TRAVERSE CITY, MICH., May 15, 2009 - Northwestern Bank has announced that Sid Van Slyke has joined its Investments | Trust | Retirement Services team as a vice president and trust banker.

Sid has over ten years of experience in banking and investments, and holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA) designation from the College for Financial Planning. Before joining Northwestern he served as vice president and senior private banker for another local financial institution. He is a member of the Community Action Team for Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative and Jim Casey Youth Opportunity Initiative.

Northwestern Bank was chartered in 1955 and is now the largest independent community bank in northern Michigan. A growing financial institution with $840 million in assets, the bank is one of the leading mortgage, consumer, and commercial lenders in the region. Northwestern offers complete banking, investment and trust, and employee benefit services from 27 offices throughout northern lower Michigan. Northwestern Bank is well-known for its "I can do that!" approach to service, which empowers its people to make decisions on the spot to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations.

Further information can be found by calling (231) 947-5530 or e-mail svanslyke@nwbank.com.