Throughout Southern Michigan Bank & Trust's solid history of community banking, service has always been the key to its success.  As SMBT moves into the future, one thing its customers can always count on is that they will enjoy Banking As It Should Be.

1871

The Beginning

Nine men began organizing Southern Michigan National Bank in Coldwater, Michigan.

1872

Doors Open

The fledging institution was incorporated and began serving customers out of S.M. Steeley’s bank rooms in the South Michigan Hotel, next to the public town square. This location was only temporary, as management quickly realized the bank needed its own building. Land was purchased on the corner of Monroe and Chicago Streets, where construction rapidly commenced. In July, the Southern Michigan Bank opened its doors under its own roof.

The bank received its charter, issued by Comptroller of the Currency Hilande R. Hulburd.

1927

In Southern we Trust

The Trust department was organized.

1929

The Great Depression

The Stock Market crash of October 1929 would lead to what we now know as the Great Depression. 

1955

Pearl Street

The bank moved into its present quarters which offered its customers many new services not before available in Branch County, such as drive-in banking, sidewalk teller window, pay as you go checking accounts. In addition, the bank offered a Civic Room in the basement for public meetings that was available to anyone. There was also a display area in the bank lobby where the local merchants could display appliances, farm tractors and boats. All of these services were new to the community in 1955 and offered first by Southern Michigan National bank. 

1963

Union City National Bank Merger

The Southern Michigan National Bank purchased the assets of and assumed the deposit liabilities of the Union City National Bank. The combined total asset of the two banks amounted to just over $20 million.  The Union City National will be operated as a branch of the Southern Michigan National Bank.

1969

First State Bank of Tekonsha Merger

Southern Michigan National Bank merged with the First State Bank of Tekonsha and established that bank as a branch office of Southern Michigan National.  The combined assets of the two banks was over $31 million.

1972

Centennial

Southern Michigan National Bank celebrates 100th year anniversary. Total Assets: $39,530,173.51.

1974

ATM

SMBT introduces the first automated teller machine (ATM) in the Coldwater area. 


A new motor branch was opened in Union City.

1982

New Look

Holding company of Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. formed. 

New logo introduced.

1987

Michigan Bank-Mid South

In February SMNB purchased 3 branch offices of Michigan Bank-Mid South adding $11 million in deposits.

1990

Heading North

Beckley Road branch in Battle Creek opened in August.

1992

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust

Changed to state bank charter, became Southern Michigan Bank & Trust.

2000

Millennium

SMBT introduces internet banking. Renovations continue at the Coldwater and Battle Creek branches.

2007

Marshall branch and FNB Merger

The Grand Opening of a new Marshall Bank in March.

Merger with FNB (First National Bank of Three Rivers and their branches) creating two – bank holding companies.

2008

Financial Crisis

While the recession officially lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, it took several years for the economy to recover to pre-crisis levels of employment and output.

Similar to the Great Depression, Southern never closed its doors and was never bailed out.

2009

One Bank

FNB branches change name to “Southern Michigan Bank & Trust”.

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust becomes a one - bank holding company again.

2014

Mobile Banking

Introduced Mobile Deposit (depositing a check with the camera on your smart phone in the mobile banking app).

Introduced Gift Cards and PrePaid Cards.

2016

Portage Branch

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust opened its branch location in Portage, extending its physical footprint farther north.

2017

Portage Trade Centre

SMBT opened up an office in the Portage Trade Centre off of I-94 in order to expand our Commercial Lending and Wealth Management departments in the area.

Sturgis Location Photo

2022

Sturgis Branch

In June, SMBT opened its branch at 200 John Street in Sturgis. With this addition, Southern now has five branches in St. Joseph County.

Outside of Jackson location

2023

Jackson Branch and Loan Production Office

In August, SMBT opened its newest branch located at 200 N Jackson Street in the heart of downtown Jackson. This strategic expansion marks Southern's farthest East location, strengthening our commitment to the community. Prior to this branch opening, SMBT established a Loan Production Office at 113 W Michigan Avenue in Jackson.