier 1 capital to average assets
     Consolidated                             $ 50,140,000      6.31%        $ 31,774,000      4.00%      $  39,718,000      5.00%
     Independent Bank                           22,310,000      6.71           13,294,000      4.00          16,617,000      5.00
     Independent Bank West Michigan             13,833,000      6.83            8,098,000      4.00          10,122,000      5.00
     Independent Bank South Michigan             9,318,000      7.07            5,274,000      4.00           6,593,000      5.00
     Independent Bank East Michigan             14,248,000     10.42            5,472,000      4.00           6,840,000      5.00


</TABLE>



                                      A-28
<PAGE>   29



NOTE 17 - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     Most of the Company's assets and liabilities are considered financial
instruments. Many of these financial instruments lack an available trading
market and it is the Company's general practice and intent to hold the majority
of its financial instruments to maturity. Significant estimates and assumptions
were used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. These estimates
are subjective in nature, involving uncertainties and matters of judgment, and
therefore, fair values cannot be determined with precision. Changes in
assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
     Estimated fair values have been determined using available data and
methodology that is considered suitable for each category of financial
instrument. For instruments with floating interest rates which reprice
frequently and without significant credit risk, it is presumed that estimated
fair values approximate the recorded book balances.
     Financial instrument assets actively traded in a secondary market, such as
securities, have been valued using quoted market prices while recorded book
balances have been used for cash and due from banks and federal funds sold.
     The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting estimated future cash
flows using estimated market discount rates that reflect credit and
interest-rate risk inherent in the loans.
     Financial instruments with a stated maturity, such as certificates of
deposit, have been valued based on the discounted value of contractual cash
flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates for liabilities
with a similar maturity.
     Financial instrument liabilities without a stated maturity, such as demand
deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, have a fair value equal to the
amount payable on demand.

     The estimated fair values and recorded book balances at December 31 follow:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997                             1996
                                                                         ESTIMATED       RECORDED         ESTIMATED       RECORDED
                                                                           FAIR            BOOK             FAIR            BOOK
                                                                           VALUE          BALANCE           VALUE         BALANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               (in thousands)
<S>                                                                     <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>      
ASSETS
   Cash and due from banks                                              $  30,400        $  30,400       $   40,600       $  40,600
   Federal funds sold                                                                                        10,000          10,000
   Securities available for sale                                          110,800          110,800          136,900         136,900
   Securities held to maturity                                             23,400           22,500           27,600          26,800
   Net loans and loans held for sale                                      767,700          758,300          618,000         614,300

LIABILITIES
   Deposits with no stated maturity                                     $ 428,100        $ 428,100       $  412,300       $ 412,300
   Deposits with stated maturity                                          274,000          272,300          262,000         260,200
   Other borrowings                                                       214,400          212,400          136,600         137,000
</TABLE>

     The fair values for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of
credit are estimated to approximate their aggregate book balance.
     Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on
relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.
These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
offering for sale the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.
     Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet
financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated
future business, the value of future earnings attributable to off-balance sheet
activities and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments.
     Fair value estimates for deposit accounts do not include the value of the
substantial core deposit intangible asset resulting from the low-cost funding
provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in
the market.




                                      A-29
<PAGE>   30


NOTE 18 - INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) FINANCIAL
     INFORMATION 

Presented below are condensed financial statements for the parent company.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                     1997                1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>                 <C>         
ASSETS
   Cash and due from banks                                                                       $   3,394,000       $  2,974,000
   Investment in subsidiaries                                                                       85,080,000         81,057,000
   Other assets                                                                                      3,304,000          2,116,000
                                                                                                 --------------------------------
       Total Assets                                                                              $  91,778,000       $ 86,147,000
                                                                                                 ================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Notes payable                                                                                 $  12,000,000       $ 14,000,000
   Subordinated debentures                                                                          17,783,000         17,783,000
   Other liabilities                                                                                 2,479,000          2,528,000
   Shareholders' equity                                                                             59,516,000         51,836,000
                                                                                                 --------------------------------
       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                                $  91,778,000       $ 86,147,000
                                                                                                 ================================

</TABLE>                                                              



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                  1997               1996                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                <C>        
OPERATING INCOME
   Dividends from subsidiaries                                                $  7,400,000         $ 4,425,000        $ 4,500,000
   Management fees from subsidiaries and other income                            6,755,000           5,073,000          4,248,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Total Operating Income                                                     14,155,000           9,498,000          8,748,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------

OPERATING EXPENSES
   Interest expense                                                              2,542,000             546,000
   Administrative and other expenses                                             7,871,000           6,348,000          5,226,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Total Operating Expenses                                                   10,413,000           6,894,000          5,226,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Income Before Federal Income Tax and Undistributed Net Income
       of Subsidiaries                                                           3,742,000           2,604,000          3,522,000
Federal income tax credit                                                        1,188,000             568,000            320,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Income Before Equity in Undistributed Net Income of Subsidiaries            4,930,000           3,172,000          3,842,000
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries                               3,994,000           4,680,000          2,968,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
       Net Income                                                             $  8,924,000         $ 7,852,000        $ 6,810,000
                                                                              ===================================================

</TABLE>









                                      A-30
<PAGE>   31


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                  1997                1996               1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                <C>                  <C>        
Net Income                                                                    $  8,924,000       $   7,852,000        $ 6,810,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME
TO NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and premiums,
     and accretion of discounts on securities and loans                            437,000             336,000            297,000
   (Increase) decrease in other assets                                            (203,000)            426,000           (604,000)
   Increase in other liabilities                                                   478,000             688,000            599,000
   Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries                           (3,994,000)         (4,680,000)        (2,968,000)
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Total Adjustments                                                          (3,282,000)         (3,230,000)        (2,676,000)
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Net Cash from Operating Activities                                          5,642,000           4,622,000          4,134,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------


CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Purchase of securities available for sale                                                           (23,000)
   Capital expenditures                                                           (807,000)         (1,110,000)          (127,000)
   Investment in subsidiaries                                                                      (31,352,000)
   Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                                                            36,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Net Cash from Investing Activities                                           (807,000)        (32,485,000)           (91,000)
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Proceeds from short-term borrowings                                                               5,000,000
   Proceeds from long-term debt                                                                     10,000,000
   Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures                                                16,753,000
   Repayment of long-term debt                                                  (2,000,000)         (1,000,000)
   Dividends paid                                                               (3,186,000)         (2,736,000)        (2,392,000)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                          771,000              59,000            138,000
   Repurchase of common stock                                                                                            (893,000)
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Net Cash from Financing Activities                                         (4,415,000)         28,076,000         (3,147,000)
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
     Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                     420,000             213,000            896,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period                                 2,974,000           2,761,000          1,865,000
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------------
         Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                           $  3,394,000       $   2,974,000        $ 2,761,000
                                                                              ===================================================
</TABLE>





                                      A-31
<PAGE>   32


                                QUARTERLY SUMMARY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         REPORTED SALE PRICES OF COMMON SHARES                    CASH DIVIDENDS
                                                      1997                                  1996                    DECLARED
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           HIGH        LOW       CLOSE           HIGH        LOW       CLOSE    1997      1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>   
First quarter                              $25.00     $21.25     $24.25         $17.13     $15.75     $17.00    $ .18    $  .16
Second quarter                              27.88      24.00      27.25          17.75      16.50      17.13      .18       .16
Third quarter                               31.88      27.13      31.00          18.38      17.13      17.63      .18       .16
Fourth quarter                              40.50      31.38      40.50          22.38      17.75      21.63      .19       .17
</TABLE>

     The Company has approximately 1,900 holders of record of its common stock.
The common stock trades on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol "IBCP". The
prices shown above are supplied by Nasdaq and reflect the inter-dealer prices
and may not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions. There may have
been transactions or quotations at higher or lower prices of which the Company
is not aware.
     In addition to the provisions of the Michigan Business Corporations Act,
the Company's ability to pay dividends is limited by its ability to obtain funds
from the Banks and by regulatory capital guidelines applicable to the Company.
(See note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)


                           QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

     A summary of selected quarterly results of operations for the years ended
December 31 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 MARCH              JUNE              SEPTEMBER          DECEMBER
                                                                  31,                30,                 30,                31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           (unaudited)
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
1997
   Interest income                                          $  17,846,000       $ 19,155,000        $ 20,001,000       $ 20,412,000
   Net interest income                                          9,877,000         10,477,000          11,004,000         11,281,000
   Provision for loan losses                                      321,000            321,000             461,000            647,000
   Income before income tax expense                             3,004,000          3,077,000           3,199,000          3,279,000
   Net income                                                   2,134,000          2,194,000           2,275,000          2,321,000

   Net income per common share
     Basic                                                  $         .46       $        .48        $        .50       $        .51
     Diluted                                                          .46                .48                 .49                .50

1996
   Interest income                                            $12,388,000       $ 13,909,000        $ 16,301,000       $ 16,887,000
   Net interest income                                          7,371,000          8,401,000           9,278,000          9,622,000
   Provision for loan losses                                      207,000            482,000             253,000            291,000
   Income before income tax expense                             2,681,000          2,801,000           2,803,000          2,845,000
   Net income                                                   1,890,000          1,952,000           1,977,000          2,033,000

   Net income per common share
     Basic                                                  $         .41       $        .43        $        .44       $        .46
     Diluted                                                          .41                .43                 .44                .45

</TABLE>




                                      A-32
<PAGE>   33


                            SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION


HOW TO ORDER FORM 10-K
     Shareholders may obtain, without charge, a copy of Form 10-K, the 1997
Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, by writing to William
R. Kohls, Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corporation, P.O. Box 491,
Ionia, Michigan 48846.

PRESS RELEASES
     The Company's press releases, including earnings and dividend
announcements, are available via facsimile by calling #800/758-5804 and entering
436425. Press releases are also available on the World Wide Web via PR
Newswire's Company News On Call (http://www.prnewswire.com).

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
     The Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 3:00 p.m. on
April 21, 1998, in the Ionia Theater located at 205 West Main Street, Ionia,
Michigan, 48846.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
     State Street Bank & Trust Company, (P.O. Box 8200, Boston, Massachusetts
02266-8200, #800/426-5523) serves as transfer agent and registrar of the
Company's common stock.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
     The Company maintains an Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase
Plan which provides an opportunity for shareholders of record to reinvest cash
dividends into the Company's common stock. Optional cash purchases up to $2,500
per quarter are also permitted. A prospectus is available by writing to the
Company's Chief Financial Officer.

MARKET MAKERS
Registered market makers at December 31, 1997 follow:

     Chicago Capital, Inc.                  Howe, Barnes Investments, Inc.
     The Chicago Corporation                Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
     First of Michigan Corporation          Roney & Company
     Herzog, Heine, Geduld, Inc.            Stifel, Nicolaus & Co.


                        EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS


<TABLE>
<S><C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
     Charles C. Van Loan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Bank Corporation 
     Jeffrey A. Bratsburg, President and Chief Executive  Officer, Independent Bank West Michigan 
     Ronald L. Long, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Bank East Michigan 
     Michael M. Magee, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Bank 
     Edward B. Swanson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Bank South Michigan
     William R. Kohls, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corporation

DIRECTORS
     Keith E. Bazaire, President, Carter's Food Center, Inc., Retail Grocer, Charlotte 
     Terry L. Haske, President, Ricker & Haske, C.P.A.s, P.C., Marlette 
     Thomas F. Kohn, Chief Executive Officer, Belco Industries, Inc., Manufacturer, Belding 
     Robert J. Leppink, President, Leppink's Inc., Retail Grocer, Belding 
     Charles A. Palmer, Professor of Law, Cooley Law School, Lansing 
     Charles C. Van Loan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Bank Corporation, Ionia 
     Arch V. Wright, Jr., President, Charlevoix Development Company, Real Estate Development, Charlevoix
</TABLE>






                                      A-33

<PAGE>   1



                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


                          INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION
                         Subsidiaries of the Registrant

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     State of Incorporation
                                                                     ----------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>
IBC Capital Finance
              Ionia, Michigan                                                Delaware

Independent Bank
       Ionia, Michigan                                                       Michigan

Independent Bank West Michigan
       Rockford, Michigan                                                    Michigan

Independent Bank South Michigan
       Leslie, Michigan                                                      Michigan

Independent Bank East Michigan
       Caro, Michigan                                                        Michigan

IBC Financial Services, Inc. (a subsidiary of Independent Bank)
        Ionia, Michigan                                                      Michigan

Independent Title Services, Inc. (a subsidiary of Independent Bank,
       Independent Bank West Michigan, Independent Bank
       South Michigan and Independent Bank East Michigan)
       Rockford, Michigan                                                    Michigan
</TABLE>





<PAGE>   1
                      [KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP LETTERHEAD]

                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



The Board of Directors
Independent Bank Corporation:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No.
33-80088) on Form S-3 and (Nos. 333-32267 and 333-32269) on Forms S-8 of
Independent Bank Corporation of our report dated February 2, 1998, relating to
the consolidated statements of financial condition of Independent Bank
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, which report
is incorporated by reference in the December 31, 1997 annual report on Form 10-K
of Independent Bank Corporation.



/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

East Lansing, Michigan
March 13, 1998











<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          30,371
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                               0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    110,769
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          22,525
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            23,354
<LOANS>                                        744,178
<ALLOWANCE>                                      7,670
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 983,817
<DEPOSITS>                                     700,480
<SHORT-TERM>                                   190,185
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             11,386
<LONG-TERM>                                     22,250
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         4,587
<OTHER-SE>                                      54,929
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 983,817
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 65,830
<INTEREST-INVEST>                               10,585
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   999
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                77,414
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              22,614
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              34,775
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           42,639
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    1,750
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 273
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 36,845
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,559
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                      12,559
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,924
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.93
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.93
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    5.07
<LOANS-NON>                                      3,298
<LOANS-PAST>                                     1,904
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                   184
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                  2,800
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 6,960
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    1,625
<RECOVERIES>                                       585
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                7,670
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             3,414
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                          4,256
        

</TABLE>


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