Financial Services >> CEO Interviews >> May 16, 2005
BEN SMITH III is Chairman and CEO of Macatawa Bank Corporation. Mr.
Smith started his career as a securities broker for a large New York
brokerage firm. In 1971 he accepted the position of Trust Investment
Officer with Zeeland State Bank, which became First Michigan Bank. That
led to eventual positions of Senior Vice President of First Michigan
Bank Corporation, and President & CEO of FMB Financial Group. In 1992,
Mr. Smith left FMB and started Smith & Associates, a registered
investment advisory firm that provides highly personalized and
comprehensive investment management services. In November 1997, Mr.
Smith launched Macatawa Bank Corporation, which offers a full range of
banking and trust services. He orchestrated the merger of Grand Bank in
2001, and his vision has guided the bank to $1.7 billion in seven years.
During is career in West Michigan, Mr. Smith has been involved in many
business and civic activities including President of the Bank Securities
Association, Chairman of the Holland Board of Public Works, Director of
the American Public Power Association Board, Chairman of the Tulip City
Airport Board and Founder of the Holland Education Foundation. Profile
Mr. Smith: Macatawa will be eight years old in November. Macatawa began
a number of years ago when one of our other big
