UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

þ		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

or

o		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 000-26719

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Common Stock		Name of each exchange on which registered The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  o  No  þ

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  o  No  þ

     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  þ  No  o

     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 the 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.  o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  o  No  þ

     The aggregate value of the common equity held by non-affiliates (persons other than directors and executive officers) of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $56.2 million.

     As of February 2, 2009, there were issued and outstanding 8,592,730 shares of the registrant’s common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Portions of the proxy statement for the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders (Portions of Part III).

 

 

PART I

     Our bank makes secured and unsecured commercial, construction, mortgage and consumer loans, and accepts checking, savings and time deposits. Our bank owns seven automated teller machines (“ATM”), located at our branch locations in Grand Rapids, Holland and East Lansing, that participate in the MAC, NYCE and PLUS regional network systems, as well as other ATM networks throughout the country. Our bank also enables customers to conduct certain loan and deposit transactions by telephone and personal computer. Courier service is provided to certain commercial customers, and safe deposit facilities are available at our branch locations in Grand Rapids, Holland and East Lansing. Our bank does not have trust powers. In December 2001, our bank entered into a joint brokerage services and marketing agreement with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. to make available to its customers financial planning, retail brokerage, equity research, insurance and annuities, retirement planning, trust services and estate planning. The joint brokerage services and marketing agreement was terminated during the first quarter 2009.

Our Mortgage Company

     Our mortgage company’s predecessor, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, commenced operations on October 24, 2000, when our bank contributed most of its residential mortgage loan portfolio and participation interests in certain commercial mortgage loans to Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company. On the same date, our bank also transferred its residential mortgage origination function to Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company. On January 1, 2004, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company was reorganized as Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, LLC, a limited liability company, which is 99% owned by our bank and 1% owned by our insurance company. The reorganization had no impact on the company’s financial position or results of operations. Mortgage loans originated and held by our mortgage company are serviced by our bank pursuant to a servicing agreement.

Our Insurance Company

     Our insurance company acquired an existing shelf insurance agency effective April 15, 2002. An Agency and Institution Agreement was entered into among our insurance company, our bank and Hub International for the purpose of providing programs of mass marketed personal lines of insurance. Insurance product offerings include private passenger automobile, homeowners, personal inland marine, boat owners, recreational vehicle, dwelling fire, umbrella policies, small business and life insurance products, all of which are provided by and written through companies that have appointed Hub International as their agent.

Our Real Estate Company

     Our real estate company was organized on July 21, 2003, principally to develop, construct and own our facility in downtown Grand Rapids that serves as our bank’s main office and Mercantile Bank Corporation’s headquarters. This facility was placed into service during the second quarter of 2005. Our real estate company is 99% owned by our bank and 1% owned by our insurance company.

The Mercantile Trust

     In 2004, we formed the Mercantile trust, a Delaware business trust. Mercantile trust’s business and affairs are conducted by its property trustee, a Delaware trust company, and three individual administrative trustees who are employees and officers of the company. Mercantile trust was established for the purpose of issuing and selling its Series A and Series B trust preferred securities and common securities, and used the proceeds from the sales of those securities to acquire Series A and Series B Floating Rate Notes issued by the company. Substantially all of the net proceeds received by the company from the Series A transaction were used to redeem the trust preferred securities that had been issued by MBWM Capital Trust I in September 1999. We established MBWM Capital Trust I in 1999 to issue the trust preferred securities that were redeemed. Substantially all of the net proceeds received by the company from the Series B transaction were contributed to our bank as capital. The Series A and Series B Floating Rate Notes are categorized on our consolidated financial statements as subordinated debentures. Additional information regarding Mercantile trust is incorporated by reference to “Note 17 — Subordinated Debentures” and “Note 18 — Regulatory Matters” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Effect of Government Monetary Policies

     Our earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, its agencies, and the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policies have had, and will likely continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order to, among other things, curb inflation, maintain employment, and mitigate economic recessions. The policies of the Federal Reserve Board have a major effect upon the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States government securities, and through its regulation of, among other things, the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. Our bank maintains reserves directly with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to the extent required by law. It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

Regulation and Supervision

     As a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, we are required to file an annual report with the Federal Reserve Board and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require. We are also subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board.

     The Bank Holding Company Act limits the activities of bank holding companies that have not qualified as financial holding companies to banking and the management of banking organizations, and to certain non-banking activities. These non-banking activities include those activities that the Federal Reserve Board found, by order or regulation as of the day prior to enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to banking. These non-banking activities include, among other things: operating a mortgage company, finance company, or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, nonoperating basis; and providing discount securities brokerage services for customers. With the exception of the activities of our mortgage company discussed above, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries engages in any of the non-banking activities listed above.

     In March 2000, our election to become a financial holding company, as permitted by the Bank Holding Company Act, as amended by Title I of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, was accepted by the Federal Reserve Board. In order to continue as a financial holding company, we and our bank must satisfy statutory requirements regarding capitalization, management, and compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. As a financial holding company, we are permitted to engage in a broader range of activities than are permitted to bank holding companies.

     Those expanded activities include any activity which the Federal Reserve Board (in certain instances in consultation with the Department of the Treasury) determines, by order or regulation, to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity, or to be complementary to a financial activity and not to pose a substantial risk to the safety or soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. Such expanded activities include, among others: insuring, guaranteeing, or indemnifying against loss, harm, damage, illness, disability or death, or issuing annuities, and acting as principal, agent, or broker for such purposes; providing financial, investment, or economic advisory services, including advising a mutual fund; and underwriting, dealing in, or making a market in securities. Other than the insurance agency activities of our insurance company, neither we nor our subsidiaries presently engage in any of the expanded activities.

     Our bank is subject to restrictions imposed by federal law and regulation. Among other things, these restrictions apply to any extension of credit to us or to our other subsidiaries, to investments in stock or other securities that we issue, to the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and to acquisitions of assets or services from, and sales of certain types of assets to, us or our other subsidiaries. Federal law restricts our ability to borrow from our bank by limiting the aggregate amount we may borrow and by requiring that all loans to us be secured in designated amounts by specified forms of collateral.

     With respect to the acquisition of banking organizations, we are generally required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before we can acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or acquire ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank or bank holding company, if, after the acquisition, we would own or control more than 5% of the voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. Acquisitions of banking organizations across state lines are subject to restrictions imposed by Federal and state laws and regulations.

Employees

     As of December 31, 2008, we and our bank employed 269 full-time and 71 part-time persons. Management believes that relations with employees are good.

Lending Policy

     As a routine part of our business, we make loans and leases to businesses and individuals located within our market areas. Our lending policy states that the function of the lending operation is twofold: to provide a means for the investment of funds at a profitable rate of return with an acceptable degree of risk, and to meet the credit needs of the creditworthy businesses and individuals who are our customers. We recognize that in the normal business of lending, some losses on loans and leases will be inevitable and should be considered a part of the normal cost of doing business.

     Our lending policy anticipates that priorities in extending loans and leases will be modified from time to time as interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors change. The policy sets forth guidelines on a nondiscriminatory basis for lending in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The policy describes various criteria for granting loans and leases, including the ability to pay; the character of the customer; evidence of financial responsibility; purpose of the loan or lease; knowledge of collateral and its value; terms of repayment; source of repayment; payment history; and economic conditions.

     The lending policy further limits the amount of funds that may be loaned or leased against specified types of real estate collateral. For certain loans secured by real estate, the policy requires an appraisal of the property offered as collateral by a state certified independent appraiser. The policy also provides general guidelines for loan to value and lease to value limits for other types of collateral, such as accounts receivable and machinery and equipment. In addition, the policy provides general guidelines as to environmental analysis, loans to employees, executive officers and directors, problem loan and lease identification, maintenance of an allowance for loan and lease losses, loan and lease review and grading, mortgage and consumer lending, and other matters relating to our lending practices.

     The Board of Directors has delegated significant lending authority to officers of our bank. The Board of Directors believes this empowerment, supported by our strong credit culture and the significant experience of our commercial lending staff, makes us responsive to our customers. The loan policy currently specifies lending authority for certain officers up to $5.0 million, and $10.0 million for our bank’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; however, the $10.0 million lending authority is generally used only in rare circumstances where timing is of the essence. Generally, loan requests exceeding $2.5 million require approval by the Officers Loan Committee, and loan requests exceeding $4.0 million, up to the legal lending limit of approximately $33.6 million, require approval by the Board of Directors. In most circumstances, we apply an in-house lending limit that is significantly less than our bank’s legal lending limit.

Lending Activity

      Commercial Loans. Our commercial lending group originates commercial loans and leases primarily in our market areas. Our commercial lenders have extensive commercial lending experience, with most having at least ten years’ experience. Loans and leases are originated for general business purposes, including working capital, accounts receivable financing, machinery and equipment acquisition, and commercial real estate financing, including new construction and land development.

     Working capital loans are often structured as a line of credit and are reviewed periodically in connection with the borrower’s year-end financial reporting. These loans are generally secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrower, and have an interest rate tied to the Mercantile Prime Rate. Loans and leases for machinery and equipment purposes typically have a maturity of three to five years and are fully amortizing, while commercial real estate loans are usually written with a five-year maturity and amortize over a 15 to 20 year period. Commercial loans and leases typically have an interest rate that is fixed to maturity or is tied to the Mercantile Prime Rate.

     We evaluate many aspects of a commercial loan or lease transaction in order to minimize credit and interest rate risk. Underwriting includes an assessment of the management, products, markets, cash flow, capital, income and collateral. This analysis includes a review of the borrower’s historical and projected financial results. Appraisals are generally required by certified independent appraisers where real estate is the primary collateral, and in some cases, where equipment is the primary collateral. In certain situations, for creditworthy customers, we may accept title reports instead of requiring lenders’ policies of title insurance.

     Commercial real estate lending involves more risk than residential lending because loan balances are greater and repayment is dependent upon the borrower’s business operations. We attempt to minimize the risks associated with these transactions by generally limiting our commercial real estate lending to owner-operated properties of well-known customers or new customers whose businesses have an established profitable history. In many cases, risk is further reduced by limiting the amount of credit to any one borrower to an amount considerably less than our legal lending limit and avoiding certain types of commercial real estate financings.

     We have no material foreign loans, and no material loans to energy producing customers. We have only limited exposure to companies engaged in agricultural-related activities.

      Single-Family Residential Real Estate Loans. Our mortgage company originates single-family residential real estate loans in our market area, usually according to secondary market underwriting standards. Loans not conforming to those standards are made in limited circumstances. Single-family residential real estate loans provide borrowers with a fixed or adjustable interest rate with terms up to 30 years.

     Our bank has a home equity line of credit program. Home equity credit is generally secured by either a first or second mortgage on the borrower’s primary residence. The program provides revolving credit at a rate tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate.

      Consumer Loans. We originate consumer loans for a variety of personal financial needs, including new and used automobiles, boat loans, credit cards and overdraft protection for our checking account customers. Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates and usually involve more credit risk than single-family residential real estate loans because of the type and nature of the collateral.

     We believe our consumer loans are underwritten carefully, with a strong emphasis on the amount of the down payment, credit quality, employment stability and monthly income of the borrower. These loans are generally repaid on a monthly repayment schedule with the source of repayment tied to the borrower’s periodic income. In addition, consumer lending collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and are thus likely to be adversely affected by job loss, illness and personal bankruptcy. In many cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan will not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance because of depreciation of the underlying collateral.

     We believe that the generally higher yields earned on consumer loans compensate for the increased credit risk associated with such loans, and that consumer loans are important to our efforts to serve the credit needs of the communities and customers that we serve.

Loan and Lease Portfolio Quality

     We utilize a comprehensive grading system for our commercial loans and leases as well as residential mortgage and consumer loans. All commercial loans and leases are graded on a ten grade rating system. The rating system utilizes standardized grade paradigms that analyze several critical factors such as cash flow, management and collateral coverage. All commercial loans and leases are graded at inception and reviewed at various intervals thereafter. Residential mortgage and consumer loans are graded on a random sampling basis after the loan has been made using a separate standardized grade paradigm that analyzes several critical factors such as debt-to-income and credit and employment histories.

     Our independent loan and lease review program is primarily responsible for the administration of the grading system and ensuring adherence to established lending policies and procedures. The loan and lease review program is an integral part of maintaining our strong asset quality culture. The loan and lease review function works closely with senior management, although it functionally reports to the Board of Directors. All commercial loan and lease relationships equal to or exceeding $1.8 million are formally reviewed every twelve months, with a random sampling performed on credits under $1.8 million. Our watch list credits are reviewed monthly by our Watch List Committee, which is comprised of personnel from the administration, lending and loan and lease review functions.

     Loans and leases are placed in a nonaccrual status when, in our opinion, uncertainty exists as to the ultimate collection of principal and interest. As of December 31, 2008, loans and leases placed in nonaccrual status totaled $47.9 million, or 2.58% of total loans and leases. As of the same date, loans and leases past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaled $1.4 million, or 0.07% of total loans and leases.

     Additional detail and information relative to the loan and lease portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis”) and Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

     In each accounting period, we adjust the allowance for loan and lease losses (“allowance”) to the amount we believe is necessary to maintain the allowance at adequate levels. Through the loan and lease review and credit departments, we attempt to allocate specific portions of the allowance based on specifically identifiable problem loans and leases. The evaluation of the allowance is further based on, but not limited to, consideration of the internally prepared Reserve Analysis, composition of the loan and lease portfolio, third party analysis of the loan and lease administration processes and portfolio and general economic conditions. In addition, the historical strong commercial loan and lease growth and expansions into new markets are taken into account.

     The Reserve Analysis, used since our inception and completed monthly, applies reserve allocation factors to outstanding loan and lease balances to calculate an overall allowance dollar amount. For commercial loans and leases, which continue to comprise the vast majority of our total loans and leases, reserve allocation factors are based upon the loan ratings as determined by our standardized grade paradigms. For retail loans, reserve allocation factors are based upon the type of credit. Adjustments for specific lending relationships, including impaired loans and leases, are made on a case-by-case basis. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the recent levels and historical trends of net loan charge-offs and non-performing assets, the comparison of the recent levels and historical trends of net loan charge-offs and non-performing assets with a customized peer group consisting of ten similarly-sized publicly traded banking organizations conducting business in the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana or Ohio, the review and consideration of our loan and lease migration analysis and the experience of senior management making similar loans and leases for an extensive period of time. We regularly review the Reserve Analysis and make adjustments periodically based upon identifiable trends and experience.

     We believe that the present allowance is adequate, based on the broad range of considerations listed above.

     The primary risks associated with commercial loans and leases are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and lack of timely payment. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from our commercial loan and lease customers, and periodically reviewing existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element that we consider for consumer and residential real estate loans is lack of timely payment. We have a reporting system that monitors past due loans and have adopted policies to pursue our creditor’s rights in order to preserve our bank’s collateral position.

     Additional detail regarding the allowance is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in this Annual Report.

     Although we believe the allowance is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses as they arise, there can be no assurance that we will not sustain losses in any given period which could be substantial in relation to, or greater than, the size of the allowance.

Investments

      Bank Holding Company Investments . The principal investments of our bank holding company are the investments in the common stock of our bank and the common securities of Mercantile trust. Other funds of our bank holding company may be invested from time to time in various debt instruments.

     As a bank holding company, we are also permitted to make portfolio investments in equity securities and to make equity investments in subsidiaries engaged in a variety of non-banking activities, which include real estate-related activities such as community development, real estate appraisals, arranging equity financing for commercial real estate, and owning and operating real estate used substantially by our bank or acquired for its future use. In addition, our bank holding company’s qualification as a financial holding company enables us to make equity investments in companies engaged in a broader range of financial activities than we could do without that qualification. Such expanded activities include insuring, guaranteeing, or indemnifying against loss, harm, damage, illness, disability or death, or issuing annuities, and acting as principal, agent, or broker for such purposes; providing financial, investment, or economic advisory services, including advising a mutual fund; and underwriting, dealing in, or making a market in securities. Our bank holding company has no plans at this time to make directly any of these equity investments at the bank holding company level. Our Board of Directors may, however, alter the investment policy at any time without shareholder approval.

     In addition, so long as our bank holding company is qualified as a financial holding company, it would be permitted, as part of the business of underwriting or merchant banking activity and under certain circumstances and procedures, to invest in shares or other ownership interests in, or assets of, companies engaged in non-financial activities. In order to make those investments, our bank holding company would be required (i) to become, or to have an affiliate that is, a registered securities broker or dealer or a registered municipal securities dealer, or (ii) to control both an insurance company predominantly engaged in underwriting life, accident and health, or property and casualty insurance (other than credit insurance) or issuing annuities, and a registered investment adviser that furnishes investment advice to an insurance company. We do not currently have any securities, insurance, or investment advisory affiliates of the required types, nor does our bank holding company have any current plans to make any of the equity investments described in this paragraph.

      Our Bank’s Investments . Our bank may invest its funds in a wide variety of debt instruments and may participate in the federal funds market with other depository institutions. Subject to certain exceptions, our bank is prohibited from investing in equity securities. Among the equity investments permitted for our bank under various conditions and subject in some instances to amount limitations, are shares of a subsidiary insurance agency, mortgage company, real estate company, or Michigan business and industrial development company, such as our insurance company, our mortgage company, or our real estate company. Under another such exception, in certain circumstances and with prior notice to or approval of the FDIC, our bank could invest up to 10% of its total assets in the equity securities of a subsidiary corporation engaged in the acquisition and development of real property for sale, or the improvement of real property by construction or rehabilitation of residential or commercial units for sale or lease. Our bank has no present plans to make such an investment. Real estate acquired by our bank in satisfaction of or foreclosure upon loans may be held by our bank for specified periods. Our bank is also permitted to invest in such real estate as is necessary for the convenient transaction of its business. Our bank’s Board of Directors may alter the bank’s investment policy without shareholder approval at any time.

     Additional detail and information relative to the securities portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Competition

     Our primary markets for loans and core deposits are the Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Ann Arbor and Oakland County metropolitan areas. We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. We compete for deposits, loans and other financial services with numerous Michigan-based and out-of-state banks, savings banks, thrifts, credit unions and other financial institutions as well as from other entities that provide financial services. Some of the financial institutions and financial service organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as we are. Many of our primary competitors have been in business for many years, have established customer bases, are larger, have substantially higher lending limits than we do, and offer larger branch networks and other services which we do not. Most of these same entities have greater capital resources than we do, which, among other things, may allow them to price their services at levels more favorable to the customer and to provide larger credit facilities than we do. Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, effective March 11, 2000, securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies may acquire banks and other financial institutions. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act affects the competitive environment in which we conduct our business. The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services.

Selected Statistical Information

     Management’s Discussion and Analysis beginning on Page F-4 in this Annual Report includes selected statistical information.

Return on Equity and Assets

     Return on Equity and Asset information is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis beginning on Page F-4 in this Annual Report.

Available Information

     We maintain an internet website at www.mercbank.com . We make available on or through our website, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend the address of our website to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of our website into this Annual Report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

     The following risk factors could affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report because they could cause the actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Before you buy our common stock, you should know that investing in our common stock involves risks, including the risks described below. The risks that are highlighted here are not the only ones we face. If the adverse matters referred to in any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or operations could be adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Difficult market conditions have adversely affected our industry.

     Dramatic declines in the housing market over the past two years, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures, unemployment and under-employment, have negatively impacted the credit performance of real estate related loans and resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions. These write-downs, initially of asset-backed securities but spreading to other securities and loans, have caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to reduce or eliminate dividends, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets generally and the strength of counterparties, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers, including to other financial institutions. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and lack of confidence in the financial markets has adversely affected our business, financial condition and results of operations. Market developments may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which may impact our charge-offs and provision for credit losses. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial institutions industry.

Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented.

     The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than 12 months. In more recent months, the volatility and disruption have reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without apparent regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. The current levels of market disruption and volatility have an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Adverse changes in economic conditions or interest rates may negatively affect our earnings, capital and liquidity.

     The results of operations for financial institutions, including our bank, may be materially and adversely affected by changes in prevailing local and national economic conditions, including declines in real estate market values and the related declines in value of our real estate collateral, rapid increases or decreases in interest rates and changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government. Our profitability is heavily influenced by the spread between the interest rates we earn on loans and investments and the interest rates we pay on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. Substantially all of our loans are to businesses and individuals in western, south central, or southeastern Michigan, and the decline in the economy of these areas has adversely affected us. Additional stresses on our financial condition are likely given the deteriorated economic conditions within our markets. Like most banking institutions, our net interest spread and margin will be affected by general economic conditions and other factors that influence market interest rates and our ability to respond to changes in these rates. At any given time, our assets and liabilities may be such that they will be affected differently by a given change in interest rates.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

     Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Even routine funding transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

There can be no assurance that recently enacted legislation will stabilize the U.S. financial system.

     On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”). The legislation was the result of a proposal by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to the U.S. Congress in response to the financial crisis affecting the banking system, financial markets, and other financial institutions. Among other things, the EESA established the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP. Under TARP, the U.S. Treasury was given the authority, among other things, to purchase up to $700 billion of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions and others for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a program under the EESA pursuant to which it would make senior preferred stock investments in qualifying financial institutions (the “TARP Capital Purchase Program”). Also on October 14, 2008, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced the development of a guarantee program under the systemic risk exception to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act pursuant to which the FDIC would, among other things, offer a guarantee of certain financial institution indebtedness in exchange for an insurance premium to be paid to the FDIC by issuing financial institutions (the “FDIC Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program”). On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “ARRA”), a further package of economic stimulus measures. In addition, Treasury Secretary Geithner has announced further measures to address the crisis in the financial services sector. There can be no assurance, however, as to the actual impact that the EESA, the ARRA, their respective implementing regulations, the programs of the FDIC or any other governmental agency, or any further legislation, will have on the financial markets. The failure to stabilize the financial markets, and a continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the trading price of our common stock.

The impact on us of recently enacted legislation, in particular the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and its implementing regulations, and actions by the FDIC, cannot be predicted at this time.

     The programs established or to be established under the EESA and TARP or other legislation may have adverse effects upon us. We may face increased regulation of our industry. Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities. Also, participation in specific programs may subject us to additional restrictions. For example, participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program would limit (without the consent of the U.S. Treasury) our ability to increase our dividend or to repurchase our common stock for so long as any securities issued by us under such program remained outstanding. It would also subject us to additional executive compensation restrictions. The effects of participating or not participating in any such programs, and the extent of our participation in such programs, cannot reliably be determined at this time.

Our credit losses could increase and our allowance for loan and lease losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.

     The risk of nonpayment of loans is inherent in all lending activities, and nonpayment, when it occurs, may have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and overall financial condition as well as the value of our common stock. Our focus on commercial lending may result in a larger concentration of loans to small businesses. As a result, we may assume different or greater lending risks than other banks. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for losses based on several factors. If our assumptions are wrong, our allowance for loan and lease losses may not be sufficient to cover our losses, which would have an adverse effect on our operating results. The actual amounts of future provisions for loan and lease losses cannot be determined at this time and may exceed the amounts of past provisions. Additions to our allowance for loan and lease losses decrease our net income.

We rely heavily on our management and other key personnel, and the loss of any of them may adversely affect our operations.

     We are and will continue to be dependent upon the services of our management team, including Michael H. Price, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and our other senior managers. The loss of Mr. Price, or any of our other senior managers, could have an adverse effect on our growth and performance. We have entered into employment contracts with Mr. Price and two other executive officers. The contracts provide for a three year employment period that is extended for an additional year each year unless a notice is given indicating that the contract will not be extended.

     In addition, we continue to depend on our city and regional presidents and key commercial loan officers. Our city and regional presidents and several of our commercial loan officers are responsible, or share responsibility, for generating and managing a significant portion of our commercial loan and lease portfolio. Our success can be attributed in large part to the relationships these officers as well as members of our management team have developed and are able to maintain with our customers as we continue to implement our community banking philosophy. The loss of any of these commercial loan officers could adversely affect our loan and lease portfolio and performance, and our ability to generate new loans and leases. Many of our key employees have signed agreements with us agreeing not to compete with us in one or more of our markets for specified time periods if they leave employment with us.

     Some of the other financial institutions in our markets also require their key employees to sign agreements that preclude or limit their ability to leave their employment and compete with them or solicit their customers. These agreements make it more difficult for us to hire loan officers with experience in our markets who can immediately solicit their former or new customers on our behalf.

Decline in the availability of out-of-area deposits could cause liquidity or interest rate margin concerns, or limit our growth.

     We have utilized and expect to continue to utilize out-of-area or wholesale deposits to support our asset growth. These deposits are generally a lower cost source of funds when compared to the interest rates that we would have to offer in our local markets to generate a commensurate level of funds. In addition, the overhead costs associated with wholesale deposits are considerably less than the overhead costs we would incur to obtain and administer a similar level of local deposits. A decline in the availability of these wholesale deposits would require us to fund our growth with more costly funding sources, which could reduce our net interest margin, limit our growth, reduce our asset size, or increase our overhead costs. Wholesale deposits include deposits obtained through brokers. If a bank is not well capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits.

Future sales of our common stock or other securities may dilute the value of our common stock.

     In many situations, our Board of Directors has the authority, without any vote of our shareholders, to issue shares of our authorized but unissued preferred or common stock, including shares authorized and unissued under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2006. In the future, we may issue additional securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital. Any such issuance would dilute the percentage of ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the per share book value of the common stock. In addition, option holders under our stock-based incentive plans may exercise their options at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms.

Our growth and expansion may be limited by many factors.

     Our primary growth strategy has been to grow internally by increasing our business in the western Michigan area, and more recently in the Lansing, Ann Arbor and Oakland County areas of Michigan. We are also considering other areas in which we may expand our business. This internal growth strategy depends in large part on generating an increasing level of loans and deposits at acceptable risk and interest rate levels without commensurate increases in non-interest expenses. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in continuing our growth strategy due to delays and other impediments resulting from regulatory oversight, limited availability of qualified personnel and favorable and cost effective branch sites, and management time, capital, and expenses required to develop new branch sites and markets. In addition, the success of our growth strategy will depend on maintaining sufficient regulatory capital levels and on adequate economic conditions in our market areas.

     In addition, although we have no current plans to do so, we may acquire banks, related businesses or branches of other financial institutions that we believe provide a strategic fit with our business. To the extent that we grow through acquisitions, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches involves risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities and asset quality issues, difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel, potential disruption to our business including the diversion of management’s time and attention, and the possible loss of key employees and customers.

Our future success is dependent on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive banking industry.

     We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive environment. We compete for deposits, loans and other financial services with numerous Michigan-based and out-of-state banks, thrifts, credit unions and other financial institutions as well as other entities that provide financial services, including securities firms and mutual funds. Some of the financial institutions and financial service organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as we are. Most of our competitors have been in business for many years, have established customer bases, are larger, have substantially higher lending limits than we do and offer branch networks and other services which we do not, including trust and international banking services. Most of these entities have greater capital and other resources than we do, which, among other things, may allow them to price their services at levels more favorable to the customer and to provide larger credit facilities than we do. This competition may limit our growth or earnings. Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, effective March 11, 2000, securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies may acquire banks and other financial institutions. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act affects the competitive environment in which we conduct business. The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. These technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions and other financial intermediaries in the transfer of funds between parties.

We are subject to significant government regulation, and any regulatory changes may adversely affect us.

     The banking industry is heavily regulated under both federal and state law. These regulations are primarily intended to protect customers, not our creditors or shareholders. Existing state and federal banking laws subject us to substantial limitations with respect to the making of loans, the purchase of securities, the payment of dividends and many other aspects of our business. Some of these laws may benefit us, others may increase our costs of doing business, or otherwise adversely affect us and create competitive advantages for others. Regulations affecting banks and financial services companies undergo continuous change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect of these changes, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability or financial condition. Federal economic and monetary policy may also affect our ability to attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads.

We continually encounter technological change, and we may have fewer resources than our competitors to continue to invest in technological improvements.

     The banking industry is undergoing technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers.

Our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and the laws of Michigan contain provisions that may discourage or prevent a takeover of our company and reduce any takeover premium.

     Our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, and the corporate laws of the State of Michigan, include provisions which are designed to provide our Board of Directors with time to consider whether a hostile takeover offer is in our and our shareholders’ best interest. These provisions, however, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control. The provisions also could diminish the opportunities for a holder of our common stock to participate in tender offers, including tender offers at a price above the then-current market price for our common stock. These provisions could also prevent transactions in which our shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices, and may limit the ability of our shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.

     The Michigan Business Corporation Act contains provisions intended to protect shareholders and prohibit or discourage various types of hostile takeover activities. In addition to these provisions and the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, federal law requires the Federal Reserve Board’s approval prior to acquiring “control” of a bank holding company. All of these provisions may delay or prevent a change in control without action by our shareholders and could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

There is a limited trading market for our common stock.

     The price of our common stock has been, and will likely continue to be, subject to fluctuations based on, among other things, economic and market conditions for bank holding companies and the stock market in general, as well as changes in investor perceptions of our company. The issuance of new shares of our common stock also may affect the market for our common stock.

     Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MBWM”. The development and maintenance of an active public trading market depends upon the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is beyond our control. While we are a publicly-traded company, the volume of trading activity in our stock is still relatively limited. Even if a more active market develops, there can be no assurance that such a market will continue, or that our shareholders will be able to sell their shares at or above the offering price.

     We have paid a quarterly cash dividend each quarter beginning with the first quarter of 2003. While we expect to continue paying cash dividends, there is no assurance that we will continue to do so.

Our business is subject to operational risks.

     We, like most financial institutions, are exposed to many types of operational risks, including the risk of fraud by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors. Operational errors may include clerical or record keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems. Given our volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully corrected. Our necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process our transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical system flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect.

     We may also be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, including, for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, which may give rise to losses in service to customers and to loss or liability to us. We are further exposed to the risk that our external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to us, or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as are we, and to the risk that our or our vendors’ business continuity and data security systems prove not to be sufficiently adequate. We also face the risk that the design of our controls and procedures prove inadequate or are circumvented, causing delays in detection or errors in information. Although we maintain a system of controls designed to keep operational risk at appropriate levels, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer losses from operational risks in the future that may be material in amount.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

     We have received no written comments regarding our periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued 180 days or more before the end of our 2008 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.

Item 2. Properties.

     During 2005, our bank placed into service a new four-story facility located approximately two miles north from the center of downtown Grand Rapids. This facility serves as our headquarters and our bank’s main office, and houses the administration function, our bank’s commercial lending and review function, our bank’s loan operations function, a full service branch, and portions of our bank’s retail lending and business development function. The facility consists of approximately 55,000 square feet of usable space and contains multiple drive-through lanes with ample parking. The land and building are owned by our real estate company. The address of this facility is 310 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

     Our bank designed and constructed a full service branch and retail loan facility which opened in July of 1999 in Alpine Township, a northwest suburb of Grand Rapids. The facility is one story and has approximately 8,000 square feet of usable space. The land and building are owned by our bank. The facility has multiple drive-through lanes and ample parking space. The address of this facility is 4613 Alpine Avenue NW, Comstock Park, Michigan.

     During 2001, our bank designed and constructed two facilities on a 4-acre parcel of land located in the City of Wyoming, a southwest suburb of Grand Rapids. The land had been purchased by our bank in 2000. The larger of the two buildings is a full service branch and deposit operations facility which opened in September of 2001. The facility is two-stories and has approximately 25,000 square feet of usable space. The facility has multiple drive-through lanes and ample parking space. The address of this facility is 5610 Byron Center Avenue SW, Wyoming, Michigan. The other building is a single-story facility with approximately 11,000 square feet of usable space. Our bank’s accounting, audit, loss prevention and wire transfer functions are housed in this building, which underwent a renovation in 2005 that almost doubled its size. The address of this facility is 5650 Byron Center Avenue SW, Wyoming, Michigan.

     During 2002, our bank designed and constructed a full service branch which opened in December of 2002 in the City of Kentwood, a southeast suburb of Grand Rapids. The land had been purchased by our bank in 2001. The facility is one story and has approximately 10,000 square feet of usable space. The facility has multiple drive-through lanes and ample parking space. The address of this facility is 4860 Broadmoor Avenue SW, Kentwood, Michigan.

     During 2003, our bank designed and constructed a full service branch in the northeast quadrant of the City of Grand Rapids. The land had been purchased by our bank in 2002. The facility is one story and has approximately 3,500 square feet of usable space. The facility has multiple drive-through lanes and ample parking space. The address of this facility is 3156 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

     During 2003, our bank designed and started construction of a new two-story facility located in Holland, Michigan. This facility, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2004, serves as a full service banking center for the Holland area, including commercial lending, retail lending and a full service branch. The facility, which is owned by our bank, consists of approximately 30,000 square feet of usable space and contains multiple drive-through lanes with ample parking. The address of this facility is 880 East 16 ^th Street, Holland, Michigan.

     During 2005, our bank opened a branch facility in the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The facility is one story and has approximately 10,000 square feet of usable space. The facility is operated under a lease agreement between our bank and a third party, and serves as a full service banking center for the Ann Arbor area, including commercial lending, retail lending and a full service branch. There is ample parking space, but no drive-through lanes. The address of this facility is 325 Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

     During 2006, our bank purchased approximately 3 acres of vacant land and designed and initiated construction of a new three-story facility in East Lansing, Michigan. This facility was completed during the second quarter of 2007, and serves as a full service banking center for the greater Lansing area, including commercial lending, retail lending, and a full service branch. The facility consists of approximately 27,000 square feet of usable space and contains multiple drive-through lanes with ample parking. The address of this facility is 3737 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, Michigan.

     During 2007, our bank opened a branch facility in the City of Novi, Michigan. The facility is one story and has approximately 8,600 square feet of usable space. The facility is operated under a lease agreement between our bank and a third party, and serves as a full service banking center for the Oakland County area, including commercial lending, retail lending and a full service branch. There is ample parking space, but no drive-through lanes. The address of this facility is 28350 Cabot Road, Novi, Michigan.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

     From time to time, we may be involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to our business. In the opinion of management, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are material to our financial condition, either individually or in the aggregate.

PART III

EXHIBIT NO.		EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
10.4		Form of Stock Option Agreement for options under the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 *
10.5		Our Independent Director Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.26 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 *
10.6		Form of Stock Option Agreement for options under the Independent Director Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed October 22, 2004 *
10.7		Mercantile Bank of Michigan Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors dated June 29, 2006 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.9 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
10.8		First Amendment dated October 25, 2007 to the Mercantile Bank of Michigan Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors dated June 29, 2006 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.10 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
10.9		Second Amendment dated October 23, 2008 to the Mercantile Bank of Michigan Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors dated June 29, 2007
10.10		Agreement between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated September 10, 1997, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 of our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Commission File No. 333-33081) that became effective on October 23, 1997
10.11		Extension Agreement of Data Processing Contract between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated May 12, 2000 extending the agreement between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated September 10, 1997, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.15 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000
10.12		Extension Agreement of Data Processing Contract between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated November 21, 2002 extending the agreement between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated September 10, 1997, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.5 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
10.13		Extension Agreement of Data Processing Contract between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated December 20, 2006 extending the agreements between Fiserv Solutions, Inc. and our bank dated September 10, 1997 and November 21, 2002 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.14 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
10.14		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of October 18, 2001, among the company, our bank and Gerald R. Johnson, Jr., is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.21 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 *

EXHIBIT NO.		EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
10.15		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of October 18, 2001, among the company, our bank and Michael H. Price, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 *
10.16		Employment Agreement dated as of October 18, 2001, among the company, our bank and Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 *
10.17		Employment Agreement dated as of October 18, 2001, among the company, our bank and Charles E. Christmas, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 *
10.18		Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 17, 2002, among the company, our bank and Gerald R. Johnson, Jr., is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.21 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 *
10.19		Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 17, 2002, among the company, our bank and Michael H. Price, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 *
10.20		Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 17, 2002, among the company, our bank and Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 *
10.21		Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 17, 2002, among the company, our bank and Charles E. Christmas, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.24 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 *
10.22		Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 28, 2004, among the company, our bank and Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.21 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 *
10.23		Junior Subordinated Indenture between us and Wilmington Trust Company dated September 16, 2004 providing for the issuance of the Series A and Series B Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2034 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed December 15, 2004
10.24		Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated September 16, 2004 for Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of our Form 8-K filed December 15, 2004
10.25		Placement Agreement between us, Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I, and SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. dated September 16, 2004 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 of our Form 8-K filed December 15, 2004
10.26		Guarantee Agreement dated September 16, 2004 between Mercantile as Guarantor and Wilmington Trust Company as Guarantee Trustee is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 of our Form 8-K filed December 15, 2004
10.27		Form of Agreement Amending Stock Option Agreement, dated November 17, 2005 issued under our 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed December 14, 2005 *

EXHIBIT NO.		EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
10.28		Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of November 17, 2005, among the company, our bank and Gerald R. Johnson, Jr. is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.28 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 *
10.29		Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of November 17, 2005, among the company, our bank and Michael H. Price is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.29 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 *
10.30		Third Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of November 17, 2005, among the company, our bank and Robert B. Kaminski, Jr. is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.30 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 *
10.31		Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of November 17, 2005, among the company, our bank and Charles E. Christmas is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.31 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 *
10.32		Form of Mercantile Bank of Michigan Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement dated November 18, 2006, that has been entered into between our bank and each of Gerald R. Johnson, Jr., Michael H. Price, Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., Charles E. Christmas, and certain other officers of our bank is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.34 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 *
10.33		Form of First Amendment to the Mercantile Bank of Michigan Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement dated November 18, 2006, that has been entered into between our bank and each of Gerald R. Johnson, Jr., Michael H. Price, Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., Charles E. Christmas, and certain other officers of our bank, dated October 25, 2007 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.35 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 *
10.34		Form of Second Amendment to the Mercantile Bank of Michigan Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement date November 18, 2006, that has been entered into between our bank and each of Michael H. Price, Robert B. Kaminski, Charles E. Christmas, and certain other officers of our bank, dated October 23, 2008 *
10.35		Form of Mercantile Bank of Michigan Split Dollar Agreement that has been entered into between our bank and each of Gerald R. Johnson, Jr., Michael H. Price, Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., Charles E. Christmas, and certain other officers of our bank is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.33 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 *
10.36		Director Fee Summary *
10.37		Lease Agreement between our bank and The Conlin Company dated July 12, 2005 for our Ann Arbor, Michigan office is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.36 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005
10.38		Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 is incorporated by reference to Appendix A of our proxy statement for our April 27, 2006 annual meeting of shareholders that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission *

EXHIBIT NO.		EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
10.39		Amendment and Restatement of Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 dated November 18, 2008 *
10.40		Form of Notice of Grant of Incentive Stock Option and Stock Option Agreement for incentive stock options granted in 2006 under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed November 22, 2006 *
10.41		Form of Notice of Grant of Incentive Stock Option and Stock Option Agreement for incentive stock options granted after 2006 under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.41 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 *
10.42		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Notification of Award and Terms and Conditions of Award for restricted stock granted in 2006 under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of our Form 8-K filed November 22, 2006 *
10.43		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Notification of Award and Terms and Conditions of Award for restricted stock granted after 2006 under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2006 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.43 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 *
10.44		Executive Officer Bonus Plan for 2007 is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed January 29, 2007 *
10.45		Retirement Agreement by and among Mercantile Bank Corporation, Mercantile Bank of Michigan and Gerald R. Johnson, Jr. is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed May 25, 2007 *
10.46		Additional Release of Claims Pursuant to Retirement Agreement Dated May 24, 2007 by and among Mercantile Bank Corporation, Mercantile Bank of Michigan and Gerald R. Johnson, Jr. is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 *
10.47		Mercantile Bank Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan of 2002
10.48		Lease Agreement between our bank and CD Partners LLC dated October 2, 2007 for our Oakland County, Michigan office is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.47 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
21		Subsidiaries of the company
23.1		Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
23.2		Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP
31		Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications
32.1		Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification
32.2		Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

(c)		Financial Statements Not Included In Annual Report
		Not applicable

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2008 and 2007

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following discussion and other portions of this Annual Report contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and about our company. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “projects,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Future Factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), or otherwise.

Future Factors include changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; changes in banking regulation; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and other risk factors described in Item 1A of this Annual Report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on Mercantile Bank Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and income tax accounting, and actual results could differ from those estimates. Management has reviewed the analyses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses : The allowance for loan and lease losses (“allowance”) is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses identified and inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan and lease portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values and assessments of the impact of current and anticipated economic conditions on the loan and lease portfolio. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans or leases, but the entire allowance is available for any loan or lease that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off. Loan and lease losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan or lease is likely. The balance of the allowance represents management’s best estimate, but significant downturns in circumstances relating to loan and lease quality or economic conditions could result in a requirement for an increased allowance in the future. Likewise, an upturn in loan and lease quality or improved economic conditions may result in a decline in the required allowance in the future. In either instance, unanticipated changes could have a significant impact on operating earnings.

The allowance is increased through a provision charged to operating expense. Uncollectible loans and leases are charged-off through the allowance. Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged-off are added to the allowance. A loan or lease is considered impaired when it is probable that contractual interest and principal payments will not be collected either for the amounts or by the dates as scheduled in the loan or lease agreement. Impairment is evaluated in aggregate for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgage, consumer and credit card loans, and on an individual loan or lease basis for other loans. If a loan or lease is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan or lease is reported, net, at the present fair value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s or lease’s existing interest rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Loans and leases are evaluated for impairment when payments are delayed, typically 30 days or more, or when serious deficiencies are identified within the credit relationship. Our policy for recognizing income on impaired loans is to accrue interest unless a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. We put loans into nonaccrual status when the full collection of principal and interest is not expected.

Income Tax Accounting : Income tax liabilities or assets are established for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets are also established for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. A deferred income tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences that can be carried forward (used) in future years. The valuation of current and deferred income tax liabilities and assets is considered critical as it requires us to make estimates based on provisions of the enacted tax laws. The assessment of tax liabilities and assets involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretations and judgments concerning accounting pronouncements, federal and state tax codes and the extent of future taxable income. There can be no assurance that future events, such as court decisions, positions of federal and state taxing authorities, and the extent of future taxable income, will not differ from our current assessment, the impact of which could be significant to the consolidated results of operations and reported earnings. We believe our tax liabilities and assets are adequate and are properly recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

INTRODUCTION

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report. This discussion provides information about the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiary, Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”), and of Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, LLC (“our mortgage company”), Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., L.L.C. (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), which are subsidiaries of our bank. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries referred to above.

We were incorporated on July 15, 1997 as a bank holding company to establish and own our bank. Our bank, after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, began operations on December 15, 1997. Our bank has a strong commitment to community banking and offers a wide range of financial products and services, primarily to small- to medium-sized businesses, as well as individuals. Our bank’s lending strategy focuses on commercial lending, and, to a lesser extent, residential mortgage and consumer lending. Our bank also offers a broad array of deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit, as well as security repurchase agreements. Our primary markets are the Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Ann Arbor and Oakland County areas. Our bank utilizes certificates of deposit from customers located outside of the primary market area to assist in funding the historically strong asset growth our bank has experienced since inception.

We formed a business trust, Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I (“the trust”), in 2004 to issue trust preferred securities. We issued subordinated debentures to the trust in return for the proceeds raised from the issuance of the trust preferred securities. In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, the trust is not consolidated, but instead we report the subordinated debentures issued to the trust as a liability.

Our mortgage company’s predecessor, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, was formed to increase the profitability and efficiency of our mortgage loan operations. Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company initiated business on October 24, 2000 from our bank’s contribution of most of its residential mortgage loan portfolio and participation interests in certain commercial mortgage loans. On the same date, our bank had also transferred its residential mortgage origination function to Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company. On January 1, 2004, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company was reorganized as Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, LLC, a limited liability company. Mortgage loans originated and held by our mortgage company are serviced by our bank pursuant to a servicing agreement.

Our insurance company acquired, at nominal cost, an existing shelf insurance agency effective April 15, 2002. An Agency and Institution Agreement was entered into among our insurance company, our bank and Hub International for the purpose of providing programs of mass marketed personal lines of insurance. Insurance product offerings include private passenger automobile, homeowners, personal inland marine, boat owners, recreational vehicle, dwelling fire, umbrella policies, small business and life insurance products, all of which are provided by and written through companies that have appointed Hub International as their agent.

Our real estate company was organized on July 21, 2003, principally to develop, construct and own our facility in downtown Grand Rapids which serves as our bank’s main office and Mercantile Bank Corporation’s headquarters. Construction was completed during the second quarter of 2005.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Primarily reflecting weakening and relatively poor economic conditions within our markets during 2008, our asset growth during 2008 was lower than historical levels. Assets increased from $2,121.4 million on December 31, 2007 to $2,208.0 million on December 31, 2008. This represents an increase in total assets of $86.6 million, or 4.1%. Our asset growth during 2007 was also lower than historical levels due to competitive commercial loan pricing and underwriting environments, combined with weakening economic conditions. Asset growth averaged $288.0 million per year during the period of 2004 through 2006. The increase in total assets during 2008 was primarily comprised of a $55.7 million increase in net loans and leases and a $31.1 million increase in securities. The increase in assets was primarily funded by a $90.0 million increase in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances.

Earning Assets

Average earning assets equaled 95.4% of average total assets during 2008, compared to 95.0% during 2007, with our asset composition remaining relatively unchanged. The loan and lease portfolio continued to comprise a majority of earning assets, followed by securities and federal funds sold.

Our loan and lease portfolio, which equaled 88.9% of average earnings assets during 2008, is primarily comprised of commercial loans and leases. Commercial loans and leases increased by $51.1 million during 2008, and at December 31, 2008, totaled $1,710.3 million, or 92.1% of the total loan and lease portfolio. As was the case during 2007, the growth in our commercial loan and lease portfolio slowed during 2008. The lower level of growth during 2008 primarily reflected the weakening and relatively poor economic conditions within our markets, compared to 2007 when our loan growth was slowed by competitive pricing and underwriting environments and weakening economic conditions within our markets. The competitive pressures, from financial institutions and other entities such as private equity funds, negatively impacted the volume of loans we booked and accelerated the level of loan payoffs. We believe that adhering to prudent underwriting practices, rather than focusing on loan growth, outweighs the resulting lower level of interest income and net income due to the smaller balance of our commercial loan and lease portfolio.

The commercial loan and lease portfolio represents loans to businesses generally located within our market areas. Approximately 70% of the commercial loan and lease portfolio is primarily secured by real estate properties, with the remaining generally secured by other business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment. The continued significant concentration of the loan and lease portfolio in commercial loans and leases and the historical strong growth of this portion of our lending business are consistent with our stated strategy of focusing a substantial amount of our efforts on “wholesale” banking. Corporate and business lending continues to be an area of expertise for our senior management team, and our commercial lenders have extensive commercial lending experience, with most having at least ten years’ experience. Of each of the loan categories that we originate, commercial loans and leases are most efficiently originated and managed, thus limiting overhead costs by necessitating the attention of fewer employees. Our commercial lending business generates the largest portion of local deposits, and is our primary source of demand deposits.

During the latter part of 2007, our loan review function completed a real estate loan project that expanded our traditional loan coding paradigm to provide increased specificity in the categorization of loans secured by real estate. The following table summarizes our loans secured by real estate, excluding residential mortgage loans representing permanent financing to owner occupied dwellings and home equity lines of credit, as of December 31, 2008:

Residential mortgage and consumer loans increased in aggregate $5.9 million during 2008, and at December 31, 2008, totaled $146.6 million, or 7.9% of the total loan and lease portfolio. Although residential mortgage loan and consumer loan portfolios may increase in future periods, we expect the commercial sector of the lending efforts and resultant assets to remain the dominant loan portfolio category given our wholesale banking strategy.

The following table presents total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2008, according to scheduled repayments of principal on fixed rate loans and repricing frequency on variable rate loans. Floating rate loans that are currently at interest rate ceilings or interest rate floors are treated as fixed rate loans and are reflected using maturity date and not repricing frequency.

Our credit policies establish guidelines to manage credit risk and asset quality. These guidelines include loan review and early identification of problem loans and leases to provide effective loan and lease portfolio administration. The credit policies and procedures are meant to minimize the risk and uncertainties inherent in lending. In following these policies and procedures, we must rely on estimates, appraisals and evaluations of loans and leases and the possibility that changes in these could occur quickly because of changing economic conditions. Identified problem loans and leases, which exhibit characteristics (financial or otherwise) that could cause the loans and leases to become nonperforming or require restructuring in the future, are included on the internal “watch list.” Senior management and the Board of Directors review this list regularly.

The level of net loan and lease charge-offs and nonperforming assets has increased during the past two years. Although we were never directly involved in the underwriting of or the investing in subprime residential real estate loans, the apparent substantial and rapid collapse of this line of business during 2007 and 2008 throughout the United States had a significant negative impact on the residential real estate development lending portion of our business. The resulting decline in real estate prices and slowdown in sales stretched the cash flow of our local developers and eroded the value of our underlying collateral, causing elevated levels of nonperforming assets and net loan and lease charge-offs.

As of December 31, 2007, nonperforming assets totaled $35.7 million, or 1.68% of total assets, an increase from the $9.6 million, or 0.46% of total assets, as of December 31, 2006. Nonperforming loans and leases totaled $29.8 million and foreclosed properties/repossessed assets equaled $5.9 million at year-end 2007, compared to $8.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, at year-end 2006. As of December 31, 2007, nonperforming loans secured by real estate, combined with all foreclosed properties, totaled $28.6 million, or 80% of total nonperforming assets. Nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties associated with the development of residential real estate totaled $11.1 million, with another $3.2 million in nonperforming loans secured by, and foreclosed properties consisting of, residential properties. Net loan and lease charge-offs during 2007 totaled $6.7 million, or 0.38% of average total loans and leases. During 2006, net loan and lease charge-offs totaled $4.9 million, or 0.29% of average total loans and leases.

During the first quarter of 2008, we experienced a sudden and rapid deterioration in a number of commercial loan relationships which previously had been performing fairly well. An analysis of certain commercial borrowers revealed a reduced capability on the part of these borrowers to make required payments as indicated by factors such as delinquent loan payments, diminished cash flow, deteriorating financial performance, or past due property taxes, and in the case of commercial and residential development projects slow absorption or sales trends. In addition, commercial real estate is the primary source of collateral for many of these borrowing relationships and updated evaluations and appraisals in many cases reflected significant declines from the original estimated values.

During the second quarter of 2008, we found that the financial performance of some of our borrowers and guarantors had become increasingly strained, as real estate remained unsold or insufficiently leased and liquid sources of repayment were exhausted or significantly depleted. Completed evaluations and appraisals during this period reflected substantial declines from the originally estimated values, and in some cases even in comparison to property value estimates made within the past several quarters.

While we continued to face a distressed operating environment during the third quarter of 2008, we experienced a marked slowdown in borrowing relationships that deteriorated to nonperforming status. In addition, we saw notable improvement in a number of larger commercial loan relationships. Although we experienced a small net increase in the level of nonperforming assets during the third quarter, the rate of increase was considerably lower than over the past few quarters.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we saw a continuation of the stresses caused by the weakening and poor economic conditions, especially in the commercial real estate markets. High vacancy rates or slow absorption has resulted in inadequate cash flow generated from some real estate projects we have financed, and has required guarantors to provide personal funds to make full contractual loan payments and pay other operating costs. In some cases, the guarantors’ cash reserves have become seriously diminished, not only from recent cash outlays but from depressed stock portfolios as well. In addition, auto industry uncertainties are placing stress on the commercial and industrial segment of our loan portfolio.

As of December 31, 2008, nonperforming assets totaled $57.4 million, or 2.60% of total assets, an increase from the $35.7 million, or 1.68% of total assets, as of December 31, 2007. Nonperforming loans and leases totaled $49.3 million and foreclosed properties/repossessed assets equaled $8.1 million at year-end 2008, compared to $29.8 million and $5.9 million, respectively, at year-end 2007. As of December 31, 2008, nonperforming loans secured by real estate, combined with all foreclosed properties, totaled $52.3 million, or about 91% of total nonperforming assets. Nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties associated with the development of residential real estate totaled $25.3 million, with another $4.2 million in nonperforming loans secured by, and foreclosed properties consisting of, residential properties. Net loan and lease charge-offs during 2008 totaled $19.9 million, or 1.09% of average total loans and leases. During 2007, net loan and lease charge-offs totaled $6.7 million, or 0.38% of average total loans and leases. The increase in net loan and lease charge-offs during 2008 primarily reflects a combination of a higher level of nonperforming assets and the significant decline in property values.

The following table provides a breakdown of nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2008 and net loan charge-offs during 2008 by property type:

The following table summarizes nonperforming loans and leases and troubled debt restructurings:

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the past five years:

In each accounting period, we adjust the allowance to the amount we believe is necessary to maintain the allowance at adequate levels. Through the loan and lease review and credit departments, we attempt to establish specific portions of the allowance based on specifically identifiable problem loans and leases. The evaluation of the allowance is further based on, but not limited to, consideration of the internally prepared Reserve Analysis, composition of the loan and lease portfolio, third party analysis of the loan and lease administration processes and portfolio and general economic conditions. In addition, the historically strong commercial loan and lease growth and expansions into new markets are taken into account.

The Reserve Analysis, used since our inception and completed monthly, applies reserve allocation factors to outstanding loan and lease balances to calculate an overall allowance dollar amount. For commercial loans and leases, which continue to comprise a vast majority of our total loans and leases, reserve allocation factors are based upon the loan ratings as determined by our standardized grade paradigms. For retail loans, reserve allocation factors are based upon the type of credit. Adjustments for specific lending relationships, including impaired loans and leases, are made on a case-by-case basis. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the recent levels and historical trends of net loan charge-offs and non-performing assets, the comparison of the recent levels and historical trends of net loan charge-offs and non-performing assets with a customized peer group consisting of ten similarly-sized publicly traded banking organizations conducting business in the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana or Ohio, the review and consideration of our loan and lease migration analysis and the experience of senior management making similar loans and leases for an extensive period of time. We regularly review the Reserve Analysis and make adjustments periodically based upon identifiable trends and experience.

The following table illustrates the breakdown of the allowance balance to loan type (dollars in thousands) and of the total loan and lease portfolio (in percentages).

The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans and leases are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and lack of timely payment. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from commercial loan and lease customers, and we periodically review the existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element with respect to each instalment and residential real estate loan is lack of timely payment. We have a reporting system that monitors past due loans and have adopted policies to pursue creditor’s rights in order to preserve our bank’s position.

Although we believe that the allowance is adequate to sustain losses as they arise, there can be no assurance that our bank will not sustain losses in any given period that could be substantial in relation to, or greater than, the size of the allowance.

Securities increased $31.1 million during 2008, from $211.7 million on December 31, 2007 to $242.8 million at December 31, 2008. During 2008, the securities portfolio equaled 10.6% of average earning assets. Proceeds from called U.S. Government Agency bonds totaled $60.0 million during 2008, with another $8.1 million received from principal paydowns on mortgage-backed securities and $1.8 million from matured and called tax-exempt municipal securities. The proceeds were invested back into the securities portfolio, with $40.9 million invested in U.S. Government Agency bonds and $27.7 million invested in mortgage-backed securities. We also purchased $27.6 million in bonds issued through the Michigan Strategic Fund during 2008, although we sold $5.5 million shortly after purchase. These bonds are purchased and sold at par value, and are sellable back to the re-marketing brokerage firm weekly. In addition, FHLB of Indianapolis stock increased $5.9 million to support the increased level of FHLB advances. We maintain the securities portfolio at levels to provide adequate pledging for the repurchase agreement program and secondary liquidity for our daily operations. In addition, the portfolio serves a primary interest rate risk management function. At December 31, 2008, the portfolio was comprised of high credit quality U.S. Government Agency issued bonds (26%), U.S. Government Agency issued and guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (32%), tax-exempt municipal general obligation and revenue bonds (27%), Michigan Strategic Fund bonds (9%), Federal Home Loan Bank stock (6%) and a mutual fund (less than 1%).

The following table reflects the composition of the securities portfolio, excluding Federal Home Loan Bank stock:

All securities, with the exception of tax-exempt municipal bonds, have been designated as “available for sale” as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities . Securities designated as available for sale are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $162.7 million and $136.7 million, respectively. The net unrealized gain recorded at year-end 2008 was $3.2 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $0.4 million at year-end 2007. All tax-exempt municipal bonds have been designated as “held to maturity” as defined in SFAS No. 115, and are stated at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, held to maturity securities had an amortized cost of $64.4 million and $65.3 million and a fair value of $65.4 million and $66.4 million, respectively.

Market values on our U.S. Government Agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government Agencies and tax-exempt municipal securities are determined on a monthly basis with the assistance of a third party vendor. Evaluated pricing models that vary by type of security and incorporate available market data are utilized. Standard inputs include issuer and type of security, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads. The market value of other securities is estimated at carrying value as those financial instruments are generally bought and sold at par value. We believe our valuation methodology provides for a reasonable estimation of market value, and that it is consistent with the requirements of SFAS No. 157. Reference is made to Note 15 for additional information.

The following table shows by class of maturities as of December 31, 2008, the amounts and weighted average yields of investment securities ⁽¹⁾ :

Federal funds sold, consisting of excess funds sold overnight to correspondent banks, are used to manage daily liquidity needs and interest rate sensitivity. During 2008, the average balance of these funds equaled 0.6% of average earning assets, up slightly from 0.4% during 2007. The levels maintained during 2008 and 2007 are well within our internal policy guidelines. Given the volatile market conditions, during the fourth quarter of 2008 we made the decision to operate with a higher than normal balance of federal funds sold. It is expected that we will maintain the higher balance of federal funds sold, likely to average 1.0% to 1.5% of average earning assets, until market conditions return to more normalized levels.

Non-Earning Assets

Cash and due from bank balances decreased from $29.1 million at December 31, 2007, to $16.8 million on December 31, 2008, a decrease of $12.3 million. While we experienced only nominal change in our cash balances, our due from bank balances declined significantly primarily due to two programs that were instituted in mid 2007: 1) an image exchange program with our primary correspondent bank for our outgoing cash letter that resulted in faster collection of items in the outgoing cash letter, and 2) the virtual elimination of required reserves on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago due to the institution of a deposit reclassification program. Cash and due from bank balances averaged $21.0 million, or 1.0% of average assets during 2008, compared to $33.1 million, or 1.6% of average assets, during 2007.

Net premises and equipment decreased from $34.3 million at December 31, 2007, to $32.3 million on December 31, 2008, a decrease of $2.0 million. Net purchases of premises and equipment during 2008 totaled $0.7, while depreciation and amortization expense equaled $2.7 million.

Source of Funds

Our major sources of funds are from deposits, repurchase agreements and FHLB advances. Total deposits increased from $1,591.2 million at December 31, 2007, to $1,599.6 million on December 31, 2008, an increase of $8.4 million. Local deposits decreased from $666.1 million at year-end 2007, to $470.4 million at year-end 2008, a decrease of $195.7 million. Out-of-area deposits increased from $925.0 million at December 31, 2007, to $1,129.2 million on December 31, 2008, an increase of $204.2 million. FHLB advances increased from $180.0 million at year-end 2007 to $270.0 million at year-end 2008, while repurchase agreements decreased from $97.5 million to $94.4 million, or $3.1 million, during the same time period. At December 31, 2008, local deposits and repurchase agreements equaled 28.0% of total funding liabilities, compared to 39.8% on December 31, 2007.

We experienced declines in our local deposits throughout 2008, but especially during the latter half of 2008, for a variety of reasons. First, we witnessed local depositors purposely reducing their deposit balances with us, in large part reflecting their concerns over our financial health and that of the entire banking industry, with some larger depositors transferring portions of their deposit balances to one or more other financial institutions. This practice was very pronounced with our municipality and larger business and individual deposit customers. Next, we lost deposit balances due to relatively high certificate of deposit rates offered by some financial institutions located in our markets. While we believe our certificate of deposit rates, which in most cases exceed the rates offered in the brokered deposit markets, are competitive, some financial institutions in our markets were offering certificate of deposit rates that far exceeded our rates, sometimes by as much as 100 basis points. Finally, it appears that the distressed economy is resulting in some of our business customers having lower checking and savings account balances and municipal customers having lower savings and certificate of deposit balances than typical.

Noninterest-bearing checking deposit accounts declined $22.4 million during 2008, primarily resulting from lower deposit balances from our title company depositors due in large part to lower volumes of real estate transactions. Interest-bearing checking accounts increased $5.8 million and money market deposit accounts increased $13.0 million during 2008, the latter primarily reflecting a $10.0 million deposit from a local municipality. Savings account balances recorded a decrease of $30.8 million during 2008, while certificates of deposit purchased by customers located within our market areas decreased $161.4 million. These declines are due to a combination of risk diversification practices on the part of the depositors, higher deposit rates offered by competitors and lower funds available stemming from the distressed economy. One municipal depositor withdrew about $32.0 million in December of 2008 upon the maturity of a single certificate of deposit, but soon thereafter opened a $10.0 million money market deposit account and then in January 2009 opened a new $20.0 million certificate of deposit.

The local deposit environment was very challenging during 2008, and it appears that it will remain that way for at least the next few quarters. Until our operating results and overall financial health improve, as well as that of the entire banking industry, it is very likely that some customers will continue to engage in risk diversification practices. Combined with a distressed economy and a competitive banking environment, our ability to raise local deposits efficiently and economically will be difficult. However, we continue to enjoy deposit relationships with virtually all of our customers who have withdrawn some of their deposits, and we have developed various strategic plans and initiatives to hopefully regain a majority of the lost deposits in future periods. Maintaining and growing our local deposit base is one of our key initiatives.

Certificates of deposit obtained from customers located outside of our market areas increased by $204.2 million during 2008, and as of December 31, 2008 totaled $1,129.2 million. The increase primarily reflects the decline in our local deposit base, net of the growth in FHLB advances. Out-of-area deposits consist primarily of certificates of deposit placed by deposit brokers for a fee, but also include certificates of deposit obtained from the deposit owners directly. The owners of the out-of-area deposits include individuals, businesses and governmental units located throughout the United States.

Repurchase agreements decreased $3.1 million during 2008, and as of December 31, 2008 totaled $94.4 million. As part of our sweep account program, collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts are invested in overnight interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such repurchase agreements are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance.

FHLB advances increased $90.0 million during 2008, and as of December 31, 2008 totaled $270.0 million. FHLB advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit at December 31, 2008 totaled $316.5 million, with availability approximating $37.0 million.

Shareholders’ equity decreased $3.8 million during 2008. The decrease was primarily attributable to net loss from operations, which totaled $5.0 million during 2008. Also negatively impacting shareholders’ equity during 2008 was the payment of cash dividends, which totaled $2.6 million. Positively impacting shareholders’ equity was unrealized gains for a $1.8 million, net of tax, adjustment for available for sale securities as defined in SFAS No. 115, and a $1.2 million, net of tax, change in the fair value of interest rate swaps.

The net interest margin declined from 2.87% in 2007 to 2.30% in 2008, a decrease of 19.9%. With approximately 60% of our total loans and leases tied to Prime or LIBOR rates, our earning asset yield in 2008 has been substantially impacted by the steep reduction in market interest rates that began late in the third quarter of 2007. Between mid-September 2007 and late April 2008, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) lowered the targeted federal funds rate by a total of 325 basis points. The resulting similar decline in the Prime and LIBOR rates, combined with an increased level of nonperforming assets, a very competitive loan and deposit environment, and a flat to inverted yield curve over an extended period of time, have significantly negatively impacted our yield on earning assets and level of interest income. Our cost of funds also decreased in 2008 compared to 2007 as we paid lower interest rates on our deposits and borrowings; however, due to a significant portion of our interest-bearing liabilities being comprised of fixed rate certificates of deposit and borrowings, our cost of funds declined at a much slower rate than our earning asset yield, resulting in the compressed net interest margin.

The decision by the FOMC to lower the targeted federal funds rate by 50 basis points in early October 2008 placed additional pressure on our yield on earning assets and level of interest income in light of our Prime-based loans repricing downward. Although the FOMC lowered the targeted federal funds rate by another 50 basis points in late October 2008 and an additional 75 basis points in mid-December 2008, we decided to keep the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate unchanged at 4.50%. Virtually all of our prime-based commercial floating rate loans are tied to the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate. Despite the 100 basis point reduction in the targeted federal funds rate in October 2008, deposit rates remained substantially unchanged. The steady deposit rates, combined with an already very low Prime Rate, placed significant pressure on our net interest income and net interest margin, and we believed it was prudent to not lower the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate in association with the FOMC’s 50 basis point reduction in the targeted federal funds rate in late October and the 75 basis point reduction in mid-December.

Our net interest margin, which equaled 2.15% in the second quarter of 2008, has improved over the last six months of 2008, equaling 2.30% and 2.40% in the third and fourth quarters of 2008, respectively. Our implementation of several loan pricing initiatives, including the decision to not lower the Mercantile Prime Rate in association with the two most recent FOMC rate reductions, stabilized our yield on loans and leases in the latter part of 2008. The stabilization of our earning asset yield, which is most influenced by our yield on loans and leases, combined with a reduction in our cost of funds resulting from maturing fixed rate certificates of deposit and borrowings repricing downward in light of decreased market interest rates, resulted in the improved net interest margin. If the interest rate environment stabilizes in 2009, we anticipate that the quarterly net interest margin improvement experienced during the last two quarters of 2008 will continue as we continue to reprice maturing fixed rate liabilities downward.

During the first six months of 2008, we entered into interest rate swaps to convert the variable rate cash flows on certain of our Prime-based commercial loans to a fixed rate of interest. On October 30, 2008, we terminated all of our interest rate swaps. The termination coincides with our decision to not lower the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate in association with the FOMC’s reduction of the targeted federal funds rate by 50 basis points announced on October 29, 2008. During 2008, the net cash flow received from the interest rate swap arrangements contributed $1.0 million to interest income.

The following table depicts the average balance, interest earned and paid, and weighted average rate of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity during 2008, 2007 and 2006. The subsequent table also depicts the dollar amount of change in interest income and interest expense of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, segregated between change due to volume and change due to rate. For tax-exempt investment securities, interest income and yield have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 35%. As a result, securities interest income was increased by $1.2 million in each of 2008, 2007 and 2006.