UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 Filed by the Registrant   þ
 Filed by a Party other than the Registrant   o
 
 Check the appropriate box:

 o   Preliminary Proxy Statement
 o  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
 þ   Definitive Proxy Statement
 o   Definitive Additional Materials
 o   Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION


(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

      Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 þ   No fee required.
 o   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

       1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:


       2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:


       3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):


       4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:


       5) Total fee paid:


       o   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.


       o   Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

       1) Amount Previously Paid:


       2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:


       3) Filing Party:


       4) Date Filed:


SEC 1913 (02-02)Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held May 4, 2010
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION 401 N. Main St Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 PROXY STATEMENT
Election of Directors
Director Nominees for Terms Ending in 2013
Current Directors with Terms Ending in 2011
Current Directors with Terms Ending in 2012
Other Named Executive Officers
Corporate Governance
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation and Human Resources Committee Report
Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table
2009 Pension Benefits
2009 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Compensation and Human Resource Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholder Proposals
Directors’ Attendance at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Other Matters
As to Other Business Which May Come Before the Meeting
SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


 
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION

401 N. Main St.
Mount
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858
 
 
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held May 4, 20103, 2011
 
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Isabella Bank Corporation will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 20103, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, at the Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mission Street, MountMt. Pleasant, Michigan. The meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following:following items of business:
 
1. The election of five directors.
 
2. SuchTo hold an advisory, non-binding vote on executive compensation of named executive officers.
3. To hold an advisory, non-binding vote on how frequently advisory votes on the executive compensation of named executive officers should be held.
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
 
The Board of Directors has fixed March 31, 2010April 1, 2011 as the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
 
Your vote is important. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, please date and sign the enclosed proxy form, indicate your choice with respect to the matters to be voted upon, and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. Note that if stock is held in more than one name, all parties should sign the proxy form.
 
By order of the Board of Directors
 
-s- DEBRA CAMPBELL
 
Debra Campbell, Secretary
 
Dated: April 9, 20108, 2011


 
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION
401 N. Main St
MountMt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858

PROXY STATEMENT
 
General Information
 
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Isabella Bank Corporation (the Corporation) a Michigan financial holding company, to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Corporation to be held on Tuesday, May 4, 20103, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at the Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mission Street, MountMt. Pleasant, Michigan, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and in this Proxy Statement.
 
This Proxy Statement has been mailed on April 9, 20108, 2011 to all holders of record of common stock as of the record date. If a shareholder’s shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, then that party should give the shareholder instructions for voting the shareholder’s shares.
 
Voting at the Meeting
 
The Board of Directors of the Corporation has fixed the close of business on March 31, 2010April 1, 2011 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and any adjournment thereof. The Corporation has only one class of common stock and no preferred stock. As of March 31, 2010,April 1, 2011, there were 7,543,5067,546,866 shares of common stock of the Corporation outstanding. Each outstanding share entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each separate matter presented for vote at the meeting. Shareholders may vote on matters that are properly presented at the meeting by either attending the meeting and casting a vote or by signing and returning the enclosed proxy. If the enclosed proxy is executed and returned, it may be revoked at any time before it is exercised at the meeting. All shareholders are encouraged to date and sign the enclosed proxy, indicate their choice with respect to the matters to be voted upon, and return it to the Corporation.
 
The Corporation will hold the Annual Meeting of Shareholders if holders of a majority of the Corporation’s shares of common stock entitled to vote are represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. If a shareholder signs and returns the proxy, those shares will be counted to determine whether the Corporation has a quorum, even if the shareholder abstains or fails to vote on any of the proposals listed on the proxy.
 
If aA shareholder’s shares are held inbroker may not vote on the nameelection of a nominee, anddirectors, the advisory vote to approve the named executive officers’ compensation or the advisory vote on the frequency of the vote on named executive officers’ compensation if the shareholder does not tellfurnish instructions for such proposals. A shareholder should use the nominee howvoting instruction card provided by the institution that holds his or her shares to instruct the broker to vote the shares (referred to as broker non-votes), thenor else the nominee can vote them as they see fit only on matters that are determined toshareholder’s shares will be routine and not on any other proposal. considered “broker non-votes.”
Broker non-votes will be countedare shares held by brokers or nominees as present to determine if a quorum exists but willwhich voting instructions have not be counted as present andbeen received from the beneficial owners or the persons entitled to vote those shares and the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power under rules applicable to broker-dealers. Under these rules, proposals one, two and three are not items on any non-routine proposals.which brokerage firms may vote in their discretion on behalf of their clients if such clients have not furnished voting instructions.
 
At this year’s annual meeting, shareholders will elect five directors to serve for a term of three years. In voting on the election of directors, directora shareholder may vote in favor of the nominees, receivingvote against or withhold votes as to all nominees, or vote against or withhold votes as to specific nominees. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meetingannual meeting. This means that the nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected directors of the Corporation.elected. Shares not voted, including broker non-votes, have no effect on the election of directors.
In voting on the advisory, nonbinding proposal to approve the executive compensation described in this proxy statement, a shareholder may vote in favor of the advisory proposal, vote against the advisory proposal or abstain from voting. A majority of the shares represented at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on this advisory proposal must be voted in favor of the proposal for it to pass. While this vote is required by law, it will neither be


binding on the Board of Directors, nor will it create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on the Board of Directors. In counting votes on the advisory, nonbinding proposal to approve executive compensation matters, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
In voting on the advisory, nonbinding proposal on how frequently a shareholder vote on executive compensation matters should be held, a shareholder may vote in favor of holding such a vote once every year, once every two years or once every three years, or may abstain from voting. Generally, approval of any proposal presented to the Corporation’s shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. However, because this vote is advisory and nonbinding, if none of the vote frequency options receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal, the vote frequency option receiving the greatest number of votes will be considered the frequency option recommended by the Corporation’s shareholders. Even though this vote will not be binding on the Board of Directors, and it will not create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on, the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors will take into account the outcome of this vote in making a determination on the frequency that advisory votes on the Corporation’s executive compensation will be included in the Corporation’s proxy statements. In counting votes on the advisory, nonbinding proposal on how frequently the shareholder vote on the Corporation’s executive compensation should be held, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
 
ElectionProposal 1-Election of Directors
 
The Board of Directors currently consists of thirteen (13) members and is divided into three classes, with the directors in each class being elected for a term of three years. On December 31, 2010, in accordance with the Corporation’s bylaws, William J. Strickler and Theodore W. Kortes retired as members of the Corporation’s Board of Directors and the number of directors was reduced to thirteen (13). At the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders five directors, James C. Fabiano, Dale D. Weburg, TheodoreDennis P. Angner, Jeffrey J. Barnes, G. Charles Hubscher, David J. Maness, and W. Kortes, Thomas L. Kleinhardt and Joseph LaFramboise,Manifold, whose terms expire at the annual meeting, have been nominated for election through 20132014 for the reasons described below.
 
Except as otherwise specified in the proxy, proxies will be voted for election of the five nominees. If a nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve, proxies will be voted for such other person, if any, as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. However, the Corporation’s management now knows of no reason to anticipate that this will occur. The five nominees for election as directors who receive the greatest number of votes cast will be elected directors. Each of the nominees has agreed to serve as a director if elected.


Nominees for election and current directors are listed below. Also shown for each nominee and each current director is his or her principal occupation for the last five or more years, age and length of service as a director of the Corporation.
 
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of each of the five director nominees nominated by the Board of Directors.
 
Director’s Qualifications
 
The members of the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the Board) consists of 15 members who are all well qualified to serve on the Board and represent our shareholder’sshareholders’ best interest. As described below, under the caption “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” the Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) select nominees to the Board to establish a Board that is comprised of members who:
 
 • Have extensive business leadership
 
 • Bring a diverse perspective and experience
 
 • Are independent and collegial
 
 • Have high ethical standards and have demonstrated sound business judgment
 
 • Are willing and able to commit the significant time and effort to effectively fulfill their responsibilities
 
 • Are active in and knowledgeable of their respective communities


2


 
Each director nominee along with the other directors bringbrings these qualifications to the Board. They provide a diverse complement of specific business skills, experience, and knowledge including extensive financial and accounting experience, knowledge of banking, small business operating experience, and specific knowledge of customer market segments, including agriculture, oil and gas, health care, food and beverage, manufacturing, and retail.
 
The following describes the key qualifications each director brings to the Board, in addition to the general qualifications described above and the information included in the biographical summaries provided below.
 
                                                         
                            Bank
  Professionals
 Expertise
 Audit
   Leadership
 Diversity
               Business
  Standing
 in Financial
 Committee
 Civic and
 and Team
 by Race,
 Geo-
         Entre-
   Segment
  in Chosen
 or Related
 Financial
 Community
 Building
 Gender, or
 graphical
   Tech-
 Market-
 Govern-
 preneurial
 Human
 Represent-
Director Field Field Expert Involvement Skills Cultural Diversity Finance nology ing ance Skills Resources ation
 
James C. FabianoDavid J. Maness  X           X   X               XXXX
Theodore W. KortesXXXXX
Thomas L. KleinhardtXXXXXXX
Joseph LaframboiseXXXXX
Dale D. WeburgXXXX           X       X 
Dennis P. Angner  X   X       X   X           X   X       X             
Jeffrey J. Barnes  X           X   X       XXX
G. Charles HubscherXXXXXX
David J. ManessXXXXXX
W. Joseph ManifoldXXXXXXX
William J. StricklerXXXX                   X       X 
Richard J. Barz  X   X       X   X           X       X           X     
Sandra L. Caul  X           X   X   X                           X   X 
James C. FabianoXXXXXXX
G. Charles HubscherXXXXXX
Thomas L. KleinhardtXXXXXXX
Joseph LaFramboiseXXXXX
W. Michael McGuireJoseph Manifold  X   X   X   X   X           X   X
W. Michael McGuireXXXXXXXX       X             
Dianne C. Morey  X           X   X   X                       X   X   X 
Dale D. WeburgXXXXXX


2


The following table identifies the individual members of our Board currently serving on each of these standing committees:
 
             
    Nominating
 Compensation
    and Corporate
 and Human
Director
 Audit Governance Resource
 
James C. FabianoDavid J. Maness  Xo  Xo  Xc,o
Theodore W. KortesDennis P. Angner   
Jeffrey J. BarnesXX
Richard J. Barz
Sandra L. CaulXX
James C. FabianoXX
G. Charles HubscherX       X 
Thomas L. Kleinhardt          X 
Joseph LaFramboise  X       X 
Dale D. WeburgXcX
Dennis P. Angner
Jeffrey J. BarnesX
G. Charles HubscherXX
David J. ManessXXX
W. Joseph Manifold  XcX
William J. StricklerXX
Richard J. Barz
Sandra L. Caul  X   X 
W. Michael McGuire  X   X   X 
Dianne C. Morey        X
Dale D. WeburgXc  X 
C — Chairperson            
O — Ex-Officio            
 
Director Nominees for Terms Ending in 2014
Dennis P. Angner (age 55) has been a director of the Corporation and Isabella Bank (the Bank) since 2000. Mr. Angner has been principally employed by the Corporation since 1984 and has served as President of the Corporation since December 30, 2001 and CFO since January 1, 2010. Mr. Angner served as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation from December 30, 2001 through December 31, 2009. He is the past Chair of the Michigan Bankers Association and is currently serving as vice chairman of its taxation committee, is a member of


3


the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, and has served on the Central Michigan American Red Cross board for over 20 years.
Dr. Jeffrey J. Barnes(age 48) has been a director of the Bank since September 2007 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Dr. Barnes is a physician and co-owner of Central Eye Consultants. He is a former member of the Central Michigan Community Hospital Board of Directors.
G. Charles Hubscher(age 57) has been a director of the Bank since May 2004 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Hubscher is the President of Hubscher and Son, Inc., a sand and gravel producer. He is a director of the National Stone and Gravel Association, the Michigan Aggregates Association, serves on the Board of Trustees for the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, and is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for Deerfield Township.
David J. Maness(age 57) has been a director of the Bank since 2003 and of the Corporation since 2004. Mr. Maness was elected chairman of the board for the Corporation and the Bank in 2010. He is President of Maness Petroleum, a geological and geophysical consulting services company. Mr. Maness is currently serving as a director for the Michigan Oil & Gas Association, and he previously served on the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education.
W. Joseph Manifold(age 59) has been a director of the Corporation since 2003 and of the Bank since January 1, 2010. Mr. Manifold is a Certified Public Accountant and CFO of Federal Broach Holdings LLC, a holding company which operates several manufacturing companies. Previously, he was a senior manager with Ernst & Young Certified Public Accounting firm working principally on external bank audits and was CFO of the Delfield Company. Prior to joining the Board, Mr. Manifold also served on the Isabella Community Credit Union Board and was Chairman of the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education.
Current Directors with Terms Ending in 2012
Richard J. Barz(age 62) has been a director of the Bank since 2000 and of the Corporation since 2002. Mr. Barz has been employed by the Corporation since 1972 and has been Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since January 1, 2010 and President and CEO of the Bank since December 2001. Prior to his appointment as President and CEO, he served as Executive Vice President of the Bank. Mr. Barz has been very active in community organizations and events. He is the past chairman of the Central Michigan Community Hospital Board of Directors, is the current chairman of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation Board of Directors, and serves on several boards and committees for Central Michigan University and various volunteer organizations throughout mid-Michigan.
Sandra L. Caul(age 67) has been a director of the Bank since 1994 and of the Corporation since 2005. Ms. Caul is Vice Chairperson of the Central Michigan Community Hospital Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Mid Michigan Community College Advisory Board and board member for Central Michigan Community Mental Health Facilities. She also sits on the board of the Central Michigan American Red Cross. Ms. Caul retired in January 2005 as a state representative of the Michigan State House of Representatives. Ms. Caul is a registered nurse.
W. Michael McGuire(age 61) has been a director of the Corporation since 2007 and of the Bank since January 1, 2010. He is a director of the Farwell Division of the Bank. Mr. McGuire is currently an attorney and the Director of the Office of the Corporate Secretary and Assistant Secretary of The Dow Chemical Company, a manufacturer of chemicals, plastics and agricultural products, headquartered in Midland, Michigan.
Dianne C. Morey(age 64) has been a director of the Bank since December 2000 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Mrs. Morey is an owner of Bandit Industries, Inc., a forestry equipment manufacturer. She serves as a Trustee for the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
Current Directors with Terms Ending in 2013
 
James C. Fabiano (age 66)(age 67) has been a director of Isabellathe Bank (the Bank) since 1979 and of the Corporation since 1988. He served as the Corporations’ chair from 2004 to 2010. Mr. Fabiano is Chairman and CEO of Fabiano Brothers, Inc., a wholesale beverage distributor operating in several counties throughout Michigan. Mr. Fabiano is a past recipient of


4


the MountMt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award. He is also a past Chairman of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees.
 
Theodore W. Kortes (age 69) was appointed director of the Corporation on January 1, 2008, and of the Bank on January 1, 2010. Mr. Kortes was President and CEO of Greenville Community Bank and Greenville Community Financial Corporation since its founding in 1998, until his retirement in 2006.
Thomas L. Kleinhardt(55)(age 56) has been a director of Isabellathe Bank since October 1998 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Kleinhardt is President of McGuire Chevrolet, is active in the Clare Kiwanis Club, and coaches girls Junior Varsity Basketball team at Clare High School.
 
Joseph LaFramboise(60)(age 61) has been a director of Isabellathe Bank since September 2007, and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. He is a retired Sales and Marketing Executive of Ford Motor Company. Mr. LaFramboise is Ambassador of Eagle Village in Evart, Michigan.
 
Dale D. Weburg(age 66)67) has served as a director of the Breckenridge Division of Isabellathe Bank since 1987 and of the Bank and Corporation since 2000. Mr. Weburg is President of Weburg Farms, a cash crop farm operation. Mr. Weburg also serves as a trustee of the Board of Directors of Gratiot Health System.
Current Directors with Terms Ending in 2011
Dennis P. Angner(age 54) has been a director of the Corporation and Isabella Bank since 2000. Mr. Angner has been principally employed by the Corporation since 1984 and has served as President of the Corporation since December 30, 2001 and CFO since January 1, 2010. Mr. Angner served as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation from December 30, 2001 through December 31, 2009. He is the past Chair of the Michigan Bankers Association, is a member of the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, and has served on the Central Michigan American Red Cross board for over 20 years.


3


Jeffrey J. Barnes(47) has been a director of Isabella Bank since September 2007 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Dr. Barnes is a physician and owner of Central Eye Consultants. He is a former member of the Central Michigan Community Hospital Board of Directors.
G. Charles Hubscher(56) has been a director of Isabella Bank since May 2004 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Hubscher is the President of Hubscher and Son, Inc., a sand and gravel producer. He is a director of the National Stone and Gravel Association, the Michigan Aggregates Association, serves on the Board of Trustees for the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, and is a member of Zoning Board of Appeals for Deerfield Township.
David J. Maness(age 56) has been a director of Isabella Bank since 2003 and of the Corporation since 2004. He is President of Maness Petroleum, a geological and geophysical consulting services company. Mr. Maness previously served on the Mount Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education.
W. Joseph Manifold(age 58) has been a director of the Corporation since 2003 and of the Bank since January 1, 2010. Mr. Manifold is a Certified Public Accountant and CFO of Federal Broach Holdings LLC, a holding company which operates several manufacturing companies. Previously, he was a senior auditor with Ernst & Young Certified Public Accounting firm working principally on external bank audits and was CFO of the Delfield Company. Prior to joining the Board, Mr. Manifold also served on the Isabella Community Credit Union Board and was Chairman of the Mount Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education.
William J. Strickler(age 69) has been a director of Isabella Bank since 1995 and of the Corporation since 2002. Mr. Strickler is President of Michiwest Energy, an oil and gas producer. Prior to joining the Corporation and the Bank Board he served as a director of the National City Community Bank Board.
Current Directors with Terms Ending in 2012
Richard J. Barz(age 61) has been a director of Isabella Bank since 2000 and of the Corporation since 2002. Mr. Barz has been employed by the Corporation since 1972 and has been Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since January 1, 2010 and President and CEO of Isabella Bank since December 2001. Prior to his appointment as President and CEO, he served as Executive Vice President of Isabella Bank. Mr. Barz has been very active in community organizations and events. He is the past chairman of the Central Michigan Community Hospital Board of Directors, is the current chairman of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation Board of Directors, and serves on several boards and committees for Central Michigan University and various volunteer organizations throughout mid-Michigan.
Sandra L. Caul (age 66) has been a director of Isabella Bank since 1994 and of the Corporation since 2005. Ms. Caul is Vice Chairperson of the Central Michigan Community Hospital Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Mid Michigan Community College Advisory Board and board member for Central Michigan Community Mental Health Facilities. She also sits on the board of the Central Michigan American Red Cross. Ms. Caul retired in January 2005 as a state representative of the Michigan State House of Representatives. Ms. Caul is a registered nurse.
W. Michael McGuire(age 60) has been a director of the Corporation since 2007 and of the Bank since January 1, 2010. He is a director of the Farwell Division of Isabella Bank. Mr. McGuire is currently an attorney and the Director of the Office of the Corporate Secretary and Assistant Secretary of The Dow Chemical Company, a manufacturer of chemicals, plastics and agricultural products, headquartered in Midland, Michigan.
Dianne C. Morey(63) has been a director of Isabella Bank since December 2000 and was appointed to the Corporation’s Board of Directors effective January 1, 2010. Mrs. Morey is an owner of Bandit Industries, Inc., a forestry equipment manufacturer. She serves as a Trustee for the Mt Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
 
Each of the directors has been engaged in their stated professions for more than five years.
 
Other Named Executive Officers
 
Timothy M. Miller(age 59)60), President of the Breckenridge Division of Isabellathe Bank and a member of its Board of Directors, has been an employee of the Corporation since 1985. Peggy L. Wheeler (age 50), Senior Vice


4


President and Controller of the Corporation, has been employed by the Corporation since 1977. Steven D. Pung (age 60)61), Chief Operations Officer of Isabellathe Bank and a member of the Board of Directors of Financial Group Information Services (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation) has been employed by the Corporation since 1978. David J. Reetz (age 50), Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank, has been employed by the Corporation since 1987.
 
All officers of the Corporation serve at the pleasure of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
Proposal 2-Advisory Vote On Executive Compensation
The compensation of the Corporation’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and three other most highly compensated executive officers (named executive officers) is described below under the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Officers”. Shareholders are urged to read these sections of this proxy statement, which discusses the Corporation’s compensation policies and procedures with respect to its named executive officers.
In accordance with recently adopted changes to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), shareholders will be asked at the annual meeting to provide their support with respect to the compensation of the Corporation’s named executive officers by voting on the following advisory, non-binding resolution:
RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Isabella Bank Corporation approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Corporation’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, “SEC” including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, for purposes of Section 14A (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
This advisory vote, commonly referred to as asay-on-pay advisory vote, is non-binding on the Board of Directors. Although non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation and Human Resource Committee value constructive dialogue on executive compensation and other important governance topics with the Corporation’s shareholders and encourage all shareholders to vote their shares on this matter. The Board of Directors and the Compensation and Human Resource Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation programs. The Board believes shareholders should consider the following in determining whether to approve this proposal:
• The Corporation is not required to provide any severance or termination pay or benefits to any named executive officer;


5


• Each member of the Compensation and Human Resource Committee is independent under the applicable standards of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules;
• The Compensation and Human Resource Committee continually monitors the Corporation’s performance and adjusts compensation practices accordingly; and
• The Compensation and Human Resource Committee with the assistance of an independent compensation consulting firm regularly assesses the Corporation’s individual and total compensation programs against peer companies, the general marketplace and other industry data points.
Unless otherwise instructed, validly executed proxies will be voted “FOR” this resolution.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the nonbinding advisory resolution approving the executive compensation of the Corporation’s named executive officers.
Proposal 3-Frequency of Advisory Votes On Executive Compensation
In accordance with recently adopted changes to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Corporation is providing a shareholder advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (thesay-on-pay advisory vote in Proposal 2 above) this year and will do so at least once every three years thereafter. Pursuant to recently adopted changes to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, at the 2011Annual Meeting, the Corporation is also asking shareholders to vote on whether futuresay-on-pay advisory votes on executive compensation should occur every year, every two years or every three years.
After careful consideration, the Board of Directors recommends that future shareholdersay-on-pay advisory votes on executive compensation be conducted every three years. Although the Board of Directors recommends asay-on-pay vote every three years, shareholders will be able to specify one of four choices for this proposal on the proxy card: one year, two years, three years or abstain. Shareholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board of Directors’ recommendation.
Although this advisory vote regarding the frequency ofsay-on-pay votes is non-binding on the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors and the Compensation and Human Resource Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when deciding how often to conduct futuresay-on-pay shareholder advisory votes.
Unless otherwise instructed, validly executed proxies will be voted “FOR” the Three Year frequency option.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the Three Year frequency option.
 
Corporate Governance
 
Director Independence
 
The Corporation has adopted the director independence standards as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Board has determined that James C. Fabiano, Dale D. Weburg, David J. Maness, W. Joseph Manifold, William J. Strickler, Sandra L. Caul, W. Michael McGuire, Ted W. Kortes, Thomas L. Kleinhardt, Joseph LaFramboise, Jeffrey J. Barnes, Dianne C. Morey, and G. Charles Hubscher are independent directors. Dennis P. Angner is not independent as he is employed as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. Richard J. Barz is not independent as he is employed as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
 
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
 
The Corporation’s Governance policy provides that only directors who are deemed to be independent as set forth by NASDAQ and SEC rules are eligible to hold the office of Chairman of the Board. Additionally, the chairpersons of Board established committees must also be independent directors. It is the Board’s belief that the


6


having a separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer best serves the interest of the shareholders. The Board of Directors elects its chairperson at the first Board meeting following the annual meeting. Independent members of the Board of Directors meet without insider directors at least twice per year.
 
Management is responsible for the Corporation’s day to day risk management and the Board’s role is to engage in informed oversight. The Board utilizes committees to oversee risks associated with compensation, financial, and governance. Financial Group Information Services, the Corporation’s information processing subsidiary is responsible for overseeing risks associated with information technology. The Isabella Bank Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing credit, investment, interest rate, and trust risks. The chairpersons of the respective boards or committees report on their activities on a regular basis.
 
The Audit Committee is responsible for the integrity of the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation; the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence; the performance of the Corporation’s, and its subsidiaries’ internal audit function and independent auditors; the Corporation’s system of internal controls; the Corporation’s financial reporting and system of disclosure controls; and the compliance by the Corporation with legal and regulatory requirements and with the Corporation’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
 
Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance
 
The Board met 1314 times during 2009.2010. All incumbent directors attended 75% or more of the meetings held in 2009.2010. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Compensation and Human Resource Committee.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee is composed of independent directors who meet the requirements for independence as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2)of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. Information regarding the functions performed by the Committee, its membership, and the number of meetings held during the year, is set forth in the “Report of the Audit Committee” included elsewhere in this annual proxy statement. The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Bank’s website, www.isabellabank.com, under the Investor Relations tab.


5


In accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002, directors Manifold and McGuire meet the requirements of Audit Committee Financial Expert and have been so designated by the Board. The current Committee also consists of directors Fabiano,Barnes, Hubscher, LaFramboise, and Maness.
 
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
 
The Corporation has a standing Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisting of independent directors who meet the requirements for independence as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Committee consists of directors Caul, Fabiano, Maness, Manifold, StricklerMcGuire, and Weburg. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held two meetingsone meeting in 2009, and2010, with all directors attended 75% or more of the meetings.meeting. The Board has approved a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter which is available on the Bank’s website www.isabellabank.com under the Investor Relations tab.
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for evaluating and recommending individuals for nomination to the Board for approval. The Committee in evaluating nominees, including incumbent directors and any nominees put forth by shareholders, considers business experience, skills, character, judgment, leadership experience, and their knowledge of the geographical markets, business segments or other criteria the Committee deems relevant and appropriate based on the current composition of the Board. The Committee considers diversity in identifying members with respect to geographical markets served by the Corporation and the business experience of the nominee.
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider as potential nominees, persons recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, 401 N. Main St., MountMt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 and include the shareholder’s name, address and number of shares of the Corporation owned by the shareholder. The recommendation should also include the name, age, address and


7


qualifications of the recommended candidate for nomination. Recommendations for the 20102012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders should be delivered no later than December 10, 2010.9, 2011. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not evaluate potential nominees for director differently based on whether they are recommended to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by a shareholder or otherwise.
 
Compensation and Human Resource Committee
 
The Compensation and Human Resource Committee of the Corporation is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the Corporation’s Board the compensation of the PresidentChief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Corporation, benefit plans and the overall percentage increase in salaries. The committee consists of independent directors, who meet the requirements for independence as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The current Committee consists of directors Fabiano,Maness, Barnes, Caul, Fabiano, Hubscher, Kleinhardt, Kortes, LaFramboise, Manifold, McGuire, Maness, Manifold, Morey, Strickler, and Weburg. The Committee held two meetingsone meeting during 20092010 with all directors attending the meetings.meeting. This Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board that is available on the Bank’s website www.isabellabank.com under the Investor Relations tab.
 
Communications with the Board
 
Shareholders may communicate with the Corporation’s Board of Directors by sending written communications to the Corporation’s Secretary, Isabella Bank Corporation, 401 N. Main St., MountMt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858. Communications will be forwarded to the Board of Directors or the appropriate committee, as soon as practicable.
 
Code of Ethics
 
The Corporation has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The Corporation’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Bank’s website www.isabellabank.com under the Investor Relations tab.


68


Report of the Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee oversees the Corporation’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. The 20092010 Committee consisted of directors Fabiano, Caul,Barnes, Hubscher, LaFramboise, Maness, Manifold McGuire, and Weburg.McGuire.
 
The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all auditing services and permitted non-audit services over $5,000 for the Corporation by its independent auditors or any other auditing or accounting firm if those fees are reasonably expected to exceed 5.0% of the current year agreed upon fee for independent audit services, except as noted below. The Audit Committee has established general guidelines for the permissible scope and nature of any permitted non-audit services in connection with its annual review of the audit plan and reviews the guidelines with the Board of Directors.
 
Management has the primary responsibility for the consolidated financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed the audited consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report with management including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee also reviewed with management and the independent auditors, management’s assertion on the design and effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.2010.
 
The Audit Committee reviewed with the Corporation’s independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited consolidated financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Corporation’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee by the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), including those described in AU Section 380 “Communication with Audit Committees”, as may be modified or supplemented. In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountants required by PCAOB Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, as may be modified or supplemented, and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountants’ independence.
 
The Audit Committee discussed with the Corporation’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee meets with the internal and external independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Corporation’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Corporation’s financial reporting process. The Audit Committee held sevensix meetings during 2009,2010, and all committee members attended 75% or more of the meetings.
 
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20092010 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee has appointed Rehmann Robson as the independent auditors for the 20102011 audit.
G. Charles Hubscher and Joseph LaFramboise became members of the Board and the Audit Committee as of January 1, 2010 and therefore did not participate in any of the reviews or other procedures set forth above with respect to the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
W. Joseph Manifold, Audit Committee Chairperson
James C. FabianoJeffrey J. Barnes
Sandra L. CaulG. Charles Hubscher
Joseph LaFramboise
David J. Maness
W. Michael McGuire
Dale D. Weburg


79


Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
The Compensation and Human Resource Committee (the “Committee”) is responsible for the compensation and benefits for the Chief Executive Officer, President, and executive officers of the Corporation. The Committee evaluates and approves the executive officer and senior management compensation plans, policies and programs of the Corporation and its affiliates. The Committee also evaluates and establishes the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer, Richard J. Barz, conducts annual performance reviews for other Named Executive Officers, excluding himself. Mr. Barz recommends an appropriate salary increase to the Committee based on the performance review and the officer’s years of service along with competitive market data.
 
Compensation Objectives
 
The Committee considers asset growth with the safety and soundness objectives and earnings per share to be the primary ratios in measuring financial performance. The Corporation’s philosophy is to maximize long-term return to shareholders consistent with safe and sound banking practices, while maintaining the commitment to superior customer and community service. The Corporation believes that the performance of executive officers in managing the business should be the basis for determining overall compensation. Consideration is also given to overall economic conditions and current competitive forces in the market place. The objectives of the Committee are to effectively balance salaries and potential compensation to an officer’s individual management responsibilities and encourage them to realize their potential for future contributions to the Corporation. The objectives are designed to attract and retain high performing executive officers who will lead the Corporation while attaining the Corporation’s earnings and performance goals.
 
What the Compensation Programs are Designed to Reward
 
The Corporation’s compensation programs are designed to reward dedicated and conscientious employment with the Corporation, loyalty in terms of continued employment, attainment of job related goals and overall profitability of the Corporation. In measuring an executive officer’s contributions to the Corporation, the Committee considers numerous factors including, among other things, the Corporation’s growth in terms of asset size and increase in earnings per share. In rewarding loyalty and long-term service, the Corporation provides attractive retirement benefits.
 
Review of Risks Associated with Compensation Plans
 
Based on an analysis conducted by management and reviewed by the Committee, management does not believe that the Corporation’s compensation programs for employees are reasonably likely to have a material short or long term adverse effect on the Corporation’s Results of Operation.
 
Use of Consultants
In 2010, the Committee directly engaged the services of Blanchard Chase, an outside compensation consulting firm, to assist with a total compensation review for the top two executive officers of the Corporation (CEO and President). Blanchard Chase is an independent consulting firm and does not perform any additional services for the Corporation or senior management. In addition, Blanchard Chase does not have any other personal or business relationships with any Board member or any officer of the Corporation. The Committee is continuing to work with Blanchard Chase on proxy support in 2011. During 2009, the Committee did not employ any services of outside compensation or benefit consultants to assist it in compensation-related initiatives.
Elements of Compensation
 
The Corporation’s executive compensation program has consisted primarily of base salary and benefits, annual cash bonus incentives, stock awardsdirector fees for insider directors, and participation in the Corporation’s retirement plans.
 
Why Each of the Elements of Compensation is Chosen
 
Base Salary and Benefitsare set to provide competitive levels of compensation to attract and retain officers with strong motivated leadership. Each officer’s performance, current compensation, and responsibilities within the Corporation are considered by the Committee when establishing base salaries. The Corporation also believes it is best to pay sufficient base salary because it believes an over-reliance on equity incentive compensation could


10


potentially skew incentives toward short-term maximization of shareholder value as opposed to building long-term shareholder value. Base salary encourages management to operate the Corporation in a safe and sound manner even when incentive goals may prove unattainable.
 
Annual Performance Incentivesare used to reward executive officers for the Corporation’s overall financial performance. This element of the Corporation’s compensation programs is included in the overall compensation in


8


order to reward employees above and beyond their base salaries when the Corporation’s performance and profitability exceed established annual targets. The inclusion of a modest incentive compensation encourages management to be more creative, diligent and exhaustive in managing the Corporation to achieve specific financial goals.goals without incurring inordinate risks.
 
Stock Awardsare also provided as they arePerformance incentives paid under the element of compensationExecutive Incentive Plan in 2010 were determined by reference to seven performance measures that is most effectiverelated to services performed in aligning2009. The maximum award that may be granted under the financial interests of management with those of shareholders and because stock awards are a traditional and well-proven element of compensation among community banks and bank holding companies. These stock awards are granted pursuantExecutive Incentive Plan to the Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (“Directors’ Plan”), under whicheach eligible executive officers elect to defer their director fees, which deferred fees are then converted, on a quarterly basis, into sharesemployee equals 10% of the Corporation’s common stock.employee’s base salary (the “Maximum Award”). The Corporation has established a Trust to fund the Directors’ Plan. The directorspayment of 35% of the CorporationMaximum Award was conditioned on the eligible employee accomplishing personal performance goals that were established by such employee’s supervisor as part of the employee’s annual performance review. Each of the employees who were eligible to participate in the Executive Incentive Plan in 2009 accomplished his or her personal performance goals and its subsidiaries are requiredwas accordingly paid 35% of the 2009 Maximum Award. The payment of the remaining 65% of the Maximum Award was conditioned on the achievement of Corporation-wide targets in the following six categories: (1) earnings per share (weighted 40%); (2) net operating expenses to defer at least 25%average assets (weighted 15%); (3) Fully Taxable Equivalent “FTE” net interest margin, excluding loan fees (weighted 15%); (4) in-market deposit growth (weighted 10%); (5) loan growth (weighted 10%); and (6) exceeding peer group return on average assets (weighted 10%). The following chart provides the 2009 target for each of their earned board fees into the Directors’ Plan.foregoing targets that were used to determine bonus awards that were paid in 2010, as well as the performance obtained for each target.
Executive Incentive Plan
                     
  2009 Targets  2009
 
Target
 25.00%  50.00%  75.00%  100.00%  Performance 
 
Earning per share $0.90  $0.93  $0.96  $0.99  $1.04 
Net operating expenses to                    
average assets  1.66%  1.65%  1.64%  1.63%  1.71%
FTE Net Interest Margin  3.71%  3.73%  3.75%  3.77%  3.86%
In market deposit growth  4.50%  5.00%  5.50%  6.00%  1.87%
Loan growth  5.50%  6.00%  6.50%  7.00%  8.28%
Exceeding peer group return                    
on average assets  −0.26%  −0.25%  −0.25%  −0.24%  0.91%
 
Retirement Plans.  The Corporation’s retirement plans are designed to assist executives in providing themselves with a financially secure retirement. The retirement plans include: a frozen defined benefit pension plan,plan; a 401(k) plan,plan; and a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which is frozen to new participants,participants; and a retirement bonus plan.
 
How the Corporation Chose Amounts for Each Element
 
The Committee’s approach to determining the annual base salary of executive officers is to offer competitive salaries in comparison with other comparable financial institutions. The Committee utilizes both an independent compensation survey prepared by SNL Financialconsultant, Blanchard Chase and a survey prepared by the Michigan Bankers Association of similar sized Michigan based institutions. Compensation for 2009The independent compensation consultant established a benchmark peer group of 20 mid-west financial institutions in non urban areas whose average assets size, number of branch locations, return on average assets and nonperforming assets that were comparable to Isabella Bank Corporation. The Michigan Bankers Association 2010 compensation survey was based on the compensation information provided by these organizations for 2008.2009. Specific factors used to decide where an executive officer’s salary should be within the established range include the historical financial performance, financial performance outlook, years of service, and job performance.


11


The annual performance incentive is based on the achievement of goals set on individual performance and recognition of individual performance. A subjectivefor each individual. An analysis is conducted by the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer makes a recommendation to the Committee for the appropriate amount for each individual executive officer. The Committee reviews, modifies if necessary, and approves the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee reviews the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee uses the following factors as quantitative measures of corporate performance in determining annual cash bonus amounts to be paid:
 
 • Peer group financial performance compensation
 
 • 1 and 5 year shareholder returns
 
 • Earnings per share and earnings per share growth
 
 • Budgeted as compared to actual annual operating performance
 
 • Community and industry involvement
 
 • Results of audit and regulatory exams
 
 • Other strategic goals as established by the board of directors
 
While no particular weight is given to any specific factor, the Committee gives at least equal weight to the subjective analyses as described above.
 
Stock awards are granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan, under which participants elect to defer their director fees, which director fees are then converted, on a quarterly basis, into shares of the Corporation’s common stock based on the fair market value of a share of the Corporation’s common stock at that time. Shares of stock credited to a participant’s account under the Directors’ Plan are eligible for stock and cash dividends as payable.
Total compensation in 20092010 was based on the Committee targeting its executive officer’sChief Executive Officer’s and President & Chief Financial Officer’s compensation to approximate the median of the rangesrange provided by anthe independent consultant andcompensation consultant. Compensation for other named executive officers was based on the ranges provide by the Michigan Bankers Association surveys.


9


Retirement plans.  The Corporation has a 401(k) plan in which substantially all employees are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. As a result of the curtailment of the defined benefit plan noted below, the Corporation increased the contributions to the 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2007. The Corporation makes a annual 3.0% safe harbor contribution for all eligible employees and matching contributions equal to 50% of the first 4.0% of an employee’s compensation contributed to the Plan during the year. Employees are 100% vested in the safe harbor contributions and are 0% vested through their first two years of employment and are 100% vested after 6 years through a laddered vesting schedule of service for matching contributions.
 
The Corporation maintains a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) which covers substantially all of its employees. The plan was frozen effective December 31, 2006 to new participants. Contributions to the plan are discretionary and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Corporation maintains a plan for officers to provide death benefits to each participant. Insurance policies, designed primarily to fund death benefits, have been purchased on the life of each participant with the Corporation as the sole owner and beneficiary of the policies.
 
The retirement bonus plan is a nonqualified plan of deferred compensation benefits for eligible employees effective January 1, 2007. An initial amount has been credited for each eligible employee as of January 1, 2007. Subsequent amounts will be credited on each allocation date thereafter as defined in the plan. The amount of the initial allocation and the annual allocation are determined pursuant to the payment schedule adopted at the sole and exclusive discretion of the Board of Directors, as set forth in the plan.
 
In December 2006, the Board of Directors voted to curtail the defined benefit plan effective March 1, 2007. The effect of the curtailment was recognized in the first quarter of 2007 and the current participants’ accrued benefits were frozen as of March 1, 2007. Participation in the plan was limited to eligible employees as of December 31, 2006.
 
Other Benefits and Perquisites.  Executive officers are eligible for all of the benefits made available to full-time employees of the Corporation (such as the 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, health insurance, group term life insurance and disability insurance) on the same basis as other full-time employees and are subject to the same sick leave and other employee policies. The Corporation also provides its executive officers with certain additional benefits and perquisites, which it believes are appropriate in order to attract and retain the proper quality of talent for these positions and to recognize that similar executive benefits and perquisites are commonly offered by comparable financial institutions.


12


A description and the cost to the Corporation of these perquisites are included in footnote two in the “Summary Compensation Table” appearing on page 14.
The Corporation believes that benefits and perquisites provided to its executive officers in 2010 represented a reasonable percentage of each executive’s total compensation package and was not inconsistent, in the aggregate, with perquisites provided to executive officers of comparable competing financial institutions.
The Corporation maintains a plan for qualified officers to provide death benefits to each participant. Insurance policies, designed primarily to fund death benefits, have been purchased on the life of each participant with the Corporation as the sole owner and beneficiary of the policies.
How Elements Fit into Overall Compensation Objectives
 
The elements of the Corporation’s compensation are structured to reward past and current performance, continued service and motivate its leaders to excel in the future. The Corporation’s salary compensation has generally been used to retain and attract motivated leadership. The Corporation intends to continually ensure salaries are sufficient to attract and retain exceptional officers. The Corporation’s cash bonus incentive rewards current performance based upon personal and corporate goals and targets. The Corporation makes stock awardsoffers the Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (the “Directors’ Plan”) to motivate its eligible officers to enhance value for shareholders by aligning the interests of management with those of its shareholders.
 
As part of its goal of attracting and retaining quality team members, the Corporation has developed competitive employee benefit plans that make it stand out from the rest of the competition.plans. Management feels that the combination of all of the plans listed above makes the Corporation’s total compensation packages attractive.
 
Compensation and Human ResourcesResource Committee Report
 
The following Report of the Compensation and Human Resource Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Corporation filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Corporation specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.
 
The Compensation and Human Resource Committee, which includes all of the independent directors of the Board, has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of SECRegulation S-K with management, and based on such review and discussion, the Compensation and Human Resource Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report onForm 10-K.


10


G. Charles Hubscher, Thomas L. Kleinhardt, Joseph LaFramboise and Dianne C. Morey became members of the Board and the Compensation and Human Resources Committee as of January 1, 2010 and therefore did not participate in any of the reviews or other procedures set forth above with respect to the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Submitted by the Compensation and Human Resource Committee of Isabella Bank Corporation’s Board of Directors:
 
James C. Fabiano,David J. Maness, Chairperson
Jeffrey J. Barnes
Sandra L. Caul
Ted W. KortesJames C. Fabiano
David J. ManessG. Charles Hubscher
Thomas L. Kleinhardt
Joseph LaFramboise
W. Joseph Manifold
W. Michael McGuire
William J. StricklerDianne C, Morey
Dale D. Weburg


1113


Executive Officers
 
Executive Officers of the Corporation are compensated in accordance with their employment with the applicable entity. The following table shows information on compensation earned from the Corporation or its subsidiaries for each of the last three fiscal years ended December 31, 2009,2010, for the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Corporation’s three other most highly compensated executive officers.
 
Summary Compensation Table
                             
              Change in pension
       
              Value and
       
              Non-Qualified
       
              Deferred
       
              Compensation
  All Other
    
     Salary
  Bonus
  Stock Awards
  Earnings
  Compensation
  Total
 
Name and Principal Position
 Year  ($)(1)  ($)(1)  ($)  ($)  ($)(2)  ($) 
 
Richard J. Barz  2009  $320,600  $9,625  $33,650  $46,219  $30,568  $440,662 
CEO Isabella Bank Corporation  2008   300,785   9,100   32,490   72,622   22,697   437,694 
President and CEO Isabella Bank  2007   274,706   7,875   18,125      23,226   323,932 
Dennis P. Angner  2009   311,375   9,800   48,050   19,450   25,252   413,927 
President and CFO  2008   294,670   9,450   41,425   28,089   18,453   392,087 
Isabella Bank Corporation  2007   288,101   8,225   26,280   (7,000)  18,715   334,321 
Timothy M. Miller  2009   167,200   7,319   7,400   2,765   17,323   202,007 
President of the Breckenridge  2008   160,145   3,200   6,715   3,411   14,127   187,598 
Division of Isabella Bank  2007   155,171      7,880   (1,000)  14,167   176,218 
Steven D. Pung  2009   126,200   6,003   900   28,140   18,468   179,711 
Sr. Vice President and COO  2008   117,100   3,785   1,125   45,884   13,169   181,063 
Isabella Bank  2007   108,100   3,625   1,800      14,194   127,719 
Peggy L. Wheeler  2009   110,000   5,348      9,000   5,649   129,997 
Sr. Vice President and Controller  2008   105,000   3,500      13,000   2,216   123,716 
Isabella Bank Corporation  2007   100,000   3,000      (3,000)  2,023   105,023 
                             
           Change in pension
          
           Value and
          
           Non-Qualified
          
           Deferred
          
           Compensation
  All Other
       
     Salary
  Bonus
  Earnings
  Compensation
  Total
    
Name and principal position
 Year  ($)(1)  ($)  ($)(2)  ($)(3)  ($)    
 
Richard J. Barz  2010  $357,600  $24,706  $116,364  $34,856  $533,526     
CEO Isabella Bank Corporation  2009   354,250   9,625   90,184   30,568   484,627     
President and CEO Isabella Bank  2008   333,275   9,100   110,559   22,697   475,631     
Dennis P. Angner  2010  $352,600  $24,706  $103,340  $27,922  $508,568     
President and CFO  2009   359,425   9,800   79,623   25,252   474,100     
Isabella Bank Corporation  2008   336,095   9,450   83,957   18,453   447,955     
Timothy M. Miller  2010  $161,220  $12,370  $9,000  $32,798  $215,388     
President of the Breckenridge  2009   174,600   7,319   6,000   17,323   205,242     
Division of Isabella Bank  2008   166,860   3,200   11,000   14,127   195,187     
Steven D. Pung  2010  $143,632  $10,572  $62,288  $32,886  $249,378     
Sr. Vice President and COO  2009   127,100   6,003   48,518   18,468   200,089     
Isabella Bank  2008   118,225   3,785   65,111   13,169   200,290     
David J. Reetz(4)  2010  $123,910  $9,165  $36,429  $13,694  $183,198     
Sr. Vice President and CLO                            
Isabella Bank                            
 
 
(1)Includes compensation voluntarily deferred under the Corporation’s 401(k) plan. Directors fees paid in cash are also included, for calendar years 2010, 2009 2008 and 20072008 respectively as follows: Richard J. Barz $52,600, $59,250, and $58,275; Dennis P. Angner $11,375, $14,670,$52,600, $59,425, and $23,870; Richard J. Barz $25,600, $25,785, and $20,475; and$56,095; Timothy M. Miller $19,500, $17,445,$11,300, $26,900, and $20,940.$24,160; and Steven D. Pung $900, $900, and $1,125.
 
(2)Represents the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the noted executive’s accumulated benefit under the Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan and the Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan.
(3)For all noted executives all other compensation includes 401(k) matching contributions. For Richard J. Barz, and Steven D. Pung, and David J. Reetz this also includes club dues and auto allowance. For Dennis P. Angner and Timothy M. Miller, this also includes auto allowance.
(4)Not a named executive officer prior to 2010.


1214


 
20092010 Pension Benefits
 
The following table indicates the present value of accumulated benefits as of December 31, 20092010 for each named executive in the summary compensation table.
 
                            
   Number of
       Number of
     
   Years of
 Present
     Years of
 Present
   
   Credited
 Value of
     Vesting
 Value of
   
   Service as
 Accumulated
 Payments
   Service as of
 Accumulated
 Payments
 
   of 01/01/09
 Benefit
 During Last
   01/01/11
 Benefit
 During Last
 
Name
 Plan name (#) ($) Fiscal Year Plan name (#) ($) Fiscal Year 
Richard J. Barz Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  35  $681,000  $  Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  39  $762,000  $ 
 Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  35   235,567     Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  39   270,931    
Dennis P. Angner Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  23   329,000     Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  27   382,000    
 Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  23   225,193     Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  27   275,533    
Timothy M. Miller Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  6   70,000     Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  10   79,000    
             
Steven D. Pung Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  28   342,000     Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  32   384,000    
 Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  28   125,342     Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  32   145,630     
Peggy L. Wheeler Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  28   88,000    
David J. Reetz Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan  24   119,000    
 Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  28   56,910     Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan  24   90,378    
 
Defined benefit pension plan.  The Corporation sponsors the Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan, a frozen defined benefit pension plan. In December 2006, the Board of Directors voted to curtail the defined benefit plan effective March 1, 2007. The effect of the curtailment which was recognized in the first quarter of 2007, froze the current participant’s accrued benefits as of March 1, 2007 and limited participation in the plan to eligible employees as of December 31, 2006. Due to the curtailment of the plan, the number of years of credited service was frozen. As such, the years of credited service for the plan may differ from the participant’s actual years of service with the Corporation.
 
Annual contributions are made to the plan as required by accepted actuarial principles, applicable federal tax laws, and expenses of operating and maintaining the plan. The amount of contributions on behalf of any one participant cannot be separately or individually computed.
 
Pension plan benefits are based on years of service and the employees’ five highest consecutive years of compensation out of the last ten years of service, effective through December 31, 2006.
 
A participant may earn a benefit for up to 35 years of accredited service. Earned benefits are 100 percent vested after five years of service. Benefit payments normally start when a participant reaches age 65. A participant with more than five years of service may elect to take early retirement benefits anytime after reaching age 55. Benefits payable under early retirement are reduced actuarially for each month prior to age 65 in which benefits begin.
 
Dennis P. Angner, Richard J. Barz, Timothy M. Miller, and Steven D. Pung are eligible for early retirement under the Isabella Bank Corporation Pension Plan. Under the provisions of the Plan, participants are eligible for early retirement after reaching the age of 55 with at least 5 years of service. The early retirement benefit amount is the accrued benefit payable at normal retirement date reduced by5/9% 5/9% for each of the first 60 months and5/18% 5/18% for each of the next 60 months that the benefit commencement date precedes the normal retirement date.
 
Retirement bonus plan.  The Corporation sponsors the Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan. The Retirement Bonus Plan is a nonqualified plan of deferred compensation benefits for eligible employees effective January 1, 2007. This plan is intended to provide eligible employees with additional retirement benefits. To be eligible, the employee needed to be employed by the Corporation on January 1, 2007, and be a participant in the Corporation’s frozen Executive Supplemental Income Agreement. Participants must also be an officer of the Corporation with at least 10 years of service as of December 31, 2006. The Corporation has sole and exclusive discretion to add new participants to the plan by authorizing such participation pursuant to action of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
 
An initial amount has been credited for each eligible employee as of January 1, 2007. Subsequent amounts shall be credited on each allocation date thereafter as defined in the plan.Plan. The amount of the initial allocation and the


1315


annual allocation shall be determined pursuant to the payment schedule adopted by the sole and exclusive discretion of the Board, as set forth in the Plan.
 
Dennis P. Angner, Richard J. Barz, Timothy M. Miller, and Steven D. Pung are eligible for early retirement under the Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan. Under the provisions of the plan, participants are eligible for early retirement upon attaining 55 years of age. There is no difference between the calculation of benefits payable upon early retirement and normal retirement.
 
20092010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
 
                        
 Executive
 Aggregate
 Aggregate
  Executive
 Aggregate
 Aggregate
 
 Contributions in
 Earnings in
 Balance at
  Contributions in
 Earnings in
 Balance at
 
 Last FY
 Last FY
 Last FYE
  Last FY
 Last FY
 Last FYE
 
Name
 ($) ($) ($)  ($) ($) ($) 
Richard J. Barz $33,650  $2,217  $70,120  $30,650  $3,501  $97,379 
Dennis P. Angner  48,050   2,971   94,933   44,400   4,836   134,713 
Timothy M. Miller  6,715   631   19,440   3,500   839   21,990 
Steven D. Pung  1,125   139   4,098   900   181   4,799 
Peggy L. Wheeler         
David J. Reetz  N/A   N/A   N/A 
 
The directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are required to defer at least 25% of their earned board fees into the Directors’ Plan and may defer up to 100% of their earned fees based on their annual election. These amounts are reflected in the 20092010 nonqualified deferred compensation table above. Under the Directors’ Plan, these deferred fees are converted on a quarterly basis into shares of the Corporation’s common stock based on the fair market value of shares of the Corporation’s common stock at that time. Shares credited to a participant’s account are eligible for stock and cash dividends as payable.
 
Distribution from the Directors’ Plan occurs when the participant retires from the Board, attains age 70 or upon the occurrence of certain other events. Distributions must take the form of shares of the Corporation’s common stock. Any Corporation common stock issued under the Directors’ Plan will be considered restricted stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
 
The estimated payments payable to each named executive officer upon severance from employment, retirement, termination upon death or disability or termination following a change in control of the Corporation are described below. For all termination scenarios, the amounts assume such termination took place as of December 31, 2009.2010.
 
Any Severance of Employment
 
Regardless of the manner in which a named executive officer’s employment terminates, he or she is entitled to receive amounts earned during his or her term of employment. Such amounts include:
 
 • Amounts accrued and vested through the Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
 
 • Amounts accrued and vested through the Retirement Bonus Plan.
 
 • Amounts deferred in the Directors’ Plan.
 
 • Unused vacation pay.
 
Retirement
 
In the event of the retirement of an executive officer, the officer would receive the benefits identified above.
As of December 31, 2009,2010, the named executive officers listed had no unused vacation days.


1416


Death or Disability
 
In the event of death or disability of an executive officer, in addition to the benefits listed above, the executive officer will also receive payments under the Corporation’s life insurance plan or benefits under the Corporation’s disability plan as appropriate.
 
In addition to potential payments upon termination available to all employees, the estates for the executive officers listed below would receive the following payments upon death:
 
                
 While an
    While an
   
 Active
 Subsequent to
  Active
 Subsequent to
 
Name
 Employee Retirement  Employee Retirement 
Richard J. Barz $590,000  $295,000  $610,000  $305,000 
Dennis P. Angner  600,000   300,000   600,000   300,000 
Timothy M. Miller  295,400   147,700   299,800   149,900 
Steven D. Pung  252,400   126,200   285,400   142,700 
Peggy L. Wheeler  220,000   110,000 
David J. Reetz  247,800   123,900 
 
Change in Control
 
The Corporation currently does not have a change in control agreement with any of the executive officers; provided, however, pursuant to the Retirement Bonus Plan each participant would become 100% vested in their benefit under the plan if, following a change in control, they voluntarily terminate employment or are terminated without just cause.
 
Director Compensation
 
The following table summarizes the Compensation of each non-employee director who served on the Board of Directors during 2009.2010.
 
                
     Change in
   
     Pension Value
   
     and Non-
           
 Fees
   Qualified
    Fees
   
 Earned or
   Deferred
    Earned or
   
 Paid in
 Stock
 Compensation
    Paid in
   
 Cash
 Awards
 Earnings
 Total
  Cash
 Total
 
Name
 ($) ($) ($) ($)  ($) ($) 
Jeffrey J. Barnes $  $17,900  $(3,564) $14,336   21,000   21,000 
Sandra L. Caul  10,762   30,063   (69,293)  (28,468)  35,800   35,800 
James Fabiano     55,100   (188,982)  (133,882)  40,915   40,915 
G. Charles Hubscher     24,200   (12,609)  11,591   25,950   25,950 
Thomas L. Kleinhardt     24,500   (37,979)  (13,479)  29,450   29,450 
Ted W. Kortes  20,467   8,933   (1,789)  27,611   31,100   31,100 
Joseph LaFramboise     22,350   (3,684)  18,666   27,900   27,900 
David J. Maness     44,375   (32,785)  11,590   52,300   52,300 
W. Joseph Manifold     27,375   (21,952)  5,423   29,146   29,146 
W. Michael McGuire     29,200   (14,910)  14,290   31,800   31,800 
Dianne C. Morey     19,050   (22,802)  (3,752)  18,850   18,850 
William J. Strickler     49,767   (85,814)  (36,047)  39,085   39,085 
Dale D. Weburg     35,775   (44,427)  (8,652)  36,400   36,400 
 
The Corporation paid a $6,000$14,000 retainer plus $1,000$1,350 per board meeting to itsexternal directors and a $6,000 retainer plus $1,350 per board meeting to inside directors during 2009 and $2252010. Members of the audit committee were paid $350 per audit committee meeting attended.
 
Pursuant to the Directors’ Plan the directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are required to defer at least 25% of their earned board fees. Under the Directors’ Plan, deferred directors’ fees are converted on a quarterly basis into shares of the Corporation’s common stock, based on the fair market value of a share of the Corporation’s


1517


common stock at that time. Shares of stock credited to a participant’s account are eligible for cash and stock dividends as payable. ParticipantsDirectors of the Corporation deferred $529,740$419,696 under the Directors’ Plan in 2009.2010.
 
Upon a participant’s attainment of age 70, retirement from the Board, or the occurrence of certain other events, the participant is eligible to receive a lump-sum, in-kind distribution of all of the stock that is then credited to his or her account. The plan does not allow for cash settlement. Stock issued under the Directors’ Plan is restricted stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
The Corporation established a Trust effective as of January 1, 2008 to fund the Directors’ Plan. The Trust is an irrevocable grantor trust to which the Corporation may contribute assets for the limited purpose of funding a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Although the Corporation may not reach the assets of the Trust for any purpose other than meeting its obligations under the Directors’ Plan, the assets of the Trust remain subject to the claims of the Corporation’s creditors. The Corporation may contribute cash or common stock to the Trust from time to time for the sole purpose of funding the Directors’ Plan. The Trust will use any cash that the Corporation may contribute to purchase shares of the Corporation’s common stock.stock on the open market through the Corporation’s brokerage services department.
 
The Corporation transferred $557,798$492,958 to the Trust in 2009,2010, which held 30,62632,686 shares of the Corporation’s common stock for settlement as of December 31, 2009.2010. As of December 31, 2009,2010, there were 186,279191,977 shares of stock credited to participants’ accounts, as adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid on February 29, 2008, which credits are unfunded as of such date to the extent that they are in excess of the stock and cash that has been credited to the Trust. All amounts are unsecured claims against the Corporation’s general assets. The net cost of this benefit to the Corporation was $139,109$165,353 in 2009.2010.
 
The following table displays the number of equity shares grantedcredited pursuant to the terms of the Directors’ Plan as of December 31, 2009:2010:
 
     
  # of Shares of
 
Name
 Stock GrantedCredited 
 
Dennis P Angner  5,0097,787 
Jeffrey J. Barnes  1,65131,280 
Richard J. Barz  3,7005,629 
Sandra L. Caul  15,167287,411 
James Fabiano  39,924756,559 
G. Charles Hubscher  3,76671,357 
Thomas L. Kleinhardt  8,746165,741 
Ted W. Kortes  82515,636 
Joseph LaFramboise  1,91836,348 
David J. Maness  8,767166,134 
W. Joseph Manifold  5,750108,959 
W. Michael McGuire  4,46884,660 
Dianne C. Morey  5,480103,849 
William J. Strickler  19,443368,446 
Dale D. Weburg  10,580200,490 
 
Compensation and Human Resource Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The Compensation and Human Resource Committee of the Corporation is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the Corporation’s Board the compensation of the PresidentChief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Corporation, benefit plans and the overall percentage increase in salaries. The committee consists of directors Fabiano,Maness, Barnes, Caul, Fabiano, Hubscher, Kleinhardt, Kortes, LaFramboise, Maness, Manifold, McGuire, Morey, Strickler, and Weburg.


1618


Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management
 
Certain directors and officers of the Corporation and members of their families were loan customers of Isabella Bank, or have been directors or officers of corporations, or partners of partnerships which have had transactions with the Bank. In management’s opinion, all such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business and were substantially on the same terms, including collateral and interest rates, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with customers not related to the Bank. These transactions do not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Total loans to these customers were approximately $4,142,000$4,347,000 as of December 31, 2009.2010. The Corporation addresses transactions with related parties in its‘Code of Business Conduct and Ethics’policy. Conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Corporation policy, except under guidelines approved by the Board of Directors or committees of the Board.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 
As of March 31, 2010April 1, 2011 the Corporation does not have any person who is known to the Corporation to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the common stock of the Corporation.
 
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31, 2010April 1, 2011 as to the common stock of the Corporation owned beneficially by each director and director nominee, by each named executive officer, and by all directors, director nominees and executive officers of the Corporation as a group. The shares to be granted from stock awardscredited under the Directors’ Plan are not included in the table below.
 
                                
 Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership  Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership 
 Sole Voting
 Shared Voting
 Total
 Percentage of
  Sole Voting
 Shared Voting
 Total
 Percentage of
 
 and Investment
 and Investment
 Beneficial
 Common Stock
  and Investment
 or Investment
 Beneficial
 Common Stock
 
Name of Owner
 Powers Powers Ownership Outstanding  Powers Powers Ownership Outstanding 
Dennis P. Angner*  17,782      17,782   0.24%  18,100      18,100   0.24%
Jeffrey J. Barnes     5,439   5,439   0.07%     5,669   5,669   0.08%
Richard J. Barz*  19,997      19,997   0.27%  20,325      20,325   0.27%
Sandra L. Caul     10,390   10,390   0.14%     10,609   10,609   0.14%
James C. Fabiano  261,387      261,387   3.47%  264,871   6,579   271,450   3.60%
G. Charles Hubscher  26,892   3,283   30,175   0.40%  28,031   3,548   31,579   0.42%
Thomas L. Kleinhardt  10,065      10,065   0.13%     31,179   31,179   0.41%
Theodore W. Kortes     12,000   12,000   0.16%
Joseph LaFramboise  728      728   0.01%     910   910   0.01%
David J. Maness  447      447   0.01%  466   1,135   1,601   0.02%
W. Joseph Manifold  565      565   0.01%  2,089      2,089   0.03%
W. Michael McGuire  231,983      231,983   3.08%  56,531      56,531   0.75%
Dianne C. Morey  38,647      38,647   0.51%     40,283   40,283   0.53%
William J. Strickler  76,902      76,902   1.02%
Dale D. Weburg  26,711   30,396   57,107   0.76%  27,842   31,683   59,525   0.79%
Timothy M. Miller  3,301      3,301   0.04%  215   3,330   3,545   0.05%
Steven D. Pung  17,102      17,102   0.23%  9,422   8,236   17,658   0.23%
Peggy L. Wheeler  4,270   2,498   6,768   0.09%
David J. Reetz  8,468   175   8,643   0.11%
                  
All Directors, nominees and Executive Officers as a Group (18 persons)  736,779   64,006   800,785   10.64%
All Directors, nominees and Executive                
Officers as a Group (16 persons)  436,360   143,336   579,696   7.68%
         
 
 
*Trustees of the ESOP who vote ESOP stock.


1719


 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Audit Committee has appointed Rehmann Robson as the independent auditors of the Corporation for the year ending December 31, 2010.2011.
��
A representative of Rehmann Robson is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders and to make any comments they believeRehmann believes is appropriate.
 
Fees for Professional Services Provided by Rehmann Robson P.C.
 
The following table shows the aggregate fees billed by Rehmann Robson for the audit and other services provided to the Corporation for 20092010 and 2008.2009.
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Audit fees $288,810  $238,275  $252,163  $291,497 
Audit related fees  22,860   52,415   39,089   40,135 
Tax fees  39,784   65,257   24,730   39,784 
Other professional services fees  10,675   15,098       
          
Total $362,129  $371,045  $315,982  $371,416 
          
 
The audit fees were for performing the integrated audit of the Corporation’s consolidated annual financial statements and the audit of internal control over financial reporting related to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act, (2009 only), review of interim quarterly financial statements included in the Corporation’sForms 10-Q, auditing of the Corporation’s employee benefit plans and services that are normally provided by Rehmann Robson in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The decline in audit fees from 2009 to 2010 is primarily related to the Corporations’ continued improvement in financial reporting and SOX 404 processes.
 
The audit related fees are typically for various discussions related to the adoption and interpretation of new accounting pronouncements. During 2008, there were alsoAlso included are fees for regulatory filings and procedures related toauditing of the acquisition of Greenville Community Financial Corporation.Corporation’s employee benefit plans.
 
The tax fees were for the preparation of the CorporationCorporation’s and its subsidiaries’ state and federal tax returns and for consultation with the Corporation on various tax matters. The tax fees for 2008 include fees related to tax consulting for an audit conducted by the State of Michigan for Single Business Tax (SBT), the 2007 Greenville Community Financial Corporation final tax return preparation, and tax consulting related to the joint venture with CT/IBT Title (refer to Note 2 of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements). During 2009 tax fees also included consulting related to the then new State of Michigan Business Tax (MBT).
 
The Audit Committee has considered whether the services provided by Rehmann Robson, P.C. other than the audit fees, are compatible with maintaining Rehmann Robson’sRobson, P.C.’s independence and believes that the other services provided are compatible.
 
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
 
All audit and non-audit services over $5,000 to be performed by Rehmann Robson must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee.Committee if those fees are reasonably expected to exceed 5.0% of the current year agreed upon fee for independent audit services. As permitted by the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee has authorized its Chairperson to pre-approve audit, audit-related, tax and non-audit services, provided that such approved service is reported to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.
 
As early as practicable in each calendar year, the independent auditor provides to the Audit Committee a schedule of the audit and other services that the independent auditor expects to provide or may provide during the next twelve months. The schedule will be specific as to the nature of the proposed services, the proposed fees, timing, and other details that the Audit Committee may request. The Audit Committee will by resolution authorize or decline the proposed services. Upon approval, this schedule will serve as the budget for fees by specific activity or service for the next twelve months.
 
A schedule of additional services proposed to be provided by the independent auditor, or proposed revisions to services already approved, along with associated proposed fees, may be presented to the Audit Committee for their


18


consideration and approval at any time. The schedule will be specific as to the nature of the proposed service, the


20


proposed fee, and other details that the Audit Committee may request. The Audit Committee will by resolution authorize or decline authorization for each proposed new service.
 
Applicable SEC rules and regulations permit waiver of the pre-approval requirements for services other than audit, review or attest services if certain conditions are met. Out of the services characterized above as audit-related, tax and professional services, none were billed pursuant to these provisions in 20092010 and 20082009 without pre-approval as required under the Corporation’s policies.
 
Shareholder Proposals
 
Any proposals which shareholders of the Corporation intend to present at the next annual meeting of the Corporation must be received before December 10, 20109, 2011 to be considered for inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy statement and proxy for that meeting. Proposals should be made in accordance with Securities and Exchange CommissionRule 14a-8.
 
Directors’ Attendance at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
 
The Corporation’s directors are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of shareholders. At the 20092010 annual meeting, all directors were in attendance.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Corporation’s directors and certain officers and persons who own more than ten percent of the Corporation’s common stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the Corporation’s common stock. These officers, directors, and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Corporation with copies of these reports.
 
To the Corporation’s knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Corporation, during the year ended December 31, 20092010 all Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied, with respect to the applicable officers, directors, and greater than 10 percent beneficial owners.
 
Other Matters
 
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Corporation. In addition to solicitation by mail, officers and other employees of the Corporation may solicit proxies by telephone or in person, without compensation other than their regular compensation.
 
As to Other Business Which May Come Before the Meeting
 
Management of the Corporation does not intend to bring any other business before the meeting for action. However, if any other business should be presented for action, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in accordance with their judgment on such business.
 
By order of the Board of Directors
 
-s- DEBRA CAMPBELL



Debra Campbell, Secretary


1921



 
SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                     
  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005 
  (Dollars in thousands except per share data) 
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA                    
Total interest income $58,105  $61,385  $53,972  $44,709  $36,882 
Net interest income  38,266   35,779   28,013   24,977   23,909 
Provision for loan losses  6,093   9,500   1,211   682   777 
Net income  7,800   4,101   7,930   7,001   6,776 
BALANCE SHEET DATA                    
End of year assets $1,143,944  $1,139,263  $957,282  $910,127  $741,654 
Daily average assets  1,127,634   1,113,102   925,631   800,174   700,624 
Daily average deposits  786,714   817,041   727,762   639,046   576,091 
Daily average loans/net  712,965   708,434   596,739   515,539   459,310 
Daily average equity  139,810   143,626   119,246   91,964   74,682 
PER SHARE DATA(1)                    
Earnings per share                    
Basic $1.04  $0.55  $1.14  $1.12  $1.14 
Diluted  1.01   0.53   1.11   1.09   1.14 
Cash dividends  0.70   0.65   0.62   0.58   0.55 
Book value (at year end)  18.69   17.89   17.58   16.61   13.44 
FINANCIAL RATIOS                    
Shareholders’ equity to assets (at year end)  12.31%  11.80%  12.86%  12.72%  10.91%
Return on average equity  5.58   2.86   6.65   7.61   9.07 
Return on average tangible equity  8.54   4.41   8.54   8.31   9.12 
Cash dividend payout to net income  67.40   118.82   54.27   53.92   48.02 
                     
Return on average assets  0.69   0.37   0.86   0.87   0.97 
                     
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  (Dollars in thousands except per share data) 
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA                    
Total interest income $57,217  $58,105  $61,385  $53,972  $44,709 
Net interest income  40,013   38,266   35,779   28,013   24,977 
Provision for loan losses  4,857   6,093   9,500   1,211   682 
Net income  9,045   7,800   4,101   7,930   7,001 
BALANCE SHEET DATA                    
End of year assets $1,225,810  $1,143,944  $1,139,263  $957,282  $910,127 
Daily average assets  1,182,930   1,127,634   1,113,102   925,631   800,174 
Daily average deposits  840,392   786,714   817,041   727,762   639,046 
Daily average loans/net  712,272   712,965   708,434   596,739   515,539 
Daily average equity  139,855   139,810   143,626   119,246   91,964 
PER SHARE DATA(1)                    
Earnings per share                    
Basic $1.20  $1.04  $0.55  $1.14  $1.12 
Diluted  1.17   1.01   0.53   1.11   1.09 
Cash dividends  0.72   0.70   0.65   0.62   0.58 
Book value (at year end)  19.23   18.69   17.89   17.58   16.61 
FINANCIAL RATIOS                    
Shareholders’ equity to assets (at year end)  11.84%  12.31%  11.80%  12.86%  12.72%
Return on average equity  6.47   5.58   2.86   6.65   7.61 
Return on average tangible equity  9.55   8.53   4.41   8.54   8.31 
Cash dividend payout to net income  59.93   67.40   118.82   54.27   53.92 
Return on average assets  0.76   0.69   0.37   0.86   0.87 
 
                                                                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd 1st  4th 3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 
Quarterly Operating Results:                                                                
Total interest income $14,411  $14,516  $14,505  $14,673  $15,099  $15,401  $15,359  $15,526  $14,540  $14,306  $14,272  $14,099  $14,411  $14,516  $14,505  $14,673 
Interest expense  4,657   4,928   5,026   5,228   5,836   6,309   6,379   7,082   4,217   4,296   4,291   4,400   4,657   4,928   5,026   5,228 
                                  
Net interest income  9,754   9,588   9,479   9,445   9,263   9,092   8,980   8,444   10,323   10,010   9,981   9,699   9,754   9,588   9,479   9,445 
Provision for loan losses  1,544   1,542   1,535   1,472   5,725   975   1,593   1,207   1,626   968   1,056   1,207   1,544   1,542   1,535   1,472 
Noninterest income  2,102   2,566   3,131   2,357   1,130   2,377   1,778   2,517   2,629   2,634   1,870   2,167   2,102   2,566   3,131   2,357 
Noninterest expenses  8,176   7,995   8,468   9,044   8,377   7,430   7,341   7,556   8,558   8,620   8,275   8,354   8,176   7,995   8,468   9,044 
Net income (loss)  2,073   2,197   2,201   1,329   (2,041)  2,524   1,691   1,927 
Net income  2,318   2,553   2,151   2,023   2,073   2,197   2,201   1,329 
Per Share of Common Stock:(1)Per Share of Common Stock:(1)Per Share of Common Stock:(1)                                
Earnings (loss) per share                                
Earnings per share                                
Basic $0.28  $0.29  $0.29  $0.18  $(0.28) $0.34  $0.23  $0.26  $0.30  $0.34  $0.29  $0.27  $0.28  $0.29  $0.29  $0.18 
Diluted  0.27   0.28   0.29   0.17   (0.27)  0.33   0.22   0.25   0.30   0.33   0.28   0.26   0.27   0.28   0.29   0.17 
Cash dividends  0.32   0.13   0.13   0.12   0.29   0.12   0.12   0.12   0.18   0.18   0.18   0.18   0.32   0.13   0.13   0.12 
Book value (at quarter end)  18.69   18.97   18.06   18.01   17.89   18.78   18.75   19.07   19.23   19.59   19.39   18.89   18.69   18.97   18.06   18.01 
 
 
(1)Retroactively restated for the 10% stock dividend, paid on February 29, 2008.


2123


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Isabella Bank Corporation
Mt.Mount Pleasant, Michigan
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets ofIsabella Bank Corporationas of December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009.2010. We also have auditedIsabella Bank Corporation’sinternal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009,2010, based on criteria established in theInternal Control-Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Isabella Bank Corporation’smanagement is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the effectiveness of theIsabella Bank Corporation’sinternal control over financial reporting, based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material misstatement exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the corporation; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the corporation; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2008, the Corporation adopted ASC Topic 715,Compensation — Retirement Benefits.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2008 the Corporation adopted ASC Topic 715,Compensation — Retirement Benefits.Also, as described in Notes 17 and 20 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2007 the Corporation elected the early adoption of ASC Topic 825,Financial Instrumentsand ASC Topic 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,and effective December 31, 2006 changed its method of accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in accordance with ASC Topic 715,Compensation — Retirement Benefits.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position ofIsabella Bank Corporationas of December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20092010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


22


Also, in our opinionIsabella Bank Corporationmaintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009,2010, based on the criteria established in theInternal Control-Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission.
 
-s- Rehmann Robson P.C.
 
Rehmann Robson, P.C.
 
Saginaw, Michigan
March 11, 20108, 2011


2324


 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
         
  December 31 
  2009  2008 
  (Dollars in thousands) 
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $22,706  $22,979 
Interest bearing balances held in other financial institutions  7,156   575 
Trading securities  13,563   21,775 
Investment securities available for sale (amortized cost of $258,585 in 2009 and $248,741 in 2008)  259,066   246,455 
Mortgage loans available for sale  2,281   898 
Net loans        
Loans  723,316   735,385 
Less allowance for loan losses  12,979   11,982 
         
Total net loans
  710,337   723,403 
Premises and equipment  23,917   23,231 
Corporate-owned life insurance policies  16,782   16,152 
Accrued interest receivable  5,832   6,322 
Acquisition intangibles and goodwill, net  47,429   47,804 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values  17,921   17,345 
Other assets  16,954   12,324 
         
Total assets
 $1,143,944  $1,139,263 
         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits        
Noninterest bearing $96,875  $97,546 
NOW accounts  128,111   113,973 
Certificates of deposit and other savings  389,644   422,689 
Certificates of deposit over $100,000  188,022   141,422 
         
Total deposits
  802,652   775,630 
Borrowed funds ($17,804 in 2009 and $23,130 in 2008 at fair value)  193,101   222,350 
Accrued interest and other liabilities  7,388   6,807 
         
Total liabilities
  1,003,141   1,004,787 
         
Shareholders’ Equity        
Common stock — no par value 15,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding — 7,535,193 (including 30,626 shares to be issued) in 2009 and 7,518,856 (including 5,248 shares to be issued) in 2008  133,443   133,602 
Shares to be issued for deferred compensation obligations  4,507   4,015 
Retained earnings  4,972   2,428 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (2,119)  (5,569)
         
Total shareholders’ equity
  140,803   134,476 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 $1,143,944  $1,139,263 
         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


24


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                         
        Shares to be
          
        Issued for
          
  Common Stock
     Deferred
     Accumulated Other
    
  Shares
  Common
  Compensation
  Retained
  Comprehensive
    
  Outstanding  Stock  Obligations  Earnings  Loss  Totals 
  (Dollars in thousands except per share data) 
 
Balance, January 1, 2007  6,335,861  $111,648  $3,137  $4,451  $(3,487) $115,749 
Cumulative effect to apply ASC Topic 825, net of tax           (1,050)  897   (153)
Comprehensive income           7,930   2,324   10,254 
Issuance of common stock  63,233   2,657            2,657 
Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations  8,246   123   (123)         
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan        758         758 
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan  (43,220)  (1,881)           (1,881)
Cash dividends ($0.62 per share)           (4,304)     (4,304)
                         
Balance, December 31, 2007  6,364,120   112,547   3,772   7,027   (266)  123,080 
Cumulative effect to apply ASC Topic 715, net of tax           (1,571)     (1,571)
Comprehensive loss           4,101   (5,303)  (1,202)
Common stock dividends (10)%  687,599   30,256      (30,256)      
Regulatory capital transfer     (28,000)     28,000       
Bank acquisition  514,809   22,652            22,652 
Issuance of common stock  73,660   2,476            2,476 
Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations  27,004   360   (360)         
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan        603         603 
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations     (249)             (249)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan  (148,336)  (6,440)           (6,440)
Cash dividends ($0.65 per share)           (4,873)     (4,873)
                         
Balance, December 31, 2008  7,518,856   133,602   4,015   2,428   (5,569)  134,476 
Comprehensive income           7,800   3,450   11,250 
Issuance of common stock  126,059   2,664            2,664 
Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations  12,890   331   (185)        146 
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan        677         677 
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations     (767)           (767)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan  (122,612)  (2,387)            (2,387)
Cash dividends ($0.70 per share)           (5,256)     (5,256)
                         
Balance, December 31, 2009  7,535,193   133,443   4,507   4,972   (2,119)  140,803 
                         
         
  December 31 
  2010  2009 
  (Dollars in thousands) 
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents        
Cash and demand deposits due from banks $16,978  $17,342 
Interest bearing balances due from banks  1,131   7,140 
         
Total cash and cash equivalents
  18,109   24,482 
Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions  15,808   5,380 
Trading securities  5,837   13,563 
Available-for-sale investment securities (amortized cost of $329,435 in 2010 and $258,585 in 2009)
  330,724   259,066 
Mortgage loansavailable-for-sale
  1,182   2,281 
Loans        
Agricultural  71,446   64,845 
Commercial  348,852   340,274 
Installment  30,977   32,359 
Residential real estate mortgage  284,029   285,838 
         
Total loans
  735,304   723,316 
Less allowance for loan losses  12,373   12,979 
         
Net loans
  722,931   710,337 
Premises and equipment  24,627   23,917 
Corporate owned life insurance  17,466   16,782 
Accrued interest receivable  5,456   5,832 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values  17,564   17,921 
Goodwill and other intangible assets  47,091   47,429 
Other assets  19,015   16,954 
         
Total Assets
 $1,225,810  $1,143,944 
         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits        
Noninterest bearing $104,902  $96,875 
NOW accounts  142,259   128,111 
Certificates of deposit under $100 and other savings  425,981   389,644 
Certificates of deposit over $100  204,197   188,022 
         
Total deposits
  877,339   802,652 
Borrowed funds ($10,423 in 2010 and $17,804 in 2009 at fair value)  194,917   193,101 
Accrued interest and other liabilities  8,393   7,388 
         
Total liabilities
  1,080,649   1,003,141 
         
Shareholders’ equity        
Common stock — no par value 15,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding — 7,550,074 (including 32,686 shares to be issued) in 2010 and 7,535,193 (including 30,626 shares to be issued) in 2009  133,592   133,443 
Shares to be issued for deferred compensation obligations  4,682   4,507 
Retained earnings  8,596   4,972 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (1,709)  (2,119)
         
Total shareholders’ equity
  145,161   140,803 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 $1,225,810  $1,143,944 
         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


25


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMECHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008  2007 
  (Dollars in thousands
 
  except per share data) 
 
Interest income
            
Loans, including fees $47,706  $49,674  $43,808 
Investment securities            
Taxable  4,712   5,433   3,751 
Nontaxable  4,623   4,642   3,657 
Trading account securities  687   1,093   2,097 
Federal funds sold and other  377   543   659 
             
Total interest income
  58,105   61,385   53,972 
Interest expense
            
Deposits  13,588   19,873   22,605 
Borrowings  6,251   5,733   3,354 
             
Total interest expense
  19,839   25,606   25,959 
             
Net interest income
  38,266   35,779   28,013 
Provision for loan losses  6,093   9,500   1,211 
             
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  32,173   26,279   26,802 
Noninterest income
            
Service charges and fees  6,913   6,370   5,894 
Gain on sale of mortgage loans  886   249   209 
Net gain on trading securities  80   245   460 
Net gain (loss) on borrowings measured at fair value  289   (641)  (66)
Gain (loss) on sale of investment securities  648   24   (19)
Title insurance revenue (Note 2)     234   2,192 
Other  1,340   1,321   1,292 
             
Total noninterest income
  10,156   7,802   9,962 
Noninterest expenses
            
Compensation and benefits  18,258   16,992   15,618 
Occupancy  2,170   2,035   1,766 
Furniture and equipment  4,146   3,849   3,297 
FDIC insurance premiums  1,730   313   95 
Other  7,379   7,515   6,453 
             
Total noninterest expenses
  33,683   30,704   27,229 
Income before federal income tax expense (benefit)
  8,646   3,377   9,535 
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  846   (724)  1,605 
             
Net income
 $7,800  $4,101  $7,930 
             
Earnings per share
            
Basic $1.04  $0.55  $1.14 
             
Diluted $1.01  $0.53  $1.11 
             
                         
        Shares to be
          
        Issued for
          
  Common Stock
     Deferred
     Accumulated Other
    
  Shares
  Common
  Compensation
  Retained
  Comprehensive
    
  Outstanding  Stock  Obligations  Earnings  Loss  Totals 
  (Dollars in thousands except per share data) 
 
Balance, January 1, 2008  6,364,120  $112,547  $3,772  $7,027  $(266) $123,080 
Cumulative effect to apply ASC Topic 715, net of tax           (1,571)     (1,571)
Comprehensive loss           4,101   (5,303)  (1,202)
Common stock dividends (10)%  687,599   30,256      (30,256)      
Regulatory capital transfer     (28,000)     28,000       
Bank acquisition  514,809   22,652            22,652 
Issuance of common stock  73,660   2,476            2,476 
Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations  27,004   360   (360)         
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan        603         603 
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations     (249)             (249)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan  (148,336)  (6,440)           (6,440)
Cash dividends ($0.65 per share)           (4,873)     (4,873)
                         
Balance, December 31, 2008  7,518,856   133,602   4,015   2,428   (5,569)  134,476 
Comprehensive income           7,800   3,450   11,250 
Issuance of common stock  126,059   2,664            2,664 
Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations  12,890   331   (185)        146 
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan        677         677 
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations     (767)             (767)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan  (122,612)  (2,387)            (2,387)
Cash dividends ($0.70 per share)           (5,256)     (5,256)
                         
Balance, December 31, 2009  7,535,193   133,443   4,507   4,972   (2,119)  140,803 
Comprehensive income           9,045   410   9,455 
Issuance of common stock  124,953   2,683            2,683 
Common stock issued for deferred compensation obligations  28,898   537   (475)        62 
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan        650         650 
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations     (514)           (514)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan  (138,970)  (2,557)            (2,557)
Cash dividends ($0.72 per share)           (5,421)     (5,421)
                         
Balance, December 31, 2010  7,550,074  $133,592  $4,682  $8,596  $(1,709) $145,161 
                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


26


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009  2008 
  (Dollars in thousands
 
  except per share data) 
 
Interest income
            
Loans, including fees $46,794  $47,706  $49,674 
Investment securities            
Taxable  5,271   4,712   5,433 
Nontaxable  4,367   4,623   4,642 
Trading account securities  306   687   1,093 
Federal funds sold and other  479   377   543 
             
Total interest income
  57,217   58,105   61,385 
Interest expense
            
Deposits  11,530   13,588   19,873 
Borrowings  5,674   6,251   5,733 
             
Total interest expense
  17,204   19,839   25,606 
             
Net interest income
  40,013   38,266   35,779 
Provision for loan losses  4,857   6,093   9,500 
             
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  35,156   32,173   26,279 
Noninterest income
            
Service charges and fees  6,480   6,913   6,370 
Gain on sale of mortgage loans  610   886   249 
Net (loss) gain on trading securities  (94)  80   245 
Net gain (loss) on borrowings measured at fair value  227   289   (641)
Gain on sale ofavailable-for-sale investment securities
  348   648   24 
Other  1,729   1,340   1,555 
             
Total noninterest income
  9,300   10,156   7,802 
Noninterest expenses
            
Compensation and benefits  18,552   18,258   16,992 
Occupancy  2,351   2,170   2,035 
Furniture and equipment  4,344   4,146   3,849 
FDIC insurance premiums  1,254   1,730   313 
Other  7,306   7,379   7,515 
             
Total noninterest expenses
  33,807   33,683   30,704 
             
Income before federal income tax expense (benefit)
  10,649   8,646   3,377 
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  1,604   846   (724)
             
Net income
 $9,045  $7,800  $4,101 
             
Earnings per share
            
Basic $1.20  $1.04  $0.55 
             
Diluted $1.17  $1.01  $0.53 
             
Cash dividends per basic share
 $0.72  $0.70  $0.65 
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


27


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008  2007 
  (Dollars in thousands) 
 
Net income
 $7,800  $4,101  $7,930 
             
Unrealized holding gains (losses) onavailable-for-sale securities:
            
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year  3,415   (3,104)  614 
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (gains) losses included in net income  (648)  (24)  19 
             
Net unrealized gains (losses)  2,767   (3,128)  633 
Tax effect  436   (643)  (216)
             
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax  3,203   (3,771)  417 
             
Reduction (increase) of unrecognized pension cost  374   (2,320)  2,890 
Tax effect  (127)  788   (983)
             
Net unrealized gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plan  247   (1,532)  1,907 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
  3,450   (5,303)  2,324 
             
Comprehensive income (loss)
 $11,250  $(1,202) $10,254 
             


27


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008  2007 
  (Dollars in thousands) 
 
Operating activities
            
Net income $7,800  $4,101  $7,930 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operations:            
Provision for loan losses  6,093   9,500   1,211 
Provision for foreclosed asset losses  157   231   109 
Depreciation  2,349   2,171   1,960 
Amortization and impairment of mortgage servicing rights  683   346   201 
Amortization of acquisition intangibles  375   415   278 
Net amortization ofavailable-for-sale investment securities
  741   356   216 
Realized (gain) loss on sale ofavailable-for-sale investment securities
  (648)  (24)  19 
Unrealized gains on trading securities  (80)  (245)  (460)
Unrealized (gains) losses on borrowings measured at fair value  (289)  641   66 
Increase in cash value of corporate owned life insurance policies  (641)  (616)  (432)
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan  677   603   758 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense  (641)  (1,812)  301 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash, net in 2008 of bank acquisition and joint venture formation:            
Trading securities  8,292   8,513   53,235 
Mortgage loans available for sale  (1,383)  1,316   520 
Accrued interest receivable  490   226   (183)
Other assets  (6,331)  (3,565)  (4,667)
Escrow funds payable     (46)  (504)
Accrued interest and other liabilities  581   (1,450)  (171)
             
Net cash provided by operating activities
  18,225   20,661   60,387 
Investing activities
            
Net change in interest-bearing balances held in other financial institutions  (6,581)  882   1,535 
Activity inavailable-for-sale securities
            
Maturities, calls, and sales  130,580   66,387   54,997 
Purchases  (140,517)  (96,168)  (132,115)
Loan principal collections (originations), net  4,437   (42,700)  (24,455)
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets  4,145   2,310   662 
Purchases of premises and equipment  (3,035)  (2,990)  (3,722)
Bank acquisition, net of cash acquired     (9,465)   
Cash contributed to title company joint venture formation     (4,542)   
Redemption (purchase) of corporate owned life insurance policies  11   (1,560)   
             
Net cash used in investing activities
  (10,960)  (87,846)  (103,098)
Financing activities
            
Net increase (decrease) in deposits  27,022   (47,892)  7,633 
Net (decrease) increase in other borrowed funds  (28,960)  123,016   34,365 
Cash dividends paid on common stock  (5,256)  (4,873)  (4,304)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  2,479   2,476   2,657 
Common stock repurchased  (2,056)  (6,440)  (1,881)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations  (767)  (249)   
             
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
  (7,538)  66,038   38,470 
             
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  (273)  (1,147)  (4,241)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  22,979   24,126   28,367 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 $22,706  $22,979  $24,126 
             
Supplemental cash flows information:            
Interest paid $20,030  $25,556  $25,872 
Federal income taxes paid  2,237   1,155   1,776 
Transfer of loans to foreclosed assets  2,536   3,398   1,295 
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009  2008 
  (Dollars in thousands) 
 
Net income
 $9,045  $7,800  $4,101 
             
Unrealized holding gains (losses) onavailable-for-sale securities:
            
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year  1,156   3,415   (3,104)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains            
included in net income  (348)  (648)  (24)
             
Net unrealized gains (losses)  808   2,767   (3,128)
Tax effect  (351)  436   (643)
             
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax  457   3,203   (3,771)
             
(Increase) reduction of unrecognized pension costs  (72)  374   (2,320)
Tax effect  25   (127)  788 
             
Net unrealized (loss) gain on defined benefit pension plan  (47)  247   (1,532)
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
  410   3,450   (5,303)
             
Comprehensive income (loss)
 $9,455  $11,250  $(1,202)
             
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


28


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009  2008 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 
  (Unaudited) 
 
Operating activities
            
Net income $9,045  $7,800  $4,101 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operations:            
Provision for loan losses  4,857   6,093   9,500 
Impairment of foreclosed assets  180   157   231 
Depreciation  2,522   2,349   2,171 
Amortization and impairment of originated mortgage servicing rights  543   683   346 
Amortization of acquisition intangibles  338   375   415 
Net amortization ofavailable-for-sale investment securities
  1,153   741   356 
Realized gain on sale ofavailable-for-sale investment securities
  (348)  (648)  (24)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on trading securities  94   (80)  (245)
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans  (610)  (886)  (249)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on borrowings measured at fair value  (227)  (289)  641 
Increase in cash value of corporate owned life insurance  (642)  (641)  (616)
Realized gain on redemption of corporate owned life insurance  (21)      
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan  650   677   603 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)  179   (641)  (1,812)
Origination of loans held for sale  (72,106)  (153,388)  (33,353)
Proceeds from loan sales  73,815   152,891   34,918 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:            
Trading securities  7,632   8,292   8,513 
Accrued interest receivable  376   490   226 
Other assets  (1,914)  (6,331)  (3,565)
Accrued interest and other liabilities  1,005   581   (1,496)
             
Net cash provided by operating activities
  26,521   18,225   20,661 
             
Investing activities
            
Net change in certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions  (10,428)  (4,805)  882 
Activity inavailable-for-sale securities
            
Maturities, calls, and sales  85,273   130,580   66,387 
Purchases  (156,928)  (140,517)  (96,168)
Loan principal (originations) collections, net  (21,319)  4,437   (42,700)
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets  2,778   4,145   2,310 
Purchases of premises and equipment  (3,232)  (3,035)  (2,990)
Bank acquisition, net of cash acquired        (9,465)
Cash contributed to title company joint venture formation        (4,542)
Purchases of corporate owned life insurance  (175)     (1,560)
Proceeds from the redemption of corporate owned life insurance  154   11    
             
Net cash used in investing activities
  (103,877)  (9,184)  (87,846)
             
Financing activities
            
Acceptances and withdrawals of deposits, net  74,687   27,022   (47,892)
Advances (repayments) of borrowed funds  2,043   (28,960)  123,016 
Cash dividends paid on common stock  (5,421)  (5,256)  (4,873)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  2,208   2,479   2,476 
Common stock repurchased  (2,020)  (2,056)  (6,440)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations  (514)  (767)  (249)
             
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  70,983   (7,538)  66,038 
             
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  (6,373)  1,503   (1,147)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  24,482   22,979   24,126 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 $18,109  $24,482  $22,979 
             
Supplemental cash flows information:            
Interest paid $17,344  $20,030  $25,556 
Federal income taxes paid  1,261   2,237   1,155 
Supplemental noncash information:            
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets $3,868  $2,536  $3,398 
Common stock issued for deferred compenstion obligations  475   185   360 
Common stock repurchased from an associated grantor trust (Rabbi Trust)  (537)  (331)  (360)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


29


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
NoteNOTE 1 —Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation:
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Isabella Bank Corporation (the “Corporation”), a financial services holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Isabella Bank (the “Bank”), Financial Group Information Services, and IB&T Employee Leasing, LLC. All intercompany balances and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Nature of Operations:
 
Isabella Bank Corporation is a financial services holding company offering a wide array of financial products and services in mid-Michigan.several mid-Michigan counties. Its banking subsidiary, Isabella Bank, offers banking services through 25 locations, 24 locations,24-hourhour banking services locally and nationally through shared automatic teller machines, 24 hour online banking, and direct deposits to businesses, institutions, and individuals. Lending services offered include commercial loans, agricultural loans, residential real estate loans, consumer loans, student loans, and credit cards. Deposit services include interest and noninterest bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. Other related financial products include trust and investment services, safe deposit box rentals, and credit life insurance. Active competition, principally from other commercial banks, savings banks and credit unions, exists in all of the Bank’sCorporation’s principal markets. The Corporation’s results of operations can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates or changes in the local economic environment.
On January 1, 2008, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of Greenville Community Financial Corporation (GCFC). As a result of this acquisition, Greenville Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GCFC, merged with and into the Bank (see Note 2 — “Business Combinations and Joint Venture Formation”).
On March 1, 2008, IBT Title and Insurance Agency, Inc. (IBT Title), a wholly owned subsidiary of Isabella Bank Corporation, merged its assets and liabilities with Corporate Title Agency, LLC (“Corporate Title”), a third-party title business based in Traverse City, Michigan, to form CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC. As a result of this transaction, the Corporation became a 50 percent joint venture owner in CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC. The joint venture is accounted for as an equity investment. The purpose of this joint venture was to help IBT Title and Insurance Agency, Inc. expand its service area and to take advantage of economies of scale (see Note 2 — “Business Combinations and Joint Venture Formation”).
 
Financial Group Information Services provides information technology services to Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries.
 
IB&T Employee Leasing provides payroll services, benefit administration, and other human resource services to Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries.
 
Use of Estimates:
 
In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the fair value of certainavailable-for-saleinvestment securities, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, and determinations of assumptions in accounting for the defined benefit pension plan, and other post-retirement liabilities.plan. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the carrying value of foreclosed real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.


29


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Fair Value Measurements:
 
Fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts such sales or transfers based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. Assumptions are developed based on prioritizing information within a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, such as the reporting entity’s own data. The Corporation may choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value measurement option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option (i) may be applied instrument by instrument, with certain exceptions, allowing the Corporation to record identical financial assets and liabilities at fair value or by another


30


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
measurement basis permitted under generally accepted accounting principles, (ii) is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs) and (iii) is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments.
 
For assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, it is the Corporation’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements for those financial instruments for which there is an active market. In cases where the market for a financial asset or liability is not active, the Corporation includes appropriate risk adjustments that market participants would make for nonperformance and liquidity risks when developing fair value measurements. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities for which limited or no observable market data exists are accordingly based primarily upon estimates, are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.
The Corporation utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale, trading securities, and certain liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Corporation may be required to record other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loansavailable-for-sale, impaired loans, foreclosed assets, originated mortgage servicing rights, goodwill, and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write downs of individual assets.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Under fair value measurement and disclosure authoritative guidance, the Corporation groups assets and liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded, and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, based on the prioritization of inputs in the valuation techniques. These levels are:
Level 1:  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2:  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3:  Valuation is generated from model based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
For a further discussion of Fair Value Measurement,fair value considerations, refer to Notes 20 and 2119 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk:
 
Most of the Corporation’s activities conducted are with customers located within the central Michigan area. A significant amount of its outstanding loans are secured by commercial and residential real estate. Other than these types of loans, there is no significant concentration to any other industry or any one customer.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks, federal funds sold, and other deposit accounts, all of which have original maturity dates within ninety days.accounts. Generally, federal funds sold are for a one day


31


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
period. The Corporation maintains deposit accounts in various financial institutions which generally exceed federally insured limits or are not insured. Management does not believe the Company is exposed to any significant interest, credit or other financial risk as a result of these deposits.
 
Interest Bearing BalancesCertificates of Deposit Held in Other Financial Institutions:
 
Interest bearing balancesCertificates of deposits held in other financial institutions consist primarily of interest bearing certificates of deposit that mature within 3 years and are carried at cost.
 
Trading Securities:
 
The Corporation engages in trading activities of its own accounts. Securities that are held principally for resale in the near term are recorded in the trading assets account at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in noninterest income. Interest and dividends areincome is included in net interest income.


30


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Available-For-Sale Investment Securities:
 
All purchases of investment securities are generally classified asavailable-for-sale. However, classification of investment securities as either held to maturity or trading may be elected by management of the Corporation. Securities classified as“available-for-sale”,available-for-sale other than auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stock, are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stocks are considered equity securities for federal income tax purposes, as such, no estimated federal income tax impact is expected or recorded. Auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stock are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, considered notother-than-temporary, excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Realized gains and losses on the sale ofavailable-for-sale investment securities are determined using the specific identification method.
 
Investment securities are reviewed quarterly for possibleother-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). In determining whether an other than temporaryother-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities, management must assert that: (a) it does not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. Declines inIf these conditions are not met, the Corporation must recognize another-than-temporary impairment charge through earnings for the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value, ofheld-to-maturityandavailable-for-sale such amount is included in noninterest income. For debt securities below theirthat do not meet the above criteria, and the Corporation does not expect to recover the security’s amortized cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses tobasis, the extentsecurity is consideredother-than-temporarily impaired. For these debt securities, the Corporation separates the total impairment isinto the credit risk loss component and the amount of the loss related to market and other risk factors. In order to determine the amount of the credit losses.loss for a debt security, the Corporation calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows management expects to recover. The amount of the totalother-than-temporary impairment related to the credit risk is recognized in earnings and is included in noninterest income. The amount of the totalother-than-temporaryimpairment related to other risk factors is recognized inas a component of other comprehensive income. For debt securities that have recognized another-than-temporary impairment through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in the cash flow expected, the difference between the amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income.
Available-for-sale equity securities are reviewed forother-than-temporary impairment at each reporting date. This evaluation considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and management’s ability and intent to hold the securities until fair value recovers. If it is determined that management does not have the ability and intent to hold the securities until recovery or that there are conditions that indicate that a security may


32


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
not recover in value then the difference between the fair value and the cost of the security is recognized in earnings and is included in noninterest income. No such losses were recognized in 2010, 2009, or 2008.
 
Loans:
 
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge offs,charge-offs, the allowance for loans losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the constant yield method.
 
The accrual of interest on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well-secured and in the process of collection. Credit card loans and other personal loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
 
For loans that are placed on non-accrual status or charged-off,charged off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected is charged against the allowance for loan losses. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis, or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. For impaired loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income continues to be accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses:
 
The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
 
The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as either doubtful, substandard or special mention.deemed to be impaired. For such loans that are also analyzed for specific allowance allocations, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows or collateral value or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component


31


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
coversnon-classified non classified loans and is based on historical loss experience. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that management believes affect its estimate of probable losses based on qualitative factors. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
 
ALoans may be classified as impaired if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. There has been a chargeoff of its principal balance;
2. The loan has been classified as a troubled debt restructuring; or
3. The loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on anonaccrual status.


33


case-by-caseNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstance surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reason for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and commercial real estate loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Corporation does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment allocations and related disclosures.
 
Loans Held for Sale:
 
Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value as determined by aggregating outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges toof which the provision is accounted for in other noninterest expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Mortgage loans held for sale are sold with the mortgage servicing rights retained by the Bank.Corporation. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the cost allocated to the associated mortgage servicing rights. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.
 
Transfers of Financial Assets:
 
Transfers of financial assets, including sold mortgage loans and mortgage loans held for sale, as described above, and participation loans are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is determined to be surrendered when 1) the assets have been legally isolated from the Bank,Corporation, 2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and 3) the BankCorporation does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Other than servicing, as disclosed in Note 5, the Corporation has no substantive continuing involvement related to these loans. Servicing fee earned on such loans was $760, $724, and $627 for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, and is included in other noninterest income.
 
Servicing:
 
Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. The Corporation has no purchased servicing rights. For sales of mortgage loans, a portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.
 
Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type, and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual


32


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche. If the Corporation later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the valuation allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interestnoninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.


34


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for others. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal; or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income, a component of noninterest income.
 
Loans Acquired Through Transfer:
 
Authoritative accounting guidance related to acquired loans requires that a valuation allowance for loans acquired in a transfer, including in a business combination, reflect only losses incurred after acquisition, and should not be recorded at acquisition. This standard applies to any loan acquired in a transfer that shows evidence of credit quality deterioration since it was originated. Included in the fair value adjustments of nonintangible net assets acquired from Greenville Community Financial Corporation (GCFC), was a reduction in the allowance for loan losses of $437. The $437 represented the identified impairments in GCFC’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007 (see Note 2).
 
Foreclosed Assets:
 
Assets acquired through, or in lieu, of loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the Bank’sCorporation’s carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of transfer, establishing a new cost basis. Any write-downswrite downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of property exceeds its fair value. Costs relating to holding these assets are expensed as incurred. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of the Bank’sCorporation’s carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Foreclosed assets of $1,157$2,067 and $2,923$1,157 are included in Other Assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments:
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, home equity lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded only when funded.sheets.
 
Premises and Equipment:
 
Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation which is computed principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 53 to 3040 years. Major improvements are capitalized and appropriately amortized based upon the useful lives of the related assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter, using the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures occur. Management annually reviews these assets to determine whether carrying values have been impaired.
 
Fdic Insurance Premium:
 
In 2009, the BankCorporation was required to prepay quarterly FDIC risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and each of the quarters in the years ending December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The assessments for 2010 through 2012, which had a carrying balance of $3,586 and $4,737 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, have been recorded as a prepaid asset in the


33


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets in Other Assets, and will be expensed on a ratable basis quarterly through December 31, 2012.
 
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values:
 
Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are restricted securities, which are carried at cost, and investments in nonconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting.


35


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values consist of the following as of December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock $7,960  $7,460  $7,596  $7,960 
Investment in CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC  6,782   6,905 
Investment in Corporate Settlement Solutions  6,793   6,782 
Federal Reserve Bank Stock  1,879   1,879   1,879   1,879 
Investment in Valley Financial Corporation  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
Other  300   101   296   300 
          
Total $17,921  $17,345  $17,564  $17,921 
          
 
Stock Compensation Plans:
 
The Corporation’sAt December 31, 2010, the Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan has 216,905for Directors (the “Directors Plan”) had 224,663 shares to be issued to participants, for which an associated grantor trust (Rabbi Trust) held 32,686 shares. The Corporation had 216,905 shares to be issued in 2009, with 30,626 shares.shares held in the Rabbi Trust. Compensation costs relating to share-basedshare based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements and the cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The Corporation has no other share based compensation plans.
 
Corporate Owned Life Insurance:
 
The Corporation has purchased life insurance policies on key members of management. In the event of death of one of these individuals, the Corporation would receive a specified cash payment equal to the face value of the policy. Such policies are recorded at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized on the balance sheet dates. Increases in cash surrender value in excess of single premiums paid are reported as Other Noninterest Income.
 
ASC Topic 715 was amended to require that the Corporation recognize a liability for any post retirement benefits provided by the Corporation, beginning January 1, 2008. As a result of the adoption of the new authoritative guidance, the Corporation recognized a liability of $1,571 as of January 1, 2008. As of December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, the present value of the post retirement benefits promised by the Corporation to the covered employees was estimated to be $2,573 and $2,505, respectively, and $2,460, respectively.is included in Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The periodic policy maintenance costs were $68 and $45 for 2010 and $85 for 2009, and 2008, respectively.
 
Acquisition Intangibles and Goodwill:
 
Isabella BankThe Corporation previously acquired branch facilities and related deposits in business combinations accounted for as a purchase. On January 1, 2008, the Corporation acquired Greenville Community Financial Corporation (“GCFC”) resulting in identified core deposit intangibles and goodwill (see Note 2). The acquisition of the branchesacquisitions included amounts related to the valuation of customer deposit relationships (core deposit intangibles). Such coreCore deposit intangibles arising from acquisitions are included in Other Assets and are being amortized on the straight line basis over nine years. Core deposit intangibles arising from the acquisition of GCFC are being amortized on a 15 yearsum-of-year’s digits amortization schedule.their estimated lives. Goodwill, which is included in Other Assets, represents the excess of purchase price over identifiable assets, is included in Other Assets and is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value.
Off Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments:
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, home equity lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded only when funded.


36


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Federal Income Taxes:
 
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax assets or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases on the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current


34


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Valuations allowances are established, where necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the year plus or minus the change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
The Corporation analyzes its filing positions in the jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The Corporation has also elected to retain its existing accounting policy with respect to the treatment of interest and penalties attributable to income taxes, and continues to reflect any charges for such, to the extent they arise, as a component of its noninterest expenses
 
AdvertisingMarketing Costs:
 
AdvertisingMarketing costs are expensed as incurred (see Note 11)10).
 
Computation of Earnings Per Share:
 
Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted — average number of common shares issued during the period, which includes shares held in the Rabbi Trust controlled by the Corporation (see Note 17).period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustments to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Corporation relate solely to outstanding shares in the Corporation’s Deferred Director fee planDirectors Plan (see Note 17)16).
 
Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following:
 
                        
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Average number of common shares outstanding for basic calculation(1)  7,517,276   7,492,677   6,973,508   7,541,676   7,517,276   7,492,677 
Average potential effect of shares in the Deferred Director fee plan(2)(1)  181,319   184,473   197,055   187,744   181,319   184,473 
              
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share  7,698,595   7,677,150   7,170,563   7,729,420   7,698,595   7,677,150 
              
Net income $7,800  $4,101  $7,930  $9,045  $7,800  $4,101 
              
Earnings per share                        
Basic $1.04  $0.55  $1.14  $1.20  $1.04  $0.55 
              
Diluted $1.01  $0.53  $1.11  $1.17  $1.01  $0.53 
              
 
 
(1)As adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid February 29, 2008
(2)Exclusive of shares held in the Rabbi Trust
 
Reclassifications:
 
Certain amounts reported in the 20082009 and 20072008 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 20092010 presentation.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
 
On July 1, 2009, the FinancialFASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.” In April 2010, ASC Topic 310 was amended by Accounting Standards Board (FASB) completedUpdate (ASU)No. 2010-18,Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset — (a consensus of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, “The FASB Codification”(ASC)Emerging Issues Task”), as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), superseding all then existing authoritative accounting and reporting standards, exceptto clarify that individual loans accounted for rules and interpretive releases for the SEC under authority of federal securities laws, which are sources of authoritative GAAP for Securities and Exchange Commission registrants. ASC Topic 105 reorganized the authoritative literature comprising GAAP into a topical format. ASC is now the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by all nongovernmental entities. ASC was effective for the Corporation’s interim period ending September 30, 2009. The Codification did not change GAAP and, therefore, did not impact the Corporation’s financial statements. However, since it completely supersedes existing standards, it affected the way authoritative accounting pronouncements are referenced in the financial statements and other disclosure documents. Specifically, all references in this report to new or pending financial reporting standards, where deemed necessary, use the ASC Topic number.


3537


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
within pools are not to be removed from the pool solely as a result of modifications to the loan (including troubled debt restructurings). The new guidance was effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after July 15, 2010 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
In July 2010, ASC Topic 310 was amended by ASUNo. 2010-20,Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses”to provide financial statement users greater transparency about the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses and the credit quality of its financing receivables. Existing disclosures are amended that required the Corporation to provide the following disclosure about its loan portfolio on a disaggregated basis: (1) a rollforward schedule of the allowance for loan losses from the beginning of the reporting period to the end of a reporting period on a portfolio segment basis, with the ending balance further disaggregated on the basis of the impairment method, (2) for each disaggregated ending balance in item (1), the related recorded investment in loans, (3) the nonaccrual status of loans by class of loans, and (4) impaired loans by class of loans.
The amendments in this update required the Corporation to provide the following additional disclosures about its loans: (1) credit quality indicators of financing receivables at the end of the reporting period by class of loans, (2) the aging of past due loans at the end of the reporting period by class of loans, (3) the nature and extent of troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the period by class of loans and their effect on the allowance for loan losses, (4) the nature and extent of financing receivables modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period by class of financing receivables and their effect on the allowance for loan losses and (5) significant purchases and sales of loans during the period disaggregated by portfolio segment. The new disclosures as of the end of a reporting period were effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010, with the exception of the new disclosures related to troubled debt restructurings which are not required to be reported until the second quarter of 2011. The new disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The new guidance has significantly expanded the Corporation’s consolidated financial statement disclosures. (See Note 4)
FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments350, “Intangibles — DebtGoodwill and Equity Securities.Other. New authoritative accounting guidance underIn December 2010, ASC Topic 320, “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities,” (i) changes existing guidance350 was amended by ASUNo. 2010-28,When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for determining whether an impairment is other than temporaryReporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”, to debt securities and (ii) replaces the existing requirement that the entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery with a requirement that management assert: (a) it does not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. Under ASC Topic 320, declines in the fair value ofheld-to-maturity andavailable-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized lossesaddress questions related to the extent the impairment is related to credit risk.testing for goodwill impairments for entities with goodwill with zero or negative carrying amounts. The amount of the impairment related to other risk factors (interest rate and market) is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. The Corporation adopted the provisions of the new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 320 during the first quarter of 2009. Adoption of the new guidance didis effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and is not significantlyanticipated to have any impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
 
FASB ASC Topic 715, “Compensation — Retirement Benefits.” In December 2008, new authoritative guidance underJanuary 2010, ASC Topic 715 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits” was issued. ASC Topic 715 provides guidance relatedamended by ASUNo. 2010-06,Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”, to an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of defined benefit pension or other post retirement benefit plans. Under ASC Topic 715, disclosures should provide users of financial statements with an understanding of how investment allocation decisions are made,change the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies, theterminology for major categories of plan assets to classes of assets to correspond with the inputs and valuation techniques usedamendments to measure the fair value of plan assets, the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The disclosures required by ASC Topic 715 are included in820 (see below). The new guidance was effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after January 1, 2010 and had no impact on the Corporation’s consolidated 2009 financial statements (see Note 17).statements.
 
FASB ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” On January 1, 2009, new authoritative accounting guidance underIn December 2010, ASC Topic 805 “Businesswas amended by ASUNo. 2010-29,“Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” became applicable (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force”, to address diversity in practice about the Corporation’s accountinginterpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. The new guidance is effective for business combinations closingfor which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. ASC Topic 805 applies to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. ASC Topic 805 requires an acquirer, upon initially obtaining control of another entity, to recognize the assets, liabilities and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value asbeginning of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is required to be recognizedfirst annual reporting period on or after December 15, 2010 and measured at fair value on the date of acquisition rather than at a later date when the amount of that consideration may be determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. This fair value approach replaces the cost-allocation process required under previous accounting guidance whereby the cost of an acquisition was allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. ASC Topic 805 requires acquirers to expense acquisition-related costs as incurred rather than allocating such costs to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as was the case under prior accounting guidance. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are to be recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably estimated. If fair value of such an asset or liability cannot be reasonably estimated, the asset or liability would generally be recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Under ASC Topic 805, the requirements of ASC Topic 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations,” would have to be met in order to accrue for a restructuring plan in purchase accounting. Pre-acquisition contingencies are to be recognized at fair value, unless it is a non-contractual contingency that is not likelyanticipated to materialize, in which case, nothing should be recognized in purchase accounting and, instead, that contingency would be subject to the probable and estimable recognition criteria of ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Such guidance could have a material effect onimpact the Corporation’s accounting for any future business combination.consolidated financial statements.
 
FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation,” amended prior guidance to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Under ASC Topic 810, a non controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, ASC Topic 810 requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the


36


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non controlling interest. The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 810 became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2009 and did not impact the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
Further new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 810 amends prior guidance to change how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other factors, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The new authoritative accounting guidance requires additional disclosures about the reporting entity’s involvement with variable-interest


38


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement as well as its affect on the entity’s financial statements. The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 810 will bewas effective January 1, 2010 and is not expected to have a significanthad no impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
 
FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” New authoritative accounting guidance underIn January 2010, ASC Topic 820“Fair Value Measurements was amended by ASUNo. 2010-06, to add new disclosures for: (1) significant transfers in and Disclosures,” affirms that the objectiveout of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value whenmeasurements and the marketreasons for an asset is not active is the price that would be receivedtransfers and (2) presenting separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements for Level 3 fair value instruments (as opposed to sellreporting activity as net).
ASUNo. 2010-06 also clarifies existing disclosures by requiring reporting entities to provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities and to provide disclosures about the asset in an orderly transaction,valuation techniques and clarifiesinputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and includes additional factors for determining whether there has been a significant decrease in market activity for an asset when the market for that asset is not active. ASC Topic 820 requires an entity to base its conclusion about whether a transaction was not orderly on the weight of the evidence. nonrecurring fair value measurements.
The new accountingauthoritative guidance amended prior guidance to expand certain disclosure requirements.was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2010 except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which will be effective January 1, 2011. The Corporation adopted the new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 during the first quarter of 2009. Adoption of the new guidance did not, significantly impact the Corporation’s financial statements.
Further new authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards UpdateNo. 2009-5) under ASC Topic 820 provides guidance for measuring the fair value of a liability in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liabilityand is not available. In such instances, a reporting entity is requiredanticipated to, measure fair value utilizing a valuation technique that uses (i) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset, (ii) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets, or (iii) another valuation technique that is consistent with the existing principles of ASC Topic 820, such as an income approach or market approach. The new authoritative accounting guidance also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. The forgoing new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 was effective for the Corporation’s financial statements beginning October 1, 2009 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements (seeNote 20- Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value).
FASB ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 825,“Financial Instruments,” requires an entity to provide disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments in interim financial information and amends prior guidance to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. The Corporation implemented the required disclosures in its 2009 quarterly filings.
FASB ASC Topic 855, “Subsequent Events.” In March 2010, ASC Topic 855, “Subsequent Events” was amended by Accounting Standards Update (ASU)No. 2010-09 , “Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements”, to exclude entities that file or furnishes financial statements with the SEC from disclosing the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. The new authoritative guidance is effective immediately. Although the Corporation must continue to evaluate subsequent events through the date on which the consolidated financial statements are issued the Corporation is no longer required to disclose the date on which subsequent events have been evaluated.statements.
 
FASB ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing.” New authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 860 “Transfers and Servicing,” amends prior accounting guidance to enhance reporting about transfers of financial assets, including securitizations, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred


37


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
financial assets. The new authoritative accounting guidance eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purposespecial purpose entity” and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets. The new authoritative accounting guidance also requires additional disclosures about all continuing involvements with transferred financial assets including information about gains and losses resulting from transfers during the period. The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 860 will bewas effective January 1, 2010 and management is currently evaluatinghad no significant impact on the effects of the implementation of this standard.Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
 
NoteNOTE 2 —Business Combinations and Joint Venture Formation
Greenville Community Financial Corporation
Effective on the opening of business on January 1, 2008, Isabella Bank Corporation acquired 100 percent of Greenville Community Financial Corporation (GCFC). As a result of this acquisition, Greenville Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of GCFC, merged with and into the Bank. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of GCFC common stock was automatically converted into the right to receive 0.6659 shares of Isabella Bank Corporation common stock and $14.70 per share in cash. Exclusive of the effects of the 10% stock dividend paid February 29, 2008, the Corporation issued 514,809 shares of Isabella Bank Corporation common stock valued at $22,652 and paid a total of $11,365 in cash to GCFC shareholders. The total consideration exchanged including the value of the common stock issued, cash paid to shareholders, plus $564 of cash paid for transaction costs resulted in a total purchase price of $34,581. The purchase price was determined using the latest Isabella Bank Corporation stock transaction price known to management as of November 27, 2007, the date of the merger agreement. The acquisition of Greenville has increased the overall market share for Isabella Bank Corporation in furtherance of the Bank’s strategic plan.
The following table summarizes the total purchase price of the transaction as well as adjustments to allocate the purchase price based on the preliminary estimates of fair values of the assets and liabilities of GCFC.
             
     Fair Value
    
     Adjustments of
    
  Greenville
  Nonintangible
  Fair Value
 
  January 1,
  Net Assets
  of Net Assets
 
  2008  Acquired  Acquired 
 
ASSETS
            
Cash and cash equivalents $2,339  $  $2,339 
Federal funds sold  125      125 
Trading securities  4,979      4,979 
Securities available for sale  7,007      7,007 
Loans, net  88,613   (398)  88,215 
Bank premises and equipment  2,054   194   2,248 
Other assets  2,870      2,870 
             
Total assets acquired
  107,987   (204)  107,783 
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
            
Liabilities
            
Deposits  90,151   (102)  90,049 
Other borrowed funds  5,625   181   5,806 
Accrued interest and other liabilities  146      146 
             
Total liabilities assumed
  95,922   79   96,001 
             
Net assets acquired
 $12,065  $(283)  11,782 
             
Core deposit intangible          1,480 
Goodwill          21,319 
             
Total consideration paid
         $34,581 
             


38


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The fair value adjustments of tangible net assets acquired are being amortized over two years using the straight line amortization method. The core deposit intangible is being amortized using a 15 yearsum-of-the-years’ digits amortization schedule. Goodwill, which is not amortized, is tested for impairment at least annually. As the acquisition was considered a stock transaction, goodwill is not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
The 2009 and 2008 consolidated statements of income include the operating results of GCFC for the entire year.
The unaudited pro forma information presented in the following table has been prepared based on Isabella Bank Corporation’s historical results combined with GCFC. The information has been combined to present the results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results which would have actually been attained if the acquisition had been consummated in the past or what may be attained in the future:
     
  Year Ended
 
  December 31 2007 
 
Net interest income $31,579 
     
Net income $8,631 
     
Basic earnings per share* $1.10 
     
*As adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid February 29, 2008.
Title Company Joint Venture Formation
On March 1, 2008, IBT Title and Insurance Agency, Inc. (IBT Title), a wholly owned subsidiary of Isabella Bank Corporation, merged its assets and liabilities with Corporate Title Agency, LLC (“Corporate Title”), a third-party title business based in Traverse City, Michigan, to form CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC. As a result of this transaction, the Corporation became a 50 percent joint venture owner in CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC. The purpose of this joint venture is to help IBT Title and Insurance Agency, Inc. expand its service area and to take advantage of economies of scale. As the Corporation is a 50 percent owner of this new entity, revenues and expenses will now be recorded under the equity method and, as such, the Corporation’s share of the net income or loss from the joint venture included in other noninterest income. As of December 31, 2008, the Corporation had a recorded investment of $6,905 in the new entity. The following table summarizes the condensed balance sheet of IBT Title as of March 1,


39


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
2008. These amounts were excluded from the balance sheet detail of the Corporation and are now included in investment in equity securities without readily determinable fair values.
     
  IBT Title
 
  March 1,
 
  2008 
 
ASSETS
    
Cash and cash equivalents $4,542 
Premises and equipment  2,352 
Other assets, including intangibles of $1,590  2,339 
     
Total assets
  9,233 
     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    
Liabilities
    
Escrow funds $1,866 
Other liabilities  194 
     
Total liabilities
  2,060 
Total equity
  7,173 
     
Total liabilities & equity
 $9,233 
     
The Corporation’s share of the joint venture’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the ten-months ended December 31, 2008 was not significant.
Note 3 —Trading Securities
 
Trading securities, at fair value, consist of the following investments at December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Government-sponsored enterprises $  $4,014 
States and political subdivisions  9,962   11,556  $5,837  $9,962 
Corporate     160 
Mortgage-backed  3,601   6,045      3,601 
          
Total
 $13,563  $21,775  $5,837  $13,563 
          
Included in the net trading losses of $94 during 2010, were $74 of net trading losses on securities that relate to the Corporation’s trading portfolio as of December 31, 2010. Included in net trading gains of $80 during 2009, were $38 of net trading gains on securities that relate to the Corporation’s trading portfolio as of December 31, 2009.


39


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 4NOTE 3 —Available-for-SaleInvestment Securities
 
The amortized cost and fair value ofavailable-for-sale investment securities, available for sale, with gross unrealized gains and losses, are as follows as of December 31:
 
                                
 2009  2010 
   Gross
 Gross
      Gross
 Gross
   
 Amortized
 Unrealized
 Unrealized
 Fair
  Amortized
 Unrealized
 Unrealized
 Fair
 
 Cost Gains Losses Value  Cost Gains Losses Value 
Government-sponsored enterprises $19,386  $127  $42  $19,471 
Government sponsored enterprises $5,394  $10  $  $5,404 
States and political subdivisions  150,688   3,632   2,590   151,730   167,328   3,349   960   169,717 
Auction rate money market preferred  3,200      227   2,973   3,200      335   2,865 
Preferred stocks  7,800      746   7,054   7,800      864   6,936 
Mortgage-backed  67,215   638   119   67,734   101,096   1,633   514   102,215 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  10,296      192   10,104   44,617   103   1,133   43,587 
                  
Total
 $258,585  $4,397  $3,916  $259,066  $329,435  $5,095  $3,806  $330,724 
                  


40


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                 
  2008 
     Gross
  Gross
    
  Amortized
  Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Fair
 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
 
U.S. Government and federal agencies $3,999  $84  $  $4,083 
Government-sponsored enterprises  61,919   1,070   1   62,988 
States and political subdivisions  148,186   1,808   671   149,323 
Corporate market preferred  7,145         7,145 
Auction rate money  11,000      5,021   5,979 
Mortgage-backed  16,492   445      16,937 
                 
Total
 $248,741  $3,407  $5,693  $246,455 
                 
                 
  2009 
     Gross
  Gross
    
  Amortized
  Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Fair
 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
 
Government sponsored enterprises $19,386  $127  $42  $19,471 
States and political subdivisions  150,688   3,632   2,590   151,730 
Auction rate money market preferred  3,200      227   2,973 
Preferred stocks  7,800      746   7,054 
Mortgage-backed  67,215   638   119   67,734 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  10,296      192   10,104 
                 
Total
 $258,585  $4,397  $3,916  $259,066 
                 
 
The Corporation had pledged investmentsavailable-for-sale and trading securities in the following amounts as of December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Pledged to secure borrowed funds $86,788  $41,612 
Pledged to secure repurchase agreements  86,381   74,605 
Pledged for public deposits and for other purposes necessary or required by law $61,666  $18,000   14,626   20,054 
Pledged to secure repurchase agreements  74,605   64,876 
          
Total
 $136,271  $82,876  $187,795  $136,271 
          
While borrowed funds increased $1,816 since December 31, 2009, the Corporation increased the level of securities pledged to secure other borrowed funds and repurchase agreements by $51,524 in the same period. The additional pledging has enhanced the Corporation’s liquidity position as it allows for an increased availability of borrowed funds.


40


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The amortized cost and fair value ofavailable-for-sale securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 20092010 are as follows:
 
         
  Amortized
  Fair
 
  Cost  Value 
 
Within 1 year $7,852  $7,922 
Over 1 year through 5 years  61,992   63,414 
After 5 years through 10 years  65,292   66,783 
Over 10 years  45,938   43,109 
         
   181,074   181,228 
Mortgage-backed securities  67,215   67,734 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  10,296   10,104 
         
  $258,585  $259,066 
         
                         
  Maturing  Securities
    
     After One
  After Five
     With
    
  Due in
  Year But
  Years But
     Variable
    
  One Year
  Within
  Within
  After
  Monthly
    
  or Less  Five Years  Ten Years  Ten Years  Payments  Total 
 
Government sponsored enterprises $  $5,000  $394  $  $  $5,394 
States and political subdivisions  14,061   33,702   85,757   33,808      167,328 
Auction rate money market preferred              3,200   3,200 
Preferred stocks              7,800   7,800 
Mortgage-backed              101,096   101,096 
Collateralized mortgage obligations              44,617   44,617 
                         
Total amortized cost
 $14,061  $38,702  $86,151  $33,808  $156,713  $329,435 
                         
Fair value
 $14,132  $39,844  $87,660  $43,286  $145,802  $330,724 
                         
 
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
Because of their variable monthly payments, auction rate money market preferreds, preferred stocks, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are not reported by a specific maturity group.


41


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
A summary of the activity related to the sale ofavailable-for-sale debt securities is as follows during the years ended December 31:
 
                        
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Proceeds from sales of securities $32,204  $6,096  $5,396  $18,303  $32,204  $6,096 
              
Gross realized gains $648  $24  $12  $351  $648  $24 
Gross realized losses        (31)  (3)      
              
Net realized gains (losses) $648  $24  $(19)
Net realized gains $348  $648  $24 
              
Applicable income tax (expense) benefit $(220) $(8) $6 
Applicable income tax expense $118  $220  $8 
              
The cost basis used to determine the realized gains or losses of securities sold was the amortized cost of the individual investment security as of the trade date.


41


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Information pertaining toavailable-for-sale securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous loss position, follows:
 
                                        
 December 31, 2009  December 31, 2010 
 Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months    Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months   
 Gross
   Gross
   Total
  Gross
   Gross
   Total
 
 Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
  Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
 
 Losses Value Losses Value Losses  Losses Value Losses Value Losses 
Government-sponsored enterprises $42  $7,960  $  $  $42 
States and political subdivisions  2,536   11,459   54   2,267   2,590  $960  $29,409  $  $  $960 
Auction rate money market preferred        227   2,973   227         335   2,865   335 
Preferred stocks        746   3,054   746 
Preferred stock        864   2,936   864 
Mortgage-backed  119   25,395         119   514   38,734         514 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  192   10,104         192   1,133   33,880         1,133 
                      
Total
 $2,889  $54,918  $1,027  $8,294  $3,916  $2,607  $102,023  $1,199  $5,801  $3,806 
                      
Number of securities in an unrealized loss position:
      82       4   86 
       
 
                                        
 December 31, 2008  December 31, 2009 
 Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months    Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months   
 Gross
   Gross
   Total
  Gross
   Gross
   Total
 
 Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
  Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
 Fair
 Unrealized
 
 Losses Value Losses Value Losses  Losses Value Losses Value Losses 
Government-sponsored enterprises $1  $999  $  $  $1 
                    
Government sponsored enterprises $42  $7,960  $  $  $42 
States and political subdivisions  620   27,015   51   2,705   671   2,536   11,459   54   2,267   2,590 
Auction rate money market preferred  5,021   5,979         5,021         227   2,973   227 
Preferred stocks        746   3,054   746 
Mortgage-backed  119   25,395         119 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  192   10,104         192 
                      
Total
 $5,642  $33,993  $51  $2,705  $5,693  $2,889  $54,918  $1,027  $8,294  $3,916 
                      
Number of securities in an unrealized loss position:
      39       8   47 
       
 
The Corporation has invested $11,000 in auction rate money market preferred investment security instruments, which are classified asavailable-for-sale securities and reflected at estimated fair value. Due to credit market concentrations and general uncertainty, in credit markets,the trading for these investments have become illiquid.securities has been limited. As a result of the illiquiditylimited trading of the markets for these securities, $7,800 converted to preferred stock with debt like characteristics in 2009.
 
Due to the illiquiditylimited trading activity of these securities, the fair values were estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis or other type of valuation adjustment methodology as of December 31, 20092010 and 2008.December 31, 2009. These analyses consider, among other factors, the collateral underlying the security investments, theconsidered creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, estimatesand the current volume of trading activity. As of December 31, 2010, the Corporation held an auction rate money market preferred security and preferred stock which declined in fair value as a result of the next timesecurities interest rates, they are currently lower than the security is expectedoffering rates of securities with similar characteristics. Despite the limited trading of these securities, management has determined that any declines in the fair value of these securities are the result of changes in interest rates and not risks related to have a successful auction,the underlying credit quality of the security. Additionally, none of these securities are deemed to be below investment grade, and the fact that the management asserts that it does not intend to sell the securitysecurities in an unrealized loss position, and it is more likely than not itthat the Corporation will not have to sell the securities before recovery of itstheir cost basis. These securities were also compared, when possible,As a result, the Corporation has not recognized another-than-temporary impairment related to other securities with similar characteristics.these declines in fair value.


42


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Due to the lackAs of marketability of certain investments,December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, management conducted an analysis to determine whether all securities currently in an unrealized loss position, including auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stocks, should be consideredother-than-temporarily-impaired (OTTI). Such analyses included,considered, among other factors, the following criteria:
 
 • Has the value of the investment declined more than 20%what is deemed to be reasonable based on a risk and maturity adjusted discount rate?
 
 • Is the investment credit rating below investment grade?
 
 • Is it probable that the issuer will be unable to pay the amount when due?
 
 • Does management assert its ability and intentIs it more likely than not that the Corporation will not have to holdsell the security until maturity?before recovery of its cost basis?
 
 • Has the duration of the investment been extended by more than 7 years?extended?
 
Based on the Corporation’s analysis using the above criteria, and the fact that management has asserted that it does not have the intent to sell these securities in an unrealized loss position, and that it is more likely than not the Corporation will not have to sell the securities before recovery of its losstheir cost basis, management does not believe that the values of these or any other securities areother-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 20092010 or 2008.2009.
 
Note 5NOTE 4 —Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
The BankCorporation grants commercial, agricultural, consumer and residential loans to customers situated primarily in Isabella, Gratiot, Mecosta, Southwestern Midland, Western Saginaw, Montcalm and Southern Clare counties in Michigan. The ability of the borrowers to honor their repayment obligations is often dependent upon the real estate, agricultural, light manufacturing, retail, gaming and tourism, higher education, and general economic conditions of this region. Substantially all of the consumer and residential mortgage loans are secured by various items of property, while commercial loans are secured primarily by real estate, business assets, and personal guarantees; a portion of loans are unsecured.
 
A summary of the major classifications of loans is as follows as of December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Mortgage loans on real estate                
Residential 1-4 family $207,560  $231,705  $207,749  $207,560 
Commercial  224,176   200,398   239,810   224,176 
Agricultural  38,236   31,656   44,246   38,236 
Construction and land development  13,268   16,571   12,250   13,268 
Second mortgages  34,255   46,103   26,712   34,255 
Equity lines of credit  30,755   25,018   37,318   30,755 
          
Total mortgage loans  548,250   551,451   568,085   548,250 
Commercial and agricultural loans                
Commercial  116,098   124,408   109,042   116,098 
Agricultural production  26,609   26,347   27,200   26,609 
          
Total commercial and agricultural loans  142,707   150,755   136,242   142,707 
Consumer installment loans  32,359   33,179   30,977   32,359 
          
Total loans  723,316   735,385   735,304   723,316 
Less: allowance for loan losses  12,979   11,982   12,373   12,979 
          
Loans, net
 $710,337  $723,403 
Net loans
 $722,931  $710,337 
          


43


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
A summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segments follows:
 
             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008  2007 
 
Balance at beginning of year $11,982  $7,301  $7,605 
Allowance of acquired bank     822    
Loans charged off  (6,642)  (6,325)  (2,146)
Recoveries  1,546   684   631 
Provision charged to income  6,093   9,500   1,211 
             
Balance at end of year
 $12,979  $11,982  $7,301 
             
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Financing Receivables
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
                         
        Residential
          
  Commercial  Agricultural  Real Estate  Consumer  Unallocated  Total 
 
Allowance for loan losses
                        
January 1, 2010 $5,531  $731  $3,590  $626  $2,501  $12,979 
Loans charged off  (3,731)     (2,524)  (596)     (6,851)
Recoveries  452   1   638   297      1,388 
Provision for loan losses  3,796   301   1,494   278   (1,012)  4,857 
                         
December 31, 2010
 $6,048  $1,033  $3,198  $605  $1,489  $12,373 
                         
Allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2010
                        
Individually evaluated for impairment $490  $558  $732  $  $  $1,780 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  5,558   475   2,466   605   1,489   10,593 
                         
Total
 $6,048  $1,033  $3,198  $605  $1,489  $12,373 
                         
Loans as of December 31, 2010
                        
Individually evaluated for impairment $4,890  $2,629  $4,866  $      $12,385 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  343,962   68,817   279,163   30,977       722,919 
                         
Total
 $348,852  $71,446  $284,029  $30,977      $735,304 
                         
Following is a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31:
         
  2009  2008 
 
Balance at beginning of year $11,982  $7,301 
Allowance of acquired bank     822 
Loans charged off  (6,642)  (6,325)
Recoveries  1,546   684 
Provision charged to income  6,093   9,500 
         
Balance at end of year
 $12,979  $11,982 
         
The primary factors behind the determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses (ALLL) are specific allocations for impaired loans, historical loss percentages, as well as current economic conditions. Specific allocations for impaired loans are primarily determined based on the difference between the net realizable value of the loan’s underlying collateral or the net present value of the projected payment stream and its recorded investment. Historical loss allocations are calculated at the loan class and segment levels based on a migration analysis of the loan portfolio over the preceding three years.
Commercial loans include loans for commercial real estate, farmland and agricultural production, state and political subdivisions, and commercial operating loans. The largest concentration of commercial loans is


44


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
commercial real estate. Repayment of commercial loans is often dependent upon the successful operation and management of a business; thus, these loans generally involve greater risk than other types of lending. The Corporation minimizes its risk by limiting the amount of loans to any one borrower to $12,500. Borrowers with credit needs of more than $12,500 are serviced through the use of loan participations with other commercial banks. All commercial real estate loans require loan to value limits of less than 80%. Depending upon the type of loan, past credit history, and current operating results, the Corporation may require the borrower to pledge accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets. Personal guarantees are generally required from the owners of closely held corporations, partnerships, and proprietorships. In addition, the Corporation requires annual financial statements, prepares cash flow analyses, and reviews credit reports as deemed necessary.
First and second residential real estate mortgages are the single largest category of loans. The Corporation offers adjustable rate mortgages, fixed rate balloon mortgages, and fixed rate mortgage loans which typically have amortization periods up to a maximum of 30 years. Fixed rate loans with an amortization of greater than 15 years are generally sold upon origination to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association. Fixed rate residential mortgage loans with an amortization of 15 years or less may be held in the Corporation’s portfolio, held for future sale, or sold upon origination. Factors used in determining when to sell these mortgages include management’s judgment about the direction of interest rates, the Corporation’s need for fixed rate assets in the management of its interest rate sensitivity, and overall loan demand.
Construction and land development loans consist primarily of 1 to 4 family residential properties. These loans primarily have a 6 to 9 month maturity and are made using the same underwriting criteria as residential mortgages. Loan proceeds are disbursed in increments as construction progresses and inspections warrant. Construction loans are typically converted to permanent loans at the completion of construction.
Lending policies generally limit the maximum loan to value ratio on residential mortgages to 95% of the lower of the appraised value of the property or the purchase price, with the condition that private mortgage insurance is required on loans with loan to value ratios in excess of 80%. Substantially all loans upon origination have a loan to value ratio of less than 80%. Underwriting criteria for residential real estate loans include: evaluation of the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments, the value of the property securing the loan, ensuring the payment of principal, interest, taxes, and hazard insurance does not exceed 28% of a borrower’s gross income, all debt servicing does not exceed 36% of income, acceptable credit reports, verification of employment, income, and financial information. Appraisals are performed by independent appraisers. All mortgage loan requests are reviewed by a mortgage loan committee or through a secondary market automated underwriting system; loans in excess of $400 require the approval of the Bank’s Internal Loan Committee, Board of Directors, or its loan committee.
Consumer loans granted include automobile loans, secured and unsecured personal loans, credit cards, student loans, and overdraft protection related loans. Loans are amortized generally for a period of up to 6 years. The underwriting emphasis is on a borrower’s ability to pay rather than collateral value. No consumer loans are sold to the secondary market.


45


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Credit Quality Indicators
As of December 31, 2010
Commercial and Agricultural Credit Exposure
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Credit Rating
                         
  Commercial  Agricultural 
  Real Estate  Other  Total  Real Estate  Other  Total 
 
Rating                        
2 — High quality $10,995  $13,525  $24,520  $3,792  $1,134  $4,926 
3 — High satisfactory  74,912   30,322   105,234   11,247   3,235   14,482 
4 — Low satisfactory  119,912   57,403   177,315   22,384   14,862   37,246 
5 — Special mention  19,560   6,507   26,067   4,169   3,356   7,525 
6 — Substandard  10,234   1,104   11,338   2,654   4,613   7,267 
7 — Vulnerable  3,339   54   3,393          
8 — Doubtful  858   127   985          
                         
Total
 $239,810  $109,042  $348,852  $44,246  $27,200  $71,446 
                         
Internally assigned risk ratings are reviewed, at a minimum, when loans are renewed or when management has knowledge of improvements or deterioration of the credit quality of individual credits. Descriptions of the internally assigned risk ratings for commercial and agricultural loans are as follows:
1.  EXCELLENT — Substantially Risk Free
Loans to borrowers with a strong financial condition and solid earnings history, characterized by:
• High liquidity, strong cash flow, low leverage.
• Unquestioned ability to meet all obligations when due.
• Experienced management, with management succession in place.
• Secured by cash.
2.  HIGH QUALITY — Limited Risk
Loans to borrowers with a sound financial condition and positive trend in earnings supplemented by:
• Favorable liquidity and leverage ratios.
• Ability to meet all obligations when due.
• Management with successful track record.
• Steady and satisfactory earnings history.
• If loan is secured, collateral is of high quality and readily marketable.
• Access to alternative financing.
• Well defined primary and secondary source of repayment.
• If supported by guaranty, the financial strength and liquidity of the guarantor(s) are clearly evident.


46


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3.  HIGH SATISFACTORY — Reasonable Risk
Loans to borrowers with a satisfactory financial condition and further characterized by:
• Working capital adequate to support operations.
• Cash flow sufficient to pay debts as scheduled.
• Management experience and depth appear favorable.
• Loan performing according to terms.
• If loan is secured, collateral is acceptable and loan is fully protected.
4.  LOW SATISFACTORY — Acceptable Risk
Loans to borrowers which are considered Bankable risks, although some signs of weaknesses are shown:
• Would include moststart-up businesses.
• Occasional instances of trade slowness or repayment delinquency — may have been10-30 days slow within the past year.
• Management abilities apparent yet unproven.
• Weakness in primary source of repayment with adequate secondary source of repayment.
• Loan structure generally in accordance with policy.
• If secured, loan collateral coverage is marginal.
• Adequate cash flow to service debt, but coverage is low.
To be classified as less than satisfactory, only one of the following criteria must be met.
5.  SPECIAL MENTION- Criticized
These borrowers constitute an undue and unwarranted credit risk but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. The credit risk may be relatively minor yet constitute an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific loan:
• Downward trend in sales, profit levels and margins.
• Impaired working capital position.
• Cash flow is strained in order to meet debt repayment.
• Loan delinquency(30-60 days) and overdrafts may occur.
• Shrinking equity cushion.
• Diminishing primary source of repayment and questionable secondary source.
• Management abilities are questionable.
• Weak industry conditions.
• Litigation pending against the borrower.
• Loan may need to be restructured to improve collateral position or reduce payments.
• Collateral / guaranty offers limited protection.
• Negative debt service coverage however well collateralized and payments current.


47


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
6.  SUBSTANDARD — Classified
A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged. There is a distinct possibility that the Corporation will implement collection procedures if the loan deficiencies are not corrected. In addition, the following characteristics may apply:
• Sustained losses have severely eroded the equity and cash flow.
• Deteriorating liquidity.
• Serious management problems or internal fraud.
• Original repayment terms liberalized.
• Likelihood of bankruptcy.
• Inability to access other funding sources.
• Reliance on secondary source of repayment.
• Litigation filed against borrower.
• Collateral provides little or no value.
• Requires excessive attention of the loan officer.
• Borrower is uncooperative with loan officer.
7.  VULNERABLE — Classified
This classification includes substandard loans that warrant placing on nonaccrual. Risk of loss is being evaluated and exit strategy options are under review. Other characteristics that may apply:
• Insufficient cash flow to service debt.
• Minimal or no payments being received.
• Limited options available to avoid the collection process.
• Transition status, expect action will take place to collect loan without immediate progress being made.
8.  DOUBTFUL — Workout
A doubtful loan has all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard loan with the added characteristic that collectionand/or liquidation is pending. The possibility of a loss is extremely high, but its classification as a loss is deferred until liquidation procedures are completed, or reasonably estimable. Other characteristics that may apply:
• Normal operations are severely diminished or have ceased.
• Seriously impaired cash flow.
• Original repayment terms materially altered.
• Secondary source of repayment is inadequate.
• Survivability as a “going concern” is impossible.
• Collection process has begun.
• Bankruptcy petition has been filed.
• Judgments have been filed
• Portion of the loan balance has been charged-off.


48


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
9.  LOSS — Charge off
Loans classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification is for charged off loans but does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value. These loans are further characterized by:
• Liquidation or reorganization under Bankruptcy, with poor prospects of collection.
• Fraudulently overstated assetsand/or earnings.
• Collateral has marginal or no value.
• Debtor cannot be located.
• Over 120 days delinquent.
The Corporation’s primary credit quality indicators for residential real estate and consumer loans is the individual loan’s past due aging.
Age Analysis of Past Due Loans
As of December 31, 2010
                         
  Accruing Interest
     Total
       
  and Past Due:     Past Due
       
  30-89
  90 Days
     and
       
  Days  or More  Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual  Current  Total 
 
Commercial                        
Commercial real estate $4,814  $125  $4,001  $8,940  $230,870  $239,810 
Commercial other  381      139   520   108,522   109,042 
                         
Total commercial  5,195   125   4,140   9,460   339,392   348,852 
                         
Agricultural                        
Agricultural real estate  92         92   44,154   44,246 
Agricultural other  4   50      54   27,146   27,200 
                         
Total agricultural  96   50      146   71,300   71,446 
                         
Residential mortgage                        
Senior liens  5,265   310   1,421   6,996   213,003   219,999 
Junior liens  476      49   525   26,187   26,712 
Home equity lines of credit  598         598   36,720   37,318 
                         
Total residential mortgage  6,339   310   1,470   8,119   275,910   284,029 
                         
Consumer                        
Secured  298         298   24,781   25,079 
Unsecured  10   1      11   5,887   5,898 
                         
Total consumer  308   1      309   30,668   30,977 
                         
Total
 $11,938  $486  $5,610  $18,034  $717,270  $735,304 
                  ��      
December 31, 2009
 $10,305  $768  $8,522  $19,595  $703,721  $723,316 
                         
December 31, 2008
 $14,906  $1,251  $11,175  $27,332  $708,053  $735,385 
                         


49


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans as of, and for the year, ended December 31, 2010:
                     
  December 31, 2010  2010 Year to Date 
     Unpaid
     Average
  Interest
 
  Outstanding
  Principal
  Valuation
  Outstanding
  Income
 
  Balance  Balance  Allowance  Balance  Recognized 
 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
                    
Commercial real estate $3,010  $4,110  $472  $2,482  $90 
Commercial other  18   18   18   259   1 
Agricultural other  2,196   2,196   558   1,098   143 
Residential mortgage senior liens  4,292   5,236   698   5,045   187 
Residential mortgage junior liens  172   250   34   205   7 
Consumer           12    
                     
Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance
 $9,688  $11,810  $1,780  $9,101  $428 
                     
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
                    
Commercial real estate $1,742  $2,669      $2,738  $147 
Commercial other  169   269       145   20 
Agricultural real estate            106    
Residential mortgage senior liens  401   501       201   26 
Home equity lines of credit            8    
Consumer secured  48   85       55   5 
                     
Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 $2,360  $3,524      $3,253  $198 
                     
Impaired loans
                    
Commercial $4,939  $7,066  $490  $5,624  $258 
Agricultural  2,196   2,196   558   1,204   143 
Residential mortgage  4,865   5,987   732   5,459   220 
Consumer  48   85      67   5 
                     
Total impaired loans
 $12,048  $15,334  $1,780  $12,354  $626 
                     
 
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans atas of, and for the years ended, December 31:
 
                    
 2009 2008 2007  2009 2008 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance $3,757  $7,378  $  $3,757  $7,378 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance  8,897   6,465   4,841   8,897   6,465 
            
Total impaired loans $12,654  $13,843  $4,841  $12,654  $13,843 
            
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans $612  $1,413  $  $612  $1,413 
Total restructured loans $4,977  $4,550  $685 
Total nonaccrual loans $8,522  $11,175  $4,156 
Average investment in impaired loans $13,249  $9,342  $4,491 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans $340  $171  $55 
Year to date average outstanding balance of impaired loans $13,249  $9,342 
Year to date interest income recognized on impaired loans $340  $171 


50


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following is a summary of restructured loans as of December 31:
             
  2010 2009 2008
 
Total restructured loans  5,763  $4,977  $4,550 
 
No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans, which includes restructured loans.
 
The followingInterest income is a summaryrecognized on impaired loans in nonaccrual status on the cash basis, but only after all principal has been collected. For impaired loans not in nonaccrual status, interest income is recognized daily as it’s earned according to the terms of loans accruing interest past due 90 days or more at December 31:
             
  2009 2008 2007
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more $768  $1,251  $1,185 
the loan agreement.
 
Note 6NOTE 5 —Servicing
 
Residential mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balance of mortgages serviced for others was $307,656, $254,495,$309,882 and $255,839$307,656 at December 31, 2009, 2008,2010 and 20072009, respectively. The fair value of servicing rights was determined using discount rates ranging from 7.50% to 9.00%, prepayment speeds ranging from 6.00% to 45.72%48.72%, depending upon the stratification of the specific right and a weighted average default rates ranging from 0.0% to 25.7%rate of 0.4%. Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors and taxing authorities, and foreclosure processing.
 
The following table summarizes the carrying value and changes therein of mortgage servicing rights included in Other Assets as of December 31:
 
                        
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Balance at beginning of year $2,105  $2,198  $2,155  $2,620  $2,105  $2,198 
Mortgage servicing rights capitalized  4,370   3,079   2,869   4,445   4,370   3,079 
Accumulated amortization  (3,706)  (3,016)  (2,785)  (4,250)  (3,706)  (3,016)
Impairment valuation allowance  (149)  (156)  (41)  (148)  (149)  (156)
              
Balance at end of year
 $2,620  $2,105  $2,198  $2,667  $2,620  $2,105 
              
Impairment losses (reversed) recognized $(7) $115  $5  $(1) $(7) $115 
              


44


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Corporation recorded servicing fee revenue of $760, $724, and $627 related to residential mortgage loans serviced for others during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
 
Note 7NOTE 6 —Premises and Equipment
 
A summary of premises and equipment at December 31 follows:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Land $4,614  $4,665  $4,694  $4,614 
Buildings and improvements  20,478   18,653   21,502   20,478 
Furniture and equipment  24,284   23,043   25,822   24,284 
          
Total  49,376   46,361   52,018   49,376 
Less: Accumulated depreciation  25,459   23,130 
Less: accumulated depreciation  27,391   25,459 
          
Premises and equipment, net
 $23,917  $23,231  $24,627  $23,917 
          
 
Depreciation expense amounted to $2,522, $2,349 and $2,171 in 2010, 2009, and $1,960 in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.


51


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 8NOTE 7 —Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year is as follows:
         
  2009  2008 
 
Balance at January 1 $45,618  $25,889 
Goodwill identified in GCFC acquisition (See Note 2)     21,319 
Reclassification for goodwill contributed to CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC joint venture (See Note 2)     (1,590)
         
Balance at December 31
 $45,618  $45,618 
         
was $45,618 at December 31, 2010 and 2009.
 
Identifiable intangible assets at year end were as follows:
 
             
  2009 
  Gross
     Net
 
  Intangible
  Accumulated
  Intangible
 
  Assets  Amortization  Assets 
 
Core deposit premium resulting from the Greenville acquisition in 2008 $1,480  $358  $1,122 
Core deposit premium resulting from previous acquisitions  3,893   3,204   689 
             
Total
 $5,373  $3,562  $1,811 
             
             
  2010 
  Gross
     Net
��
  Intangible
  Accumulated
  Intangible
 
  Assets  Amortization  Assets 
 
Core deposit premium resulting from acquisitions  5,373   3,900   1,473 
             
Total
 $5,373  $3,900  $1,473 
             
 
             
  2008 
  Gross
     Net
 
  Intangible
  Accumulated
  Intangible
 
  Assets  Amortization  Assets 
 
Core deposit premium resulting from the Greenville acquisition in 2008  1,480  $185  $1,295 
Core deposit premium resulting from previous acquisitions  3,893   3,002   891 
             
Total
 $5,373  $3,187  $2,186 
             
             
  2009 
  Gross
     Net
 
  Intangible
  Accumulated
  Intangible
 
  Assets  Amortization  Assets 
 
Core deposit premium resulting from acquisitions  5,373   3,562   1,811 
             
Total
 $5,373  $3,562  $1,811 
             
 
Amortization expense associated with identifiable intangible assets was $338, $375, and $415 in 2010, 2009, and $278 in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.


45


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Estimated amortization expense associated with identifiable intangibles for each of the next five years succeeding December 31, 2010, and thereafter is as follows:
 
        
Year
 Amount  Amount 
2010 $338 
2011  299  $299 
2012  261   260 
2013  221   221 
2014  183   183 
2015  145 
Thereafter  509   365 
      
 $1,811  $1,473 
      
 
Note 9NOTE 8 —Deposits
 
Scheduled maturities of time deposits for the next five years, and thereafter, are as follows:
 
        
Year
 Amount  Amount 
2010 $269,257 
2011  47,053  $216,927 
2012  53,054   113,999 
2013  32,959   44,269 
2014  16,273   31,414 
2015  39,474 
Thereafter  2,050   6,278 
      
 $420,646  $452,361 
      
 
Interest expense on time deposits greater than $100 was $4,427 in 2010, $5,246 in 2009, and $6,525 in 2008, and $6,649 in 2007.2008.


52


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 10NOTE 9 —Borrowed Funds
 
Borrowed funds consist of the following obligations at December 31:
 
         
  2009  2008 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances $127,804  $150,220 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates  37,797   42,430 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with stated maturity dates  20,000   20,000 
Federal Reserve Bank discount window advance  7,500    
Federal Funds purchased     9,700 
         
  $193,101  $222,350 
         
                 
  2010  2009 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances $113,423   3.64% $127,804   4.11%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                
without stated maturity dates  45,871   0.25%  37,797   0.30%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                
with stated maturity dates  19,623   3.01%  20,000   3.72%
Federal funds purchased  16,000   0.60%      
Federal Reserve Bank discount window advance        7,500   0.75%
                 
Total
 $194,917   2.53% $193,101   3.19%
                 
 
The Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings are collateralized by a blanket lien on all qualified 1-to-4 family whole mortgage loans and U.S. government and federal agency securities. Advances are also secured by FHLB stock owned by the Bank.Corporation.


46


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)The Corporation had the ability to borrow up to an additional $122,960, based on the assets currently pledged as collateral. The Corporation has pledged eligible mortgage loans and investment securities as collateral for any such borrowings.
 
The maturity and weighted average interest rates of FHLB advances are as follows as of December 31:
 
                                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
 Amount Rate Amount Rate  Amount Rate Amount Rate 
Fixed rate advances due 2009 $     $42,215   1.89%
Fixed rate advances due 2010  28,320   4.52%  29,516   4.58% $     $28,320   4.52%
One year putable advances due 2010  6,000   5.31%  5,000   5.18%        6,000   5.31%
Fixed rate advances due 2011  10,206   3.96%  10,225   3.96%  10,086   3.96%  10,206   3.96%
One year putable advances due 2011  1,000   4.75%  1,000   4.75%  1,000   4.75%  1,000   4.75%
Fixed rate advances due 2012  17,000   2.97%  17,000   4.19%  17,000   2.97%  17,000   2.97%
One year putable advances due 2012  15,000   4.10%  5,000   4.07%  15,000   4.10%  15,000   4.10%
Fixed rate advances due 2013  5,278   4.14%        5,337   4.14%  5,278   4.14%
One year putable advances due 2013  5,000   3.15%  10,264   3.66%  5,000   3.15%  5,000   3.15%
Fixed rate advances due 2014  15,000   3.63%  5,000   4.38%  25,000   3.16%  15,000   3.63%
Fixed rate advances due 2015  25,000   4.63%  25,000   4.63%  25,000   4.63%  25,000   4.63%
Fixed rate advances due 2017  10,000   2.35%      
                  
Total
 $113,423   3.64% $127,804   4.11%
 $127,804   4.11% $150,220   3.68%         
         


53


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The maturity and weighted average interest rates of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with stated maturity dates are as follows at December 31:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
 
Repurchase agreements due 2010 $     $5,000   4.00%
Repurchase agreements due 2011  858   1.51%      
Repurchase agreements due 2012  1,013   2.21%      
Repurchase agreements due 2013  5,127   4.45%  5,000   4.51%
Repurchase agreements due 2014  12,087   3.00%  10,000   3.19%
Repurchase agreements due 2015  538   3.25%      
                 
Total
 $19,623   3.01% $20,000   3.72%
                 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified as secured borrowings. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The U.S. government agency securities underlying the agreements have a carrying value and a fair value of $74,605$86,381 and $64,876$74,605 at December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, respectively. Such securities remain under the control of the Corporation. The Corporation may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of underlying securities.
 
The maturity and weighted average interest rates of securitiesSecurities sold under repurchase agreements to repurchase withwithout stated maturity dates, are as follows atfederal funds purchased, and Federal Reserve Bank discount window advances generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. The following table provides a summary of short term borrowings for the years ended December 31:
 
                 
  2009  2008 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
 
Repurchase agreements due 2010 $5,000   4.00% $5,000   4.00%
Repurchase agreements due 2013  5,000   4.51%  5,000   4.51%
Repurchase agreements due 2014  10,000   3.19%  10,000   3.19%
                 
  $20,000   3.72% $20,000   3.72%
                 
                         
  2010 2009
  Maximum
 YTD
 Weighted Average
 Maximum
 YTD
 Weighted Average
  Month-End
 Average
 Interest Rate
 Month-End
 Average
 Interest Rate
  Balance Balance During the Year Balance Balance During the Year
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase witout stated maturity dates $56,410  $44,974   0.29% $51,269  $38,590   0.32%
Federal funds purchased  16,000   333   0.60%  13,200   1,635   0.50%
Federal Reserve Bank discount window advance  7,500   103   0.75   7,500   41   0.75 


54


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 11NOTE 10 —Other Noninterest Expenses
 
A summary of expenses included in Other Noninterest Expenses are as follows for the year ended December 31:
 
             
  2009  2008  2007 
 
Director fees $923  $867  $796 
Marketing and advertising  833   844   670 
Foreclosed asset and collection  831   698   269 
Other, not individually significant  4,792   5,106   4,718 
             
  $7,379  $7,515  $6,453 
             
             
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Marketing and community relations $1,093  $894  $921 
Foreclosed asset and collection  710   546   565 
Directors fees  887   923   867 
Audit and SOX compliance fees  916   831   698 
Education and travel  499   395   491 
Printing and supplies  420   529   508 
Postage and freight  382   415   419 
Legal fees  338   375   415 
Amortization of deposit premium  395   472   523 
Consulting fees  167   201   298 
All other  1,499   1,798   1,810 
             
Total other
 $7,306  $7,379  $7,515 
             
Individual items disclosed represent at least 1% of gross income in any one of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.


47


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 12NOTE 11 —Federal Income Taxes
 
Components of the consolidated provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows for the year ended December 31:
 
             
  2009  2008  2007 
 
Currently payable $1,487  $1,088  $1,304 
Deferred (benefit) expense  (641)  (1,812)  301 
             
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
 $846  $(724) $1,605 
             
             
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Currently payable $1,425  $1,487  $1,088 
Deferred expense (benefit)  179   (641)  (1,812)
             
Income tax expense (benefit)
 $1,604  $846  $(724)
             
 
The reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for federal income taxes and the amount computed at the federal statutory tax rate of 34% of income before federal income tax (benefit) expensetaxes is as follows for the yearyears ended December 31:
 
                        
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Income taxes at 34% statutory rate $2,940  $1,148  $3,242  $3,621  $2,940  $1,148 
Effect of nontaxable income  (2,265)  (2,088)  (1,782)            
Interest income on tax exempt municipal bonds  (1,565)  (1,680)  (1,713)
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance  (225)  (218)  (106)
Other  (395)  (383)  (269)
       
Total effect of nontaxable income  (2,185)  (2,281)  (2,088)
Effect of nondeductible expenses  171   216   145   168   187   216 
              
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
 $846  $(724) $1,605 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 $1,604  $846  $(724)
              
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for federal income tax purposes.


55


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Significant components of the Corporation’s deferred tax assets and liabilities, included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are as follows as of December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Deferred tax assets
                
Allowance for loan losses $3,482  $3,145  $3,270  $3,482 
Deferred directors’ fees  2,251   1,930   2,364   2,251 
Employee benefit plans  132   80   122   132 
Core deposit premium and acquisition expenses  310   252   694   310 
Net unrealized losses on trading securities  23   32   400   23 
Net unrecognized actuarial loss on pension plan  1,084   1,211   1,109   1,084 
Life insurance death benefit payable  804   804   804   804 
Alternative minimum tax  686   619 
Other  1,123   860   219   504 
          
Total deferred tax assets
  9,209   8,314   9,668   9,209 
          
Deferred tax liabilities
                
Prepaid pension cost  900   951   851   900 
Premises and equipment  665   620   902   665 
Accretion on securities  54   45   36   54 
Core deposit premium and acquisition expenses  642   506   1,000   642 
Net unrealized gains onavailable-for-sale securities
  494   930   847   494 
Other  435   193   518   435 
          
Total deferred tax liabilities
  3,190   3,245   4,154   3,190 
          
Net deferred tax assets
 $6,019  $5,069  $5,514  $6,019 
          
 
The Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax. The Corporation is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2006.2007. There are no material uncertain tax positions


48


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
requiring recognition in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Corporation does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months.
 
The Corporation recognizes interestand/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Corporation does not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 20092010 and is not aware of any claims for such amounts by federal income tax authorities.
 
Included in other comprehensive income for the yearyears ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are the changes in unrealized losses of $226 and 2008 are unrealized gains of $4,048, and unrealized losses of $5,021, respectively, related to auction rate money market securities and preferred stock. For federal income tax purposes, these securities are considered equity investments for which no federal deferred income taxes are expected or recorded.
 
Note 13NOTE 12 —Off-Balance-Sheet Activities
 
Credit-Related Financial Instruments
 
The Corporation is party to credit related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk. These financial instruments are entered into in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments, which include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Corporation has in a particular class of financial instrument.
 
         
  Contract Amount 
  2009  2008 
 
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit $111,711  $106,861 
Commercial and standby letters of credit  6,509   6,429 
Commitments to grant loans  9,645   10,228 


56


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
         
  Contract Amount
  2010 2009
 
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit $110,201  $111,711 
Commercial and standby letters of credit  4,881   6,509 
Commitments to grant loans  13,382   9,645 
 
Unfunded commitments under commercial lines of credit, revolving credit home equity lines of credit and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. The commitments for equity lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon. These lines of credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the BankCorporation is committed. A majority of such commitments are at fixed rates of interest; a portion is unsecured.
 
Commercial and standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions.
 
These commitments to extend credit and letters of credit mature within one year. The credit risk involved in these transactions is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The Corporation evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on acase-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon the extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. While the Corporation considers standby letters of credit to be guarantees, the amount of the liability related to such guarantees on the commitment date is not significant and a liability related to such guarantees is not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The commitments may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary by the Bank,Corporation, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.
 
The Corporation’s exposure to credit-related loss in the event of nonperformance by the counter parties to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Corporation uses the same credit policies in deciding to make these


49


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
commitments as it does for extending loans to customers. No significant losses are anticipated as a result of these commitments.
 
Note 14NOTE 13 —On-Balance Sheet Activities
 
Derivative Loan Commitments
 
Mortgage loan commitments are referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding. The Corporation enters into commitments to fund residential mortgage loans at specific times in the future, with the intention that these loans will subsequently be sold in the secondary market. A mortgage loan commitment binds the Corporation to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specified interest rate within a specified period of time, generally up to 60 days after inception of the rate lock.
 
Outstanding derivative loan commitments expose the Corporation to the risk that the price of the loans arising from the exercise of the loan commitment might decline from the inception of the rate lock to funding of the loan due to increases in mortgage interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these loan commitments decreases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, the value of these loan commitments increases. The notional amount of undesignated interest rate lock commitments was $760$547 and $334$760 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and 2008, respectively.

57


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Forward Loan Sale Commitments
 
To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Corporation utilizes both “mandatory delivery” and “best efforts” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loan that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments.
 
With a “mandatory delivery” contract, the Corporation commits to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date. If the Corporation fails to deliver the amount of mortgages necessary to fulfill the commitment by the specified date, it is obligated to pay a “pair-off” fee, based on then current market prices, to the investor to compensate the investor for the shortfall.
 
With a “best efforts” contract, the Corporation commits to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes. Generally, the price the investor will pay the seller for an individual loan is specified prior to the loan being funded (e.g. on the same day the lender commits to lend funds to a potential borrower).
 
The Corporation expects that these forward loan sale commitments will experience changes in fair value opposite to the change in fair value of derivatederivative loan commitments. The notional amount of undesignated forward loan sale commitments was $3,041$1,729 and $1,232$3,041 at December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, respectively.
 
The fair values of the rate lock loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale and the forward loan sale commitments are deemed insignificant by management and, accordingly, are not recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 15NOTE 14 —Commitments and Other Matters
 
Banking regulations require banksthe Bank to maintain cash reserve balances in currency or as deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank. At December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, the reserve balances amounted to $470 and $687, and $700, respectively.
Isabella Bank sponsors the IBT Foundation (the “Foundation”), which is a nonprofit entity formed for the purpose of distributing charitable donations to recipient organizations generally located in the communities serviced by Isabella Bank. The Bank periodically makes charitable contributions in the form of cash transfers to the Foundation. The Foundation is administered by members of the Isabella Bank Board of Directors. The assets and transactions of the Foundation are not included in the consolidated financial statements of Isabella Bank Corporation. During 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Corporation contributed $140, $78, and $0 respectively to the Foundation. The assets of the Foundation as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $985 and $953, respectively.


50


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Banking regulations limit the transfer of assets in the form of dividends, loans, or advances from the Bank to the Corporation. At December 31, 2009,2010, substantially all of the Bank’s assets were restricted from transfer to the Corporation in the form of loans or advances. Consequently, bank dividends are the principal source of funds for the Corporation. Payment of dividends without regulatory approval is limited to the current years retained net income plus retained net income for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to common stock. At January 1, 2010,2011, the amount available for dividends without regulatory approval was approximately $10,591.
The Bank has obtained approval to borrow up to an additional $13,849 from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Indianapolis, based on the assets currently pledged as collateral. Under the terms of the agreement, the Bank may obtain advances at the stated rate at the time of the borrowings. The Bank has pledged eligible mortgage loans and U.S. Treasury and governmental agencies as collateral for any such borrowings.$8,435.
 
Note 1615 —Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements
 
The Corporation (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (The Regulators). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by The Regulators that if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Corporation’s and Bank’s financial statements. Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that include quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, capital, and certain off-balance-sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting standards. The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by The Regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Corporation and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined).


58


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Management believes, as of December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, that the Corporation and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
 
As of December 31, 2009,2010, the most recent notifications from The Regulators categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since the notifications that management believes has changed the Bank’s categories. The Corporation’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts (in thousands) and ratios are also presented in the table.
 
                                          
     Minimum to be
      Minimum to be
   Minimum
 Well Capitalized
      Well Capitalized
   Capital
 Under Prompt Corrective Action
    Minimum
 Under Prompt
 Actual Requirement Provisions    Capital
 Corrective Action
 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio  Actual Requirement Provisions
 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
December 31, 2009
                        
December 31, 2010
                  
Total capital to risk weighted assets                                          
Isabella Bank $93,079   12.9% $57,713   8.0% $72,141   10.0% $98,566   12.8% $61,642   8.0% $77,053   10.0%
Consolidated  102,285   14.1   58,213   8.0   N/A   N/A   106,826   13.7   62,423   8.0   N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets                                          
Isabella Bank  84,012   11.6   28,856   4.0   43,285   6.0   88,901   11.5   30,821   4.0   46,232   6.0 
Consolidated  93,141   12.8   29,106   4.0   N/A   N/A   97,040   12.4   31,212   4.0   N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 capital to average assets                                          
Isabella Bank  84,012   7.8   42,813   4.0   53,516   5.0   88,901   7.6   46,653   4.0   58,316   5.0 
Consolidated  93,141   8.6   43,326   4.0   N/A   N/A   97,040   8.2   47,116   4.0   N/A   N/A 
                         
      Minimum to be
      Well Capitalized
    Minimum
 Under Prompt
    Capital
 Corrective Action
  Actual Requirement Provisions
  Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
 
December 31, 2009
                        
Total capital to risk weighted assets                        
Isabella Bank $93,079   12.9% $57,713   8.0% $72,141   10.0%
Consolidated  102,285   14.1   58,213   8.0   N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets                        
Isabella Bank  84,012   11.6   28,856   4.0   43,285   6.0 
Consolidated  93,141   12.8   29,106   4.0   N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 capital to average assets                        
Isabella Bank  84,012   7.8   42,813   4.0   53,516   5.0 
Consolidated  93,141   8.6   43,326   4.0   N/A   N/A 
Note 16 —Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan
The Corporation has a 401(k) plan in which substantially all employees are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Corporation makes a 3.0% safe harbor contribution for all eligible employees and matching contributions equal to 50% of the first 4.0% of an employee’s compensation contributed to the Plan during the year. Employees are 100% vested in the safe harbor contributions and are 0% vested through their first two years of employment and are 100% vested after


5159


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                         
        Minimum to be
 
     Minimum
  Well Capitalized
 
     Capital
  Under Prompt Corrective Action
 
  Actual  Requirement  Provisions 
  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
 
December 31, 2008
                        
Total capital to risk weighted assets                        
Isabella Bank $89,192   12.4% $57,666   8.0% $72,082   10.0%
Consolidated  98,867   13.5   58,484   8.0   N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets                        
Isabella Bank  80,145   11.1   28,833   4.0   43,249   6.0 
Consolidated  89,694   12.3   29,242   4.0   N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 capital to average assets                        
Isabella Bank  80,145   7.4   43,069   4.0   53,836   5.0 
Consolidated  89,694   8.4   42,603   4.0   N/A   N/A 
6 years of service for matching contributions. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, expenses attributable to the Plan were $625, $617, and $543 respectively.
Note 17 —Employee Benefit Plans
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
The Corporation has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. In December 2006, the Board of Directors voted to curtail the defined benefit plan effective March 1, 2007. The effect of the curtailment, which was recognizedcurtailed in the first quarter of 2007, suspended the current participant’s accrued benefits as of March 1, 2007 and limited participation in the plan to eligible employees as of December 31, 2006.2007. Due to the curtailment, future salary increases will not be considered and the benefits are based on years of service and the employees’ five highest consecutive years of compensation out of the last ten years of service rendered through March 1, 2007.
The curtailment resulted in a reduction in 2007 of $2,939 in the projected benefit obligation, which served to reduce unrecognized net actuarial loss of $2,939, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Subsequent to the decision to curtail the defined benefit plan, the Corporation decided to increase the contributions to the Corporation’s 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2007 (see “Other Employee Benefit Plans” on page 69).

52


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Changes in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets during each year, the funded status of the plan, and the net amount recognized on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheets using an actuarial measurement date of December 31, are summarized as follows during the years ended December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Change in benefit obligation                
Benefit obligation, January 1 $8,436  $8,206  $8,897  $8,436 
Interest cost  504   503   531   504 
Actuarial loss  392   356   679   392 
Benefits paid, including plan expenses  (435)  (629)  (447)  (435)
          
Benefit obligation, December 31
  8,897   8,436   9,660   8,897 
          
Change in plan assets                
Fair value of plan assets, January 1  7,669   9,607   8,355   7,669 
Investment return (loss)  1,121   (1,309)
Investment return  945   1,121 
Contributions  47    
Benefits paid, including plan expenses  (435)  (629)  (447)  (435)
     
Fair value of plan assets, December 31
  8,355   7,669   8,900   8,355 
          
Deficiency in funded status at December 31, included in other liabilities on the balance sheets
 $(542) $(767)
Deficiency in funded status at December 31, included on the consolidated balance sheets in accrued interest and other liabilities
 $(760) $(542)
          
Change in accrued pension benefit costs                
(Accrued) prepaid benefit cost at January 1 $(767) $1,401 
Net periodic benefit (cost) income for the year  (149)  152 
Accrued benefit cost at January 1 $(542) $(767)
Contributions  47    
Net periodic cost for the year  (193)  (149)
Net change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost  374   (2,320)  (72)  374 
          
Accrued pension benefit cost at December 31
 $(542) $(767) $(760) $(542)
          
 
Amounts recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:of the following amounts during the years ended December 31 :
 
                        
 December 31  2010 2009 2008 
 2009 2008 2007 
Unrecognized pension cost $374  $(2,320) $2,890 
Change in unrecognized pension cost $(72) $374  $(2,320)
Tax effect  (127)  788   (983)  25   (127)  788 
              
Net
 $247  $(1,532) $1,907  $(47) $247  $(1,532)
              
 
The accumulated benefit obligation was $8,897$9,660 and $8,436$8,897 at December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, respectively.
 
The componentsCompany has recorded the funded status of net periodic benefit cost and other pension related amounts recognizedthe Plan in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows forits consolidated balance sheets. The Company adjusts the years ended December 31:
             
  2009  2008  2007 
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
            
Service cost on benefits earned for services rendered during the year $  $  $109 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation  503   503   489 
Expected return on plan assets  (524)  (659)  (628)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss  170   4   32 
             
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 $149  $(152) $2 
             
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2009 includes net unrecognized actuarial lossesunderfunded status in a liability account to reflect the current funded status of $3,190, of which $153 is expected to be amortized into benefit cost during 2010.the plan. Any gains or


5360


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Actuariallosses that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows for the years ended December 31:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
            
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $531  $504  $503 
Expected return on plan assets  (491)  (524)  (659)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss  153   169   4 
             
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 $193  $149  $(152)
             
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2010 includes net unrecognized actuarial losses before income taxes of $3,262, of which $138 is expected to be amortized into benefit cost during 2011.
The actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation are as follows forand the year ended December 31:
             
  2009 2008 2007
 
Weighted average discount rate  5.87%  6.10%  6.44%
Expected long-term rate of return  6.00%  7.00%  7.00%
The actual weighted average assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension costs are as follows for the year ended December 31:
 
                  
 2009 2008 2007 2010 2009 2008
Discount rate  5.87%  6.10%  6.44%  6.10%  5.87%  6.10%
Expected long-term return on plan assets  6.00%  7.00%  7.00%
Expected long-term rate of return  6.00%  6.00%  7.00%
 
As a result of the curtailment of the Plan, there is no rate of compensation increase considered in the above assumptions.
 
The expected long term rate of return is an estimate of anticipated future long term rates of return on plan assets as measured on a market value basis. Factors considered in arriving at this assumption include:
 
 • Historical longer term rates of return for broad asset classes.
 
 • Actual past rates of return achieved by the plan.
 
 • The general mix of assets held by the plan.
 
 • The stated investment policy for the plan.
 
The selected rate of return is net of anticipated investment related expenses.
 
Plan Assets
 
The Corporation’s overall investment strategy is to conservativelymoderately grow the portfolio by investing 40%50% of the portfolio in equity securities and 60%50% in fixed income securities. This strategy is designed to generate a long term rate of return of 6.0%8.7%. Equity securities primarily consist of the S&P 500 Index with a smaller allocation to the Small Cap and International Index. Fixed income securities are invested in the Bond Market Index. The Plan has appropriate assets invested in short term investments to meet near-term benefit payments.
 
The asset mix and the sector weighting of the investments are determined by the pension committee, which is comprised of members of management of the Corporation. Consultations are held with a third party investment advisor retained by the Corporation to manage the Plan. The Corporation reviews the performance of the advisor no less than annually.


61


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The fair values of the Corporation’s pension plan assets by asset category were as follows as of December 31, 2009 by asset category are as follows:31:
 
        
 Fair Value Measurements at
                 
 December 31, 2009  2010 2009 
Description
 Total (Level 2)  Total (Level 2) Total (Level 2) 
Asset Category                        
Short-term investments $70  $70  $108  $108  $70  $70 
Common collective trusts                        
Fixed income  4,826   4,826   4,470   4,470   4,826   4,826 
Equity investments  3,459   3,459   4,322   4,322   3,459   3,459 
              
 $8,355  $8,355  $8,900  $8,900  $8,355  $8,355 
              


54


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 20092010 and 2008:2009:
 
 • Short-term investments:  Shares of a money market portfolio, which is valued using amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
 
 • Common collective trusts:  These investments are public investment securities valued using the net asset value (“NAV”) provided by a third party investment advisor. The NAV is quoted on a private market that is not active; however, the unit price is based on underlying investments which are traded on an active market.
 
The Corporation expects to contribute $47does not anticipate making any contributions to the pension plan in 2010.2011.
 
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows for the next ten years:
 
        
Year
 Amount Amount
2010 $389 
2011  386  $393 
2012  405   406 
2013  404   404 
2014  495   497 
Years 2015 - 2019  2,908 
2015  542 
Years 2016 — 2020  3,038 
 
The components of projected net periodic benefit cost are as follows for the year ended December 31:
 
        
 2010  2011 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation  531   507 
Expected return on plan assets  (491)  (522)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss  153   153 
      
Net periodic benefit cost
 $193  $138 
      
 
Other Employee Benefit Plans
The Corporation maintains a nonqualified supplementary employee retirement plan (SERP) for qualified officers to provide supplemental retirement benefits to each participant. Expenses related to this program for 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $219, $206, and $202, respectively, and are being recognized over the participants’ expected years of service. As a result of curtailing Isabella Bank Corporation’s defined benefit plan in March 2007, the Corporation established an additional SERP to maintain the benefit levels for all employees that were at least forty years old and had at least 15 years of service. The cost to provide this benefit was $124, $128 and $120 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Corporation maintains a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and a profit sharing plan which cover substantially all of its employees. Effective December 31, 2006, the ESOP was frozen to new participants. Contributions to the plans are discretionary and are approved by the Board of Directors and recorded as compensation expense. In 2009 the Board approved a contribution to the ESOP of $50. Expenses related to the plans for 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $50, $0, and $115, respectively. Total allocated shares outstanding related to the ESOP at December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 were 271,421, 271,520, and 149,154, respectively, were included in the computation of dividends and earnings per share in each of the respective years and have not been adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid February 29, 2008.
The Corporation maintains a self-funded medical plan under which the Corporation is responsible for the first $50 per year of claims made by a covered family. Medical claims are subject to a lifetime maximum of $5,000 per covered individual. Expenses are accrued based on estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred and the Corporation’s experience. Expenses were $2,155 in 2009, $2,110 in 2008 and $1,804 in 2007.


55


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Corporation offers dividend reinvestment, and employee and director stock purchase plans. The dividend reinvestment plan allows shareholders to purchase previously unissued Isabella Bank Corporation common shares. The stock purchase plan allows employees and directors to purchase Isabella Bank Corporation common stock through payroll deduction. The number of shares reserved for issuance under these plans are 635,000, with 187,982 shares unissued at December 31, 2009, as adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid February 29, 2008. During 2009, 2008 and 2007, 126,874 shares were issued for $2,396, 78,994 shares were issued for $2,879 and 63,233 shares were issued for $2,657, respectively, in cash pursuant to these plans, exclusive of the effects of the 10% stock dividend paid February 29, 2008.
401(k) Plan
The Corporation has a 401(k) plan in which substantially all employees are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Corporation makes a 3.0% safe harbor contribution for all eligible employees and matching contributions equal to 50% of the first 4.0% of an employee’s compensation contributed to the Plan during the year. Employees are 100% vested in the safe harbor contributions and are 0% vested through their first two years of employment and are 100% vested after 6 years of service for matching contributions.
As a result of the curtailment of the defined benefit plan noted above, the Corporation decided to increase the contributions to the Corporation’s 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, expenses attributable to the Plan were $617, $543 and $439 respectively.
Equity Compensation Plan
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (the “Plan”“Directors Plan”), directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are required to defer at least 25% of their earned board fees tointo the Directors Plan. The fees are converted toon a quarterly basis into the Corporation’s common stock units based on the fair market value of a share of common stock as of the relevant valuation date. Stock credited to a participant’s account is eligible for stock and cash dividends as declared. Upon retirement from the board or the occurrence of certain other events, the participant is eligible to receive a lump-sum, in-kind, distribution of all of the stock that is then in his or her account, and any unconverted cash will be converted to and rounded up to whole shares of stock and distributed, as well. The Directors Plan as modified does not allow for cash settlement, and therefore, such share-basedshare based payment awards qualify for classification as equity. All authorized but unissued


62


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
shares of common stock are eligible for issuance under thisthe Directors Plan. The Corporation may also purchase shares of common stock fromon the open market to meet its obligations under the Plan. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Plan had 186,279 unissued shares valued at $3,530 and 186,766 unissued shares valued at $3,766, respectively, as adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid on February 29, 2008, pursuant to the antidilution provisions required by theDirectors Plan.
 
On December 17,In 2008, the Corporation established a Rabbi Trust effective as of July 1, 2008, to fund the Directors Plan. A Rabbi Trust is an irrevocable grantor trust to which the Corporation may contribute assets for the limited purpose of funding a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Although the Corporation may not reach the assets of the Rabbi Trust (“Trust”) for any purpose other than meeting its obligations under the Directors Plan, the assets of the trustTrust remain subject to the claims of the Corporation’s creditors and are included in the consolidated financial statements. The Corporation may contribute cash or common stock to the trustTrust from time to time for the sole purpose of funding the Directors Plan. The trustTrust will use any cash that the Corporation contributed to purchase shares of the Corporation’s common stock on the open market through the Corporation’s brokerage services department.
 
AsThe components of shares eligible to be issued under the Directors Plan were as follows as of December 31:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Eligible
  Market
  Eligible
  Market
 
  Shares  Value  Shares  Value 
 
Unissued  191,977  $3,321   186,279  $3,530 
Shares held in Rabbi Trust  32,686   565   30,626   580 
                 
Total
  224,663  $3,886   216,905  $4,110 
                 
Other Employee Benefit Plans
The Corporation maintains a nonqualified supplementary employee retirement plan (“SERP”) for qualified officers to provide supplemental retirement benefits to each participant. Expenses related to this program for 2010, 2009, and 2008 were $218, $219, and $206, respectively, and are being recognized over the participants’ expected years of service. As a result of curtailing the Corporation’s defined benefit plan, the Corporation established an additional SERP to maintain the benefit levels for all employees that were at least forty years old and had at least 15 years of service. The cost to provide this benefit was $145, $124 and $128 for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The Corporation maintains a non leveraged employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and a profit sharing plan which cover substantially all of its employees. Effective December 31, 2006, the ESOP was frozen to new participants. Contributions to the plans are discretionary and are approved by the Board of Directors and recorded as compensation expense. During 2009, the TrustBoard of Directors approved a contribution of $50 to the plan. Expenses related to the plans for 2010, 2009, and 2008 were $0, $50, and $0, respectively. Total allocated shares outstanding related to the ESOP at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 were 246,419, 271,421, and 271,520, respectively. Such shares are included in the computation of dividends and earnings per share in each of the respective years.
The Corporation maintains a self funded medical plan under which the Corporation is responsible for the first $50 per year of claims made by a covered family. Medical claims are subject to a lifetime maximum of $5,000 per covered individual. Expenses are accrued based on estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred and the Corporation’s experience. Expenses were $2,101 in 2010, $2,155 in 2009 and $2,110 in 2008.
The Corporation maintains the Isabella Bank Corporation Stockholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Dividend Reinvestment Plan”). The dividend reinvestment feature of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan allows shareholders to purchase previously unissued Isabella Bank Corporation common shares using dividends paid on shares held 30,626in the plan. The employee stock purchase feature of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan allows employees and directors to purchase Isabella Bank Corporation common stock through payroll deduction. The shareholder stock purchase feature of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan enables existing shareholders to purchase additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock directly from the Corporation. The number of shares reserved for settlement.issuance under this plan are 885,000, with 313,078 shares unissued at December 31, 2010. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, 124,904 shares were issued for $2,203, 126,874 shares were issued for $2,396 and 78,994 shares were issued for $2,879, respectively, in cash pursuant to these plans.


63


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 1817 —Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss
 
Comprehensive income (loss)loss includes net income as well as unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, onavailable-for-sale investment securities owned and changes in the funded status of the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plan, which are excluded from net income. Unrealized investment securities gains and losses and changes


56


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS��— (Continued)
in the funded status of the pension plan, net of tax, are excluded from net income, and are reflected as a direct charge or credit to shareholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) and the related components are disclosed in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007.2008.
 
The following is a summary of the components comprising the balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss reported on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 (presented net of tax):
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Unrealized losses onavailable-for-sale investment securities
 $(13) $(3,216)
Unrealized gains (losses) onavailable-for-sale investment securities
 $444  $(13)
Unrecognized pension costs  (2,106)  (2,353)  (2,153)  (2,106)
          
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 $(2,119) $(5,569) $(1,709) $(2,119)
          
 
Note 1918 —Related Party Transactions
 
In the ordinary course of business, the BankCorporation grants loans to principal officers and directors and their affiliates (including their families and companies in which they have 10% or more ownership). Annual activity during the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Beginning balance $4,011  $10,461 
Balance, beginning of year $4,142  $4,011 
New loans  5,033   3,488   3,038   5,033 
Repayments  (4,902)  (9,938)  (2,833)  (4,902)
          
Ending balance $4,142  $4,011 
Balance, ending of year $4,347  $4,142 
          
 
Total deposits of these principal officers and directors and their affiliates amounted to $7,090$11,556 and $8,317$7,090 at December 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, respectively. In addition, Isabella Bank Corporation’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Note 17) held deposits with the Bank aggregating $219$254 and $370,$219, respectively, at December 31, 20092010 and 2008.2009.
 
Note 2019 —Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
 
In February 2007,Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value in their Entirety on a Recurring Basis
Disclosure of the FASB issued ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”. ASC Topic 825 expandsestimated fair values of financial instruments, which differ from carrying values, often requires the use of fair value accounting but doesestimates. In cases where quoted market values in an active market are not affect existing standards which require assets or liabilities to be carried at fair value. Under ASC Topic 825,available, the Corporation may electuses present value techniques and other valuation methods to measure manyestimate the fair values of its financial instrumentsinstruments. These valuation methods require considerable judgment and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value (“fair value option” — FVO). The fair value measurement option is not allowed for deposit or withdrawable on demand liabilities. If the useresulting estimates of fair value is elected, any upfront costs and fees related to the instrument mustcan be recognized in earnings and cannot be deferred, e.g., debt issue costs. The fair value election is irrevocable and is generally made on aninstrument-by-instrument basis, even if the Corporation has similar instruments that it elects not to measure based on fair value. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on existing items for which fair value has been elected are reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2007. Subsequent to the adoption of ASC Topic 825, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. Although ASC Topic 825 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and would have been required to be adoptedsignificantly affected by the Corporation in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Corporation elected to early adopt ASC Topic 825 effective January 1, 2007, the impact of which is detailed in the table below.
As shown in the following table, the Corporation elected to transfer $77,839 of its $213,450available-for-sale securities investment portfolio to trading status to facilitate more active trading of these securities. In determining whichavailable-for-sale securities to transfer, the Corporation considered interest rates, duration, marketability,assumptions made and balance sheet management strategies. The securities transferred included obligations of US Government Agencies, variable rate Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation mortgage backed securities, taxable municipal bonds, and a limited number of tax exempt bonds.methods used.


5764


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Corporation also elected to report $7,256 of long-term, relatively high interest rate, Federal Home Loan Bank advances at theircarrying amount and estimated fair value upon the early adoption of ASC Topic 825 to provide a hedge against significant movement in interest rates.
             
  Balance Sheet
  Net Gain / (Loss)
  Balance Sheet
 
  1/1/2007 Prior to
  Upon Adoption of
  1/1/2007 After
 
  Adoption of FVO  FVO  Adoption of FVO 
 
Investment securities $79,198  $(1,359) $77,839 
FHLB borrowings included in other borrowed funds  (7,256)  (232)  (7,488)
             
Pretax cumulative loss effect of adoption of the fair value option      (1,591)    
Increase in deferred tax asset      541     
Cumulative loss effect of adoption of the fair value option (charged as a reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2007)     $(1,050)    
             
The Corporation utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securitiesavailable-for-sale, trading securities and certain liabilities arefinancial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time,basis on the Corporation may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, suchCorporation’s consolidated balance sheets are as loansheld-for-sale, impaired loans, foreclosed assets, mortgage servicing rights and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the applicationfollows as of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.December 31:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Estimated
  Carrying
  Estimated
  Carrying
 
  Fair Value  Value  Fair Value  Value 
 
ASSETS
Cash and demand deposits due from banks $18,109  $18,109  $24,482  $24,482 
Certicates of deposit held in other financial institutions  15,908   15,808   5,380   5,380 
Mortgage loansavailable-for-sale
  1,182   1,182   2,294   2,281 
Net loans  734,634   722,931   719,604   710,337 
Accrued interest receivable  5,456   5,456   5,832   5,832 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values  17,564   17,564   17,921   17,921 
Originated mortgage servicing rights  2,673   2,667   2,620   2,620 
 
LIABILITIES
Deposits with no stated maturities  424,978   424,978   382,006   382,006 
Deposits with stated maturities  454,332   452,361   424,048   420,646 
Borrowed funds  190,180   184,494   177,375   175,297 
Accrued interest payable  1,003   1,003   1,143   1,143 
 
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Under fair value measurement and disclosure authoritative guidance,The table below presents the Corporation groupsrecorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on December 31:
                         
  2010  2009 
Description
 Total  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
 
Recurring items
                        
Trading securities                        
States and political subdivisions $5,837  $5,837  $  $9,962  $9,962  $ 
Mortgage-backed           3,601   3,601    
                         
Total trading securities  5,837   5,837      13,563   13,563    
                         
Available-for-sale investment securities
                        
Government-sponsored enterprises  5,404   5,404      19,471   19,471    
States and political subdivisions  169,717   169,717      151,730   151,730    
Auction rate money market preferred  2,865      2,865   2,973      2,973 
Preferred stock  6,936      6,936   7,054      7,054 
Mortgage-backed  102,215   102,215      67,734   67,734    
Collateralized mortgage obligations  43,587   43,587      10,104   10,104    
                         
Totalavailable-for-sale investment securities
  330,724   320,923   9,801   259,066   249,039   10,027 
Borrowed funds  10,423   10,423      17,804   17,804    
Nonrecurring items
                        
Mortgage loansavailable-for-sale
  1,182   1,182      2,281   2,281    
Impaired loans  12,048      12,048   12,654      12,654 
Originated mortgage servicing rights  2,667   2,667      2,620   2,620    
Foreclosed assets  2,067   2,067      1,157   1,157    
                         
  $364,948  $343,099  $21,849  $309,145  $286,464  $22,681 
                         
Percent of assets and liabilities measured at fair value      94.01%  5.99%      92.66%  7.34%
                         


65


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the markets in which theCorporation had no assets andor liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, based on the prioritization of inputs in themeasured utilizing Level 1 valuation techniques. These levels are:
• Level 1:  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
• Level 2:  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
• Level 3:  Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The assets or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and key inputs used to measure financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, as well as a description of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value disclosures for financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis. For financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, the description includes an indication of the level of the fair value hierarchy in which the assets or liabilities are classifiedclassified.


58


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)Cash and demand deposits due from banks:
The carrying amounts of cash and short term investments, including Federal funds sold, approximate fair values.
Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions:
Interest bearing balances held in unaffiliated financial institutions include certificates of deposit and other short term interest bearing balances that mature within 3 years. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics.
 
Investment Securities:securities:
 
Investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. FairLevel 2 fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-basedmodel based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss and liquidity assumptions. Level 2 securities include U.S. Treasury securities,bonds issued by government sponsored enterprises, states and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by government-sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities in active markets. government sponsored enterprises.
Securities classified as Level 3 include securities in less liquid markets including illiquid markets in some instances, and include auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stocks.
The Corporation invested $11,000 in auction rate money market preferred investment security instruments, which are classified asavailable-for-sale securities and reflected at fair value. Due to continuing uncertainty in credit markets, these investments are illiquid. As a result of the illiquidity of the markets for these securities, $7,800 converted to preferred stock with debt like characteristics in 2009.
Due to the illiquiditylimited trading activity of these securities, these assets were classified as Level 3 during 2008. Thethe fair values of these securities arewere estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis or other type of valuation adjustment methodology as of December 31, 20092010 and 2008.2009. These analyses consider, among other factors, the collateral underlying the security investments, theconsidered creditworthiness of the counterparty, the investment grade, the timing of expected future cash flows, estimatesand the current volume of trading activity. The discount rates used were determined by using the interest rates of similarly rated financial institutions debt based on the weighted average of a range of terms for corporate bond interest rates, which were obtained from published sources. All securities have call dates within the next timeyear. The Corporation calculated the security is expected to havepresent value assuming a successful auction,30 year nonamortizing balloon using weighted average discount rates between 3.88% and the fact that the management asserts that it does not intend to sell the security in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the securities before recovery6.87% as of its cost basis, as further described in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.December 31, 2010.
 
Mortgage LoansloansAvailable-for-Sale:available-for-sale:
 
Loans available for saleMortgage loansavailable-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value. The fair value of mortgage loansheld-for-saleavailable-for-sale isare based on what price secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, the Corporation classifies loans subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2 valuation.2.
 
Loans:
For variable rate loans with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The resulting amounts are adjusted to estimate the effect of changes in the credit quality of borrowers since the loans were originated.


66


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Corporation does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and a specific allowance for loan losses ismay be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance withsignificantly different than the contractual terms of the original loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures the estimated impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value, andor discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At December 31, 2009,
The Corporation reviews the net realizable values of the underlying collateral for collateral dependent impaired loans were evaluated based on at least a quarterly basis for all loan types. To determine the faircollateral value, management utilizes independent appraisals, broker price opinions, or internal evaluations. These valuations are reviewed to determine whether an additional discount should be applied given the age of market information that may have been considered as well as other factors such as costs to carry and sell an asset if it is determined that the collateral will be liquidated in connection with the ultimate settlement of the loan. The Corporation uses this valuation to determine if any charge offs or specific reserves are necessary. The Corporation may obtain new valuations in certain circumstances, including when there has been significant deterioration in the condition of the collateral, if the foreclosure process has begun, or based onif the net present value of their expected cash flows. existing valuation is deemed to be outdated.
Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fairnet realizable value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraisal value, the Corporation records the loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When a current appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value, and there is no observable market price, or the impairment is determined using the net present value of the expected cash flows, the Corporation classifiesrecords the impaired loanloans as nonrecurring Level 3 valuation.3.
 
Foreclosed Assets:
Upon transfer from the loan portfolio, foreclosed assets are adjusted to and subsequently carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral and as such, the Corporation classifies foreclosed assets as nonrecurring level 2 valuation. When a current appraisal is not available


59


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Corporation records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring level 3 valuation.
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values:Accrued interest:
 
The Corporation has investments in equity securities without readily determinablecarrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair values as well as an investment in a joint venture. The assets are individually reviewed for impairment on an annual basis by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value. The lack of an independent source to validate fair value estimates, including the impact of future capital calls and transfer restrictions, is an inherent limitation in the valuation process. The Corporation classifies nonmarketable equity securities and its investment in a joint venture subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3 valuation. During 2009 and 2008, there were no impairments recorded on equity securities without readily determinable fair values.
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights:Goodwill and other intangible assets:
 
Loan servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. A valuation model, which utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis using interest ratesAcquisition intangibles and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and a discount rate determined by management, is used for impairment testing. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model. As such, the Corporation classifies loan servicing rights subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2 valuation.
Acquisition Intangibles and Goodwill:
Intangible assetsgoodwill are subject to impairment testing. A projected cash flow valuation method is used in the completion of impairment testing. This valuation method requires a significant degree of management judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted net operating cash flows are less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation model. If the testing resulted in impairment, the Corporation would classify goodwill and other intangible assetsacquisition intangibles subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3 valuation.3. During 20092010 and 2008,2009, there were no impairments recorded on goodwill and other acquisition intangible assets.intangibles.
 
Other Borrowed Funds:Equity securities without readily determinable fair values:
The Corporation has investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values as well as investments in joint ventures. The assets are individually reviewed for impairment on an annual basis by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value. The lack of an independent source to validate fair value estimates, including the impact of future capital calls and transfer restrictions, is an inherent limitation in the valuation process. The Corporation classifies nonmarketable equity securities and its investments in joint ventures subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3. During 2010 and 2009, there were no impairments recorded on equity securities without readily determinable fair values.


67


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Foreclosed assets:
Upon transfer from the loan portfolio, foreclosed assets are adjusted to and subsequently carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Net realizable value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral, or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral and as such, the Corporation classifies foreclosed assets as a nonrecurring Level 2. When management determines that the net realizable value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value but there is no observable market price, the Corporation records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 3.
Originated mortgage servicing rights:
Originated mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. A valuation model, which utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and a discount rate determined by management, is used for impairment testing. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, originated mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model. As such, the Corporation classifies loan servicing rights subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.
Deposits:
Demand, savings, and money market deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for variable rate certificates of deposit approximate their recorded carrying value. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
Borrowed funds:
The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under overnight repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values. The fair values of the Corporation’s other borrowed funds are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Corporation’s current incremental borrowing arrangements.
 
The Corporation has elected to measure a portion of other borrowed funds at their fair value. These borrowings are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, with the fair value measurement estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on the Corporation’s current incremental borrowings rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Changes in the fair value of these borrowings are included in noninterest income. As such, the Corporation classifies other borrowed funds as Level 2 valuation.
The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.


60


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The table below represents the activity in Level 3 inputs measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31:
         
  2009  2008 
 
Level 3 inputs — January 1 $5,021  $ 
Transfers of securities into level 3 due to changes in the observability of significant inputs (illiquid markets)     11,000 
Net unrealized gains (losses) onavailable-for-sale investment securities
  5,006   (5,979)
         
Level 3 inputs — December 31 $10,027  $5,021 
         
The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on December 31:
                         
  2009  2008 
Description
 Total  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
 
Recurring Items
                        
Trading securities                        
Government-sponsored enterprises $  $  $  $4,014  $4,014  $ 
States and political subdivisions  9,962   9,962      11,556   11,556    
Corporate           160   160    
Mortgage-backed  3,601   3,601      6,045   6,045    
                         
Total trading securities  13,563   13,563      21,775   21,775    
                         
Available-for-sale investment securities
                        
U.S. Government and federal agencies           4,083   4,083    
Government-sponsored enterprises  19,471   19,471      62,988   62,988    
States and political sub divisions  151,730   151,730      149,323   149,323    
Corporate           7,145   7,145    
Auction rate money market preferred  2,973      2,973   5,979      5,979 
Preferred stock  7,054      7,054          
Mortgage-backed  67,734   67,734      16,937   16,937    
Collateralized mortgage obligations  10,104   10,104             
                         
Totalavailable-for-sale investment securities
  259,066   249,039   10,027   246,455   240,476   5,979 
Mortgage loans available for sale  2,281   2,281      898   898    
Borrowed funds  17,804   17,804      23,130   23,130    
Nonrecurring Items
                        
Impaired loans  12,654      12,654   13,843      13,843 
Mortgage servicing rights  2,620   2,620      2,105   2,105    
Foreclosed assets  1,157   1,157      2,923   2,923    
                         
  $309,145  $286,464  $22,681  $311,129  $291,307  $19,822 
                         
Percent of assets and liabilities measured at fair value      92.66%  7.34%      93.63%  6.37%
                         
In certain previousForm 10-Q andForm 10-K filings the Corporation disclosed that a portion of trading securities,available-for-sale investment securities and other borrowed funds were measured at Level 1 and at Level 3. The Corporation recently determined that documentation provided to the Corporation by its third party securities pricing vendor more closely reflects a Level 2 categorization than Level 1 and Level 3 as previously reported. No significant measurement methodology changes have been made by the Corporation’s securities pricing vendor. As a result, $10,175 of trading securities, $89,507 ofavailable-for-sale investment securities and $23,130 of other borrowed funds were reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 classification as of December 31, 2008.


61


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Furthermore, $14,370 ofavailable-for-sale investment securities were reclassified from Level 3 to Level 2 classification as of December 31, 2008
The changes in fair value of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value through earnings on a recurring basis and changes in assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, for which impairment was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, are summarized as follows:
                         
  2009  2008 
  Trading
        Trading
       
  Gains and
  Other Gains
     Gains and
  Other Gains
    
Description
 (Losses)  and (Losses)  Total  (Losses)  and (Losses)  Total 
 
Recurring Items
                        
Trading securities $80  $  $80  $245  $  $245 
Other borrowed funds     289   289      (641)  (641)
Nonrecurring Items
                        
Impaired loans              (71)  (71)
Mortgage servicing rights     7   7      (115)  (115)
Foreclosed assets     (157)  (157)     (231)  (231)
                         
          $219          $(813)
                         
During 2008, primarily as a result of declines in the rates offered on new residential mortgage loans, the Corporation recorded impairment charges of $115 related to the carrying value of its mortgage servicing rights, in accordance with authoritative guidance related to mortgage servicing assets. This decline in offering rates decreased the expected lives of the loans serviced and in turn decreased the value of the serving rights.
The impairment charges to foreclosed assets were the result of the real estate held declining in value subsequent to the properties being transferred to other real estate.
The activity in the trading portfolio of investment securities was as follows for the years ended December 31:
         
  2009  2008 
 
Purchases $  $11,010 
Sales, calls, and maturities  (8,292)  (14,544)
Net change in fair market value  80   245 
         
Total
 $(8,212) $(3,289)
         
The net gain on trading securities representsmark-to-market adjustments. Included in the net trading gains of $80 during 2009, was $38 of net trading gains on securities that were held in the Corporation’s trading portfolio as of December 31, 2009.
The activity in borrowings carried at fair value was as follows for years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
         
  2009  2008 
 
Issuances $  $15,000 
Sales, calls, and maturities  (5,037)  (34)
Net change in fair value  (289)  641 
         
Total
 $(5,326) $15,607 
         
Note 21 —Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many


62


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Corporation’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the estimated amounts provided herein do not necessarily indicate amounts which could be realized in a current exchange. Furthermore, as the Corporation typically holds the majority of its financial instruments until maturity, it does not expect to realize all of the estimated amounts disclosed. The disclosures also do not include estimated fair value amounts for items which are not defined as financial instruments, but which have significant value. These include such items as core deposit intangibles, the future earnings of significant customer relationships and the value of other fee generating businesses. The Corporation believes the imprecision of an estimate could be significant.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Corporation in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents:
The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instrument, including Federal funds sold, approximate fair values.
Interest bearing balances held in other financial institutions:
Interest bearing balances held in other financial institutions include certificates of deposit and other short term interest bearing balances that mature within 3 years. The fair values of these instruments approximate the carrying amounts.
Investment securities:
Investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss and liquidity assumptions.
Mortgage loans available for sale:
Fair values of mortgage loans available for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices.
Loans:
For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for other loans (e.g. , real estate mortgage, agricultural, commercial, and installment) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The resulting amounts are adjusted to estimate the effect of declines, if any, in the credit quality of borrowers since the loans were originated. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.
Mortgage servicing rights:
The carrying amounts for mortgage servicing rights are reported in the consolidated balance sheets under “Other Assets”. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics when applicable, or based upon discounted cash flow analyses.


63


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Deposits:
Demand, savings, and money market deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for variable rate certificates of deposit approximate their recorded carrying value. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
Short-term borrowings:
The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values. Fair values of other short-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Corporation’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowings arrangements.
Borrowings:
The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values. The fair values of the Corporation’s other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Corporation’s current incremental borrowing arrangements.
Accrued interest:
The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.
Derivative financial instruments:
Fair values for derivative loan commitments and forward loan sale commitments are based on fair values of the underlying mortgage loans and the probability of such commitments being exercised.2.
 
Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and undisbursed loans:
 
Fair values for off-balance-sheetoff balance sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into consideration the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standings. The Corporation does not charge fees for lending commitments; thus it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of these instruments.
The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Corporation believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement.


6468


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following sets forthtable below represents the estimated fair value and recorded carrying values ofactivity inavailable-for-sale investment securities measured with Level 3 inputs on a recurring basis for the Corporation’s financial instruments as ofyears ended December 31:
 
                 
  2009  2008 
  Estimated
  Carrying
  Estimated
  Carrying
 
  Fair Value  Value  Fair Value  Value 
 
ASSETS
Cash and demand deposits due from banks $22,706  $22,706  $22,979  $22,979 
Interest bearing balances held in other financial institutions  7,156   7,156   575   575 
Trading securities  13,563   13,563   21,775   21,775 
Investment securities available for sale  259,066   259,066   246,455   246,455 
Mortgage loans available for sale  2,294   2,281   905   898 
Net loans  719,604   710,337   743,110   723,403 
Accrued interest receivable  5,832   5,832   6,322   6,322 
Mortgage servicing rights  2,620   2,620   2,105   2,105 
Foreclosed assets  1,157   1,157   2,923   2,923 
 
LIABILITIES
Deposits with no stated maturities  382,006   382,006   394,042   394,042 
Deposits with stated maturities  424,048   420,646   387,291   381,588 
Borrowed funds  195,179   193,101   230,130   222,350 
Accrued interest payable  1,143   1,143   1,334   1,334 
         
  2010  2009 
 
Level 3 inputs — January 1 $10,027  $5,979 
Net unrealized (losses) gains onavailable-for-sale investment securities
  (226)  4,048 
         
Level 3 inputs — December 31 $9,801  $10,027 
         
The changes in fair value of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value through earnings on a recurring basis and changes in assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, for which an impairment, or reduction of an impairment, was recognized in 2010 and 2009, are summarized as follows:
                         
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009 
  Trading
        Trading
       
  Gains and
  Other Gains
     Gains and
  Other Gains
    
Description
 (Losses)  and (Losses)  Total  (Losses)  and (Losses)  Total 
 
Recurring items
                        
Trading securities $(94) $  $(94) $80  $  $80 
Borrowed funds     227   227      289   289 
Nonrecurring items
                        
Foreclosed assets     (180)  (180)     (157)  (157)
Originated mortgage servicing rights     1   1      7   7 
                         
Total
 $(94) $48  $(46) $80  $139  $219 
                         
The activity in borrowings which the Corporation has elected to carry at fair value was as follows for the years ended December 31:
         
  2010  2009 
 
Borrowings carried at fair value — January 1 $17,804  $23,130 
Paydowns and maturities  (7,154)  (5,037)
Net change in fair value  (227)  (289)
         
Borrowings carried at fair value — December 31
 $10,423  $17,804 
         
Unpaid principal balance — December 31
 $10,000  $17,154 
         


69


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 2220 —Parent Company Only Financial Information
 
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
                
 December 31  December 31 
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
ASSETS
ASSETS
ASSETS
Cash on deposit at subsidiary Bank $172  $1,144  $301  $172 
Securities available for sale  2,073   2,140   1,929   2,073 
Investments in subsidiaries  89,405   82,673   94,668   89,405 
Premises and equipment  2,346   2,043   1,952   2,346 
Other assets  53,644   52,096   53,481   53,644 
          
Total Assets
 $147,640  $140,096  $152,331  $147,640 
          
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Other liabilities $6,837  $5,620  $7,170  $6,837 
Shareholders’ equity  140,803   134,476   145,161   140,803 
          
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 $147,640  $140,096 
Total Liabilities And Shareholders’ Equity
 $152,331  $147,640 
          


65


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Condensed Statements of Income
 
                        
 Year Ended December 31  Year Ended December 31 
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Income                        
Dividends from subsidiaries $6,100  $5,800  $15,975  $6,250  $6,100  $5,800 
Interest income  77   88   177   72   77   88 
Management fee and other  993   1,011   1,517   1,340   993   1,011 
              
Total income
  7,170   6,899   17,669   7,662   7,170   6,899 
Expenses  3,907   3,989   3,890             
Salaries and benefits  2,286   2,112   1,819 
Occupancy and equipment  356   430   435 
Audit and SOX compliance fees  476   291   376 
Other  932   1,074   1,359 
       
Total expenses
  4,050   3,907   3,989 
              
Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  3,263   2,910   13,779   3,612   3,263   2,910 
Federal income tax benefit  976   905   773   896   976   905 
              
  4,239   3,815   14,552   4,508   4,239   3,815 
Undistributed earnings (distributions in excess of earnings) of subsidiaries  3,561   286   (6,622)
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  4,537   3,561   286 
              
Net income
 $7,800  $4,101  $7,930  $9,045  $7,800  $4,101 
              


6670


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
                        
 Year Ended December 31  Year Ended December 31 
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Operating Activities
                        
Net income $7,800  $4,101  $7,930  $9,045  $7,800  $4,101 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations                        
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  (3,561)  (286)  6,622   (4,537)  (3,561)  (286)
Share based payment awards  677   603   758   650   677   603 
Depreciation  163   294   592   147   163   294 
Net amortization of investment securities  6   5   4   5   6   5 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense  (570)  162   (165)  (172)  (570)  162 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash                        
Interest receivable     1   (2)
Other assets  (748)  (817)  (776)  298   (748)  (816)
Accrued interest and other expenses  517   583   (389)
Accrued interest and other liabilities  1,883   517   583 
              
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  4,284   4,646   14,574   7,319   4,284   4,646 
Investing Activities
                        
Activity inavailable-for-sale securities
                        
Maturities, calls, and sales  110   110   595   110   110   110 
Purchases        (266)
(Purchases) sales of equipment and premises  (466)  1,300   (1,135)
Sales (purchases) of equipment and premises  247   (466)  1,300 
Advances to subsidiaries     (11,927)  (50)  (250)     (11,927)
              
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
  (356)  (10,517)  (856)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
  107   (356)  (10,517)
Financing Activities
                        
Net increase in other borrowed funds  700   1,836    
Net (decrease) increase in other borrowed funds  (1,550)  700   1,836 
Cash dividends paid on common stock  (5,256)  (4,873)  (4,304)  (5,421)  (5,256)  (4,873)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock  2,479   2,476   2,657   2,208   2,479   2,476 
Common stock repurchased  (2,056)  (6,440)  (1,881)  (2,020)  (2,056)  (6,440)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations  (767)  (249)     (514)  (767)  (249)
              
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
  (4,900)  (7,250)  (3,528)  (7,297)  (4,900)  (7,250)
              
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  (972)  (13,121)  10,190 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  129   (972)  (13,121)
Cash and cash equivelants at beginning of year  1,144   14,265   4,075   172   1,144   14,265 
              
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
 $172  $1,144  $14,265 
Cash And Cash Equivalents at End of Year
 $301  $172  $1,144 
              
 
Note 2321 —Operating Segments
 
The Corporation’s reportable segments are based on legal entities that account for at least 10 percent of net operating results. Retail banking operations for 2010, 2009, 2008, and 20072008 represent approximately 90% or greater of the Corporation’s total assets and operating results. As such, no additional segment information is presented.


6771


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OpearationsOperations
 
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION FINANCIAL REVIEW
(All dollars in thousands)
 
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for Isabella Bank Corporation (the “Corporation”).Corporation. This discussion and analysis is intended to provide a better understanding of the consolidated financial statements and statistical data included elsewhere in the Annual Report. The Corporation’s acquisition of Greenville Community Financial
Executive Summary
Isabella Bank Corporation, as well as all other financial institutions in January 2008 was accounted for as a purchase transaction,Michigan and as such,across the related results ofentire country, continues to experience the negative impacts on its operations are included from the date of acquisition. See “Note 2 — Business Combinationsrecent economic recession and Joint Venture Formation” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the report.
The currentsubsequent recovery. This recession, which began in the fourth quarter of 2008, continued to negatively impact the Corporation’s overall profitability throughout 2009 ashas resulted in historically high levels of loan delinquencies and nonaccrual loans, which have translated into high levels ofincreases in net loans charged off and foreclosed asset and collection related expenses. AlthoughAdditionally, there have been announcements by several large banks stating that they have halted foreclosures due to a failure to properly prepare the documents to complete the foreclosure process. Isabella Bank Corporation has, to its knowledge, materially complied with all laws governing foreclosures.
Despite the recent economic downturn, the Corporation continues to be profitable, with net income of $9,045 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Corporation’s nonperforming loans remain at historically high levels, they haverepresented 0.83% of total loans as of December 31, 2010 which declined $3,136 from last year. This improvement, coupled with a decline in net loans charged off, enabled the Corporation to reduce its provision for loan losses in1.28% as of December 31, 2009. The reductionratio of nonperforming loans to total loans for all banks in the provision for loan losses along with an increasedCorporation’s peer group was 3.71% as of September 30, 2010 (December 31, 2010 peer group ratios are not yet available). The Corporation’s interest margins also continue to be strong, as the net yield on interest earning assets (on a fully tax equivalent basis) resultedwas 4.04% for the year ended December 31, 2010.
New Branch Office
As part of the Corporation’s effort to expand its market area, the Corporation opened a new branch in net incomeMidland, Michigan in the third quarter of $7,8002010. The new full service office will expand the Corporation’s presence in the Midland area as a source for 2009, as comparedboth commercial and consumer loans and deposits.
Recent Legislation
The recently passed Health Care and Education Act of 2010 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could have a significant impact on the Corporation’s operating results in future periods. Aside from the potential increases in the Corporation’s health care costs, the implementation of the new rules and requirements is likely to $4,101require a substantial commitment from the Corporation’s management.
The recently enacted Dodd-Frank Act is very broad and complex legislation that puts in place a sweeping new financial services framework that is likely to have significant regulatory and legal consequences and will likely impact the Corporation’s future operating results. Implementation of the Act will require compliance with numerous new regulations, which will increase compliance and documentation costs. For more information, see the summary of the Dodd-Frank Act under the heading “Regulation” in Item 1, included in the Corporation’s 2010 annual report onForm 10-K.
In September 2010, Congress passed and the President signed into law the Small Business Lending Bill which includes access to capital for 2008.community banks. The Corporation continues to be well capitalized and profitable and is not expecting to participate in the program.
Shareholder Stock Purchase Program
The Corporation recently amended its Dividend Reinvestment and Employee Stock Purchase Plan to allow for any current shareholders to purchase additional shares of the Corporation’s stock directly from the Corporation beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010. For further detailed discussion and analysis,more information regarding that amendment, see below.theForm S-3D that the Corporation filed with the SEC on October 1, 2010.
Other
 
The Corporation has not received any notices of regulatory actions as of December 31, 2009.February 28, 2011.


72


Critical Accounting Policies:
 
The Corporation’s significant accounting policies are set forth in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Of these significant accounting policies, the Corporation considers its policies regarding the allowance for loan losses, acquisition intangibles, and the determination of the fair value of investment securities to be its most critical accounting policies.
 
The allowance for loan losses requires management’s most subjective and complex judgment. Changes in economic conditions can have a significant impact on the allowance for loan losses and, therefore, the provision for loan losses and results of operations. The Corporation has developed appropriate policies and procedures for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, recognizing that this process requires a number of assumptions and estimates with respect to its loan portfolio. The Corporation’s assessments may be impacted in future periods by changes in economic conditions, and the discovery of information with respect to borrowers which is not known to management at the time of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements. For additional discussion concerning the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses and related matters, see the Provision for Loan Lossesdetailed discussion below.to follow.
 
United States generally accepted accounting principles require that the Corporation determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities of an acquired entity, and record their fair value on the date of acquisition. The Corporation employs a variety of measures in the determination of the fair value, including the use of discounted cash flow analysis, market appraisals, and projected future revenue streams. For certain items that management believes it has the appropriate expertise to determine the fair value, management may choose to use its own calculations of the value. In other cases, where the value is not easily determined, the Corporation consults with outside parties to determine the fair value of the identified asset or liability. Once valuations have been adjusted, the net difference between the price paid for the acquired entity and the value of its balance sheet, including identifiable intangibles, is recorded as goodwill. This goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis.
 
The Corporation currently has bothavailable-for-sale and trading investment securities that are carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value ofavailable-for-sale investment securities are included as a component of other comprehensive income, while declines in the fair value of these securities below their cost that are other than temporaryother-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses.losses in the consolidated statements of income. The change in value of trading investment securities is included in current earnings. Management evaluates securities for indications of losses that are consideredother-than-temporary, if any, on a regular basis.


68


The market values foravailable-for-sale and trading investment securities are typically obtained from outside sources and applied to individual securities within the portfolio.
The Corporation invested $11,000 in auction rate money market preferred investment security instruments, which are classified asavailable-for-sale securities and reflected at estimated fair value. Due to credit market uncertainty, the trading for these securities has been limited. As a result of the limited trading of these securities, $7,800 converted to preferred stock with debt like characteristics in 2009.
Due to the limited trading activity of these securities, the fair values of investment securities with illiquid markets arewere estimated by management utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis or other typeas of valuation adjustment methodology.December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. These analyses considered creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the current volume of trading activity. The discount rates used were determined by using the interest rates of similarly rated financial institutions debt based on the weighted average of a range of terms for corporate bond interest rates, which were obtained from published sources. All securities have call dates within the next year. The Corporation calculated the present value assuming a 30 year nonamortizing balloon using weighted average discount rates between 3.88% and 6.87% as of December 31, 2010.
As of December 31, 2010, the Corporation held an auction rate money market preferred security and preferred stock which declined in fair value as a result of the securities’ interest rates, as they are also compared, when possible, to othercurrently lower than the offering rates of securities with similar characteristics. Despite the limited trading of these securities, management has determined that any declines in the fair value of these securities are the result of changes in interest rates and not risks related to the underlying credit quality of the security. Additionally, none of these securities are deemed to be below investment grade, and management does not intend to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position, and it is more likely than not that the Corporation will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis. As


73


a result, the Corporation has not recognized another-than-temporary impairment related to these declines in fair value.
 
DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

INTEREST RATE AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL
 
The following schedules present the daily average amount outstanding for each major category of interest earning assets, nonearning assets, interest bearing liabilities, and noninterest bearing liabilities for the last three years. This schedule also presents an analysis of interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. All interest income is reported on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis using a 34% federal income tax rate. Nonaccruing loans, for the purpose of the following computations, are included in the average loan amounts outstanding. Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Equitystock holdings which are restricted are included in Other Assets.
 
                                                                        
 Year Ended  Year Ended 
 December 31, 2009 December 31, 2008 December 31, 2007  December 31, 2010 December 31, 2009 December 31, 2008 
   Tax
 Average
   Tax
 Average
   Tax
 Average
    Tax
 Average
   Tax
 Average
   Tax
 Average
 
 Average
 Equivalent
 Yield/
 Average
 Equivalent
 Yield/
 Average
 Equivalent
 Yield/
  Average
 Equivalent
 Yield/
 Average
 Equivalent
 Yield/
 Average
 Equivalent
 Yield/
 
 Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate  Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate 
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                                    
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
                                    
Loans $725,299  $47,706   6.58% $717,040  $49,674   6.93% $604,342  $43,808   7.25% $725,534  $46,794   6.45% $725,299  $47,706   6.58% $717,040  $49,674   6.93%
Taxable investment securities  119,063   4,712   3.96%  108,919   5,433   4.99%  68,398   3,751   5.48%  160,514   5,271   3.28%  119,063   4,712   3.96%  108,919   5,433   4.99%
Nontaxable investment securities  121,676   7,217   5.93%  121,220   7,218   5.95%  96,789   5,726   5.92%  120,999   7,095   5.86%  121,676   7,217   5.93%  121,220   7,218   5.95%
Trading account securities  17,279   856   4.95%  26,618   1,305   4.90%  50,904   2,298   4.51%  8,097   436   5.38%  17,279   856   4.95%  26,618   1,305   4.90%
Federal funds sold  842   1   0.12%  5,198   110   2.12%  6,758   342   5.06%           842   1   0.12%  5,198   110   2.12%
Other  27,433   376   1.37%  17,600   433   2.46%  7,143   317   4.44%  45,509   479   1.05%  27,433   376   1.37%  17,600   433   2.46%
                                      
Total earning assets
  1,011,592   60,868   6.02%  996,595   64,173   6.44%  834,334   56,242   6.74%  1,060,653   60,075   5.66%  1,011,592   60,868   6.02%  996,595   64,173   6.44%
NON EARNING ASSETS:
                                    
NON EARNING ASSETS
                                    
Allowance for loan losses  (12,334)          (8,606)          (7,603)          (13,262)          (12,334)          (8,606)        
Cash and due from banks  18,190           18,582           20,588         
Cash and demand deposits due from banks  18,070           18,190           18,582         
Premises and equipment  23,810           22,905           21,507           24,624           23,810           22,905         
Accrued income and other assets  86,376           83,626           56,805           92,845           86,376           83,626         
              
Total assets
 $1,127,634          $1,113,102          $925,631          $1,182,930          $1,127,634          $1,113,102         
              
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                    
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
                                    
Interest bearing demand deposits $116,412   146   0.13% $114,889   813   0.71% $109,370   1,880   1.72% $137,109   151   0.11% $116,412   146   0.13% $114,889   813   0.71%
Savings deposits  177,538   399   0.22%  213,410   2,439   1.14%  188,323   4,232   2.25%  169,579   391   0.23%  177,538   399   0.22%  213,410   2,439   1.14%
Time deposits  398,356   13,043   3.27%  393,190   16,621   4.23%  349,941   16,493   4.71%  430,892   10,988   2.55%  398,356   13,043   3.27%  393,190   16,621   4.23%
Borrowed funds  193,922   6,251   3.22%  145,802   5,733   3.93%  68,586   3,354   4.89%  188,512   5,674   3.01%  193,922   6,251   3.22%  145,802   5,733   3.93%
                 ��                     
Total interest bearing liabilities
  886,228   19,839   2.24%  867,291   25,606   2.95%  716,220   25,959   3.62%  926,092   17,204   1.86%  886,228   19,839   2.24%  867,291   25,606   2.95%
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                                    
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
                                    
Demand deposits  94,408           95,552           80,128           102,812           94,408           95,552         
Other  7,188           6,633           10,037           14,171           7,188           6,633         
Shareholders’ equity  139,810           143,626           119,246           139,855           139,810           143,626         
              
Total liabilities and equity
 $1,127,634          $1,113,102          $925,631         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 $1,182,930          $1,127,634          $1,113,102         
              
Net interest income (FTE)
     $41,029          $38,567          $30,283          $42,871          $41,029          $38,567     
                          
Net yield on interest earning assets (FTE)
          4.06%          3.87%          3.63%          4.04%          4.06%          3.87%
              


6974


Net Interest Income
 
The Corporation derives the majority of its gross income from interest earned on loans and investments, while its most significant expense is the interest cost incurred for funds used. Net interest income is the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds the interest cost of deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is influenced by changes in the balance and mix of assets and liabilities and market interest rates. Management exerts some control over these factors; however, Federal Reserve monetary policy and competition have a significant impact. Interest income includes loan fees of $2,196, in 2010, $1,963 in 2009, and $1,808 in 2008, and $1,330 in 2007.2008. For analytical purposes, net interest income is adjusted to a “taxable equivalent” basis by adding the income tax savings from interest on tax-exempttax exempt loans and securities, thus makingyear-to-year year to year comparisons more meaningful.
 
VOLUME AND RATE VARIANCE ANALYSIS
 
The following table details the dollar amount of changes in FTE net interest income for each major category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and the amount of change attributable to changes in average balances (volume) or average rates. The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
 
                                                
 2009 Compared to 2008
 2008 Compared to 2007
  2010 Compared to 2009
 2009 Compared to 2008
 
 Increase (Decrease) Due to Increase (Decrease) Due to  Increase (Decrease) Due to Increase (Decrease) Due to 
 Volume Rate Net Volume Rate Net  Volume Rate Net Volume Rate Net 
CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME:
                                                
Loans $567  $(2,535) $(1,968) $7,877  $(2,011) $5,866  $15  $(927) $(912) $567  $(2,535) $(1,968)
Taxable investment securities  474   (1,195)  (721)  2,048   (366)  1,682   1,453   (894)  559   474   (1,195)  (721)
Nontaxable investment securities  27   (28)  (1)  1,454   38   1,492   (40)  (82)  (122)  27   (28)  (1)
Trading account securities  (463)  14   (449)  (1,176)  183   (993)  (489)  69   (420)  (463)  14   (449)
Federal funds sold  (51)  (58)  (109)  (66)  (166)  (232)  (1)     (1)  (51)  (58)  (109)
Other  182   (239)  (57)  306   (190)  116   205   (102)  103   182   (239)  (57)
                          
Total changes in interest income
  736   (4,041)  (3,305)  10,443   (2,512)  7,931   1,143   (1,936)  (793)  736   (4,041)  (3,305)
CHANGES IN INTEREST EXPENSE:
                                                
Interest bearing demand deposits  11   (678)  (667)  90   (1,157)  (1,067)  24   (19)  5   11   (678)  (667)
Savings deposits  (353)  (1,687)  (2,040)  505   (2,298)  (1,793)  (18)  10   (8)  (353)  (1,687)  (2,040)
Time deposits  216   (3,794)  (3,578)  1,924   (1,796)  128   1,002   (3,057)  (2,055)  216   (3,794)  (3,578)
Borrowed funds  1,672   (1,154)  518   3,146   (767)  2,379   (171)  (406)  (577)  1,672   (1,154)  518 
                          
Total changes in interest expense
  1,546   (7,313)  (5,767)  5,665   (6,018)  (353)  837   (3,472)  (2,635)  1,546   (7,313)  (5,767)
                          
Net change in interest margin (FTE)
 $(810) $3,272  $2,462  $4,778  $3,506  $8,284  $306  $1,536  $1,842  $(810) $3,272  $2,462 
                          
 
The Corporation, as well as all other financial institutions, has experienced dramatic changesDespite a $49,061 increase in interest ratesearning assets in 2010, the last three years. The Federal Reserve Bank (“The Fed”) lowered its target Fed Funds rate to 0.00% — 0.25%$1,842 increase in December 2008. The Fed’s actions wereFTE net interest income was primarily the result of a significant weakening of the Nation’s economy to an extent not seen since the Great Depression. As the Corporation’s balance sheet is liability sensitive, net interest margins increased as the interest rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreaseddecreasing faster than thoserates earned on interest earning assets.
Management does anticipate, however, The Corporation anticipates that net interest marginsmargin yield will decline throughout 2010slightly during 2011 due to the following factors:
 
• While the Corporation’s liability sensitive balance sheet has allowed it to benefit from decreases in interest rates, it also makes the Corporation sensitive to increases in deposit and borrowing rates. As part of the Corporation’s goal to minimize the potential negative impacts of possible increases in future interest rates, management is actively working to lengthen the terms of its interest bearing liabilities. This lengthening has increased the Corporation’s cost of funding, reducing net interest income in the short term.
 • Based on the current economic conditions, management does not anticipate any changes in the target Fed funds rate during much of 2010.in the foreseeable future. As such, the Corporation does not anticipate significant, if any, changes in market rates. However, there is the potential for declines in rates earned on interest earning assets. Most of the potential declines would arise out of the Corporation’s investment portfolio, due to securities which may be called or will mature in 2011, as securities with call datesthese funds will most likely be called and the Corporation will be reinvesting those proceedsreinvested at significantly lower rates.


7075


 
 • Long termInterest rates on residential mortgage rates continue to beloans remain at historically low levels.or near historical lows. This rate environment has led to strong consumer demand for fixed rate mortgage products which are generally sold to the secondary market. As a result, of the majority of loans being sold to the secondary market, there has been a significant decline in three and five year balloon mortgages, which are held on the Corporation’s balance sheet. As these balloon mortgages have been paid off, the proceeds from these loans have been reinvested (typically in the form ofavailable-for-sale investment securities) at lower interest rates which has and will continue to, adversely impactimpacted interest income.
 
 • While the Corporation’s liability sensitive balance sheetLoan growth has allowed it to benefitbeen minimal during 2010. As a result, funds were reinvested from decreases in interest rates, it also makes the Corporation extremely sensitive to increases in deposit and borrowing rates. As part of the Corporation’s goal to minimize the potential negative impacts of possible increases in future interest rates, management will actively work to lengthen its interest bearing liabilities. This lengthening will increase the Corporation’s cost of funding, potentially reducing net interest income in the short term.higher yielding loans into lower yielding investments.
 
 • In an effort to reduceThe interest rates on many types of loans including home equity lines of credit, residential balloon mortgages, variable rate commercial lines of credit, and investment securities with acceptable credit and interest rate risks are currently priced at or below the potential long term negative impact of increases in rates paidCorporation’s current net yield on interest bearing liabilities,earning assets. In order to earn additional net interest income, the Corporation anticipates growing the balance sheet through the acquisition of investment securities in 2010. Theseis continuing to extend loans and purchase investments that will be funded through deposit growth and wholesale borrowings. Theincrease net income but decrease net interest margin generated by the purchase of these investments is anticipated to be less than 2.0%, but will provide additional net interest income.yield.
 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN QUALITY
Provision for Loan LossesLOSSES
 
The provision for loan losses representsviability of any financial institution is ultimately determined by its management of credit risk. Loans outstanding represent the current period loan cost associated with maintaining an appropriateCorporation’s single largest concentration of risk. The allowance for loan losses as determined by management. Periodic fluctuations(“ALLL”) is management’s estimation of losses in the existing loan portfolio. Factors used to evaluate the loan portfolio, and thus to determine the current charge to expense, include recent loan loss history, financial condition of borrowers, amount of nonperforming and impaired loans, overall economic conditions, and other factors.
The following schedule shows the composition of the provision for loan losses result from management’s best estimates as to the adequacy ofand the allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses within the existing loan portfolio. The provision for loan losses for each period is further dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the compositionlosses.
                     
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
 
Allowance for loan losses — January 1 $12,979  $11,982  $7,301  $7,605  $6,899 
Allowance of acquired bank        822      726 
Loans charged off                    
Commercial and agricultural  3,731   3,081   2,137   905   368 
Real estate mortgage  2,524   2,627   3,334   659   252 
Consumer  596   934   854   582   529 
                     
Total loans charged off
  6,851   6,642   6,325   2,146   1,149 
Recoveries                    
Commercial and agricultural  453   623   160   297   136 
Real estate mortgage  638   546   240   49   53 
Consumer  297   377   284   285   258 
                     
Total recoveries
  1,388   1,546   684   631   447 
                     
Net loans charged off  5,463   5,096   5,641   1,515   702 
Provision charged to income  4,857   6,093   9,500   1,211   682 
                     
Allowance for loan losses — December 31
 $12,373  $12,979  $11,982  $7,301  $7,605 
                     
Year to date average loans
 $725,534  $725,299  $717,040  $604,342  $522,726 
                     
Net loans charged off to average loans outstanding
  0.75%  0.70%  0.79%  0.25%  0.13%
                     
Total amount of loans outstanding
 $735,304  $723,316  $735,385  $612,687  $591,042 
                     
Allowance for loan losses as a % of loans
  1.68%  1.79%  1.63%  1.19%  1.29%
                     


76


As a result of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, assessment by management, third parties and banking regulators of the quality of the loan portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral on problem loans and the generalrecent economic conditions in the market areas.
In the past two years,recession, residential real estate values in the Bank’sCorporation’s market areas have declined 20% to 40%.declined. These declines are the result of increases in the inventory of unsold homes. This increased inventory is partially the result of the inability of potential home buyers to obtain financing due to the tightening of loan underwriting criteria by many of the financial institutions, brokers and government sponsored agencies.agencies and uncertainties associated with industry wide concerns over the foreclosure process. While Isabella Bankthe Corporation has maintained traditional lending standards, the decline in real estate values has had an adverse impact on customers who are experiencing financial difficulties. Historically, customers who experienced difficulties were able to sell their properties for more than the loan balance owed. The steep decline in real estate values has diminished homeowner equity and led borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulties to default on their mortgage loans.
 
While the Bank has elected not to participate in the U.S. Treasury’s “Making Home Affordable Program”, it has taken aggressive actions to avoid foreclosures on borrowers who are willing to work with the Bank in modifying their loans, thus making them more affordable. Actions taken include extensions of amortizations, temporary reductions in interest rates and, when necessary, a reduction in the principal balance owed. To date, the Bank has modified 94 loans with outstanding balances totaling $7,562.


71


The following schedule shows the composition of the provision for loan losses and the allowance for loan losses.
                     
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005 
 
Allowance for loan losses — January 1 $11,982  $7,301  $7,605  $6,899  $6,444 
Allowance of acquired bank     822      726    
Loans charged off                    
Commercial and agricultural  3,081   2,137   905   368   101 
Real estate mortgage  2,627   3,334   659   252   166 
Consumer  934   854   582   529   376 
                     
Total loans charged off
  6,642   6,325   2,146   1,149   643 
Recoveries                    
Commercial and agricultural  623   160   297   136   105 
Real estate mortgage  546   240   49   53    
Consumer  377   284   285   258   216 
                     
Total recoveries
  1,546   684   631   447   321 
                     
Net loans charged off  5,096   5,641   1,515   702   322 
Provision charged to income  6,093   9,500   1,211   682   777 
                     
Allowance for loan losses — December 31
 $12,979  $11,982  $7,301  $7,605  $6,899 
                     
Year to date average loans
 $725,299  $717,040  $604,342  $522,726  $466,001 
                     
Net loans charged off to average loans outstanding
  0.70%  0.79%  0.25%  0.13%  0.07%
                     
Total amount of loans outstanding
 $723,316  $735,385  $612,687  $591,042  $483,242 
                     
Allowance for loan losses as a % of loans
  1.79%  1.63%  1.19%  1.29%  1.43%
                     
As shown in the preceding table, the Corporation’s gross chargeoffs increased $317 to $6,642 in 2009, while recoveries increased by $862 resulting in a $545 reduction in net chargeoffs compared with 2008. Management believes the increase in recoveries, in both dollars and as a percentage of chargeoffs, is a direct result of management conservatively valuing collateral that it has repossessed from defaulted credits.
As discussed above, the Corporation experienced a decline in credit quality in 2008 resulting in a dramatic increase in total loans charged off. These chargeoffs were a direct result of the significant downturn in the national and local economy which has led to increases in unemployment coupled with significant property devaluation. As a result of the significant increases in loans charged off, local and regional economic uncertainties of the Corporation’s loan portfolio and increases in foreclosed loans during 2008 and 2009, the Corporation significantly increased its provision for loan losses in these years. This increased provision has resulted in an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of gross loans of 1.79% as of December 31, 2009.
The Corporation has also experienced an increase in foreclosed loans and an increase in loans charged off due mainly to the downturn in the commercial real estate mortgage market. Of the $3,081 commercial and agricultural loans charged off in 2009, $1,325 was related to one loan, for which a $1,000 specific allocation was recorded as of December 31, 2008.
The nationwide increase in residential mortgage loans past due and in foreclosures has received considerable attention by the Federal Government, the media, banking regulators, and industry trade groups. Based on information provided by The Mortgage Bankers Association, a substantial portion of the nationwide increase in both past dues and foreclosures are related to option adjustable rate mortgages and Alternative-Asub-prime mortgage products. While the Corporation has not originated or held alternative mortgage loan products, the


72


difficulties experienced in these markets have adversely impacted the entire market, and thus the overall credit quality of the Corporation’s residential mortgage portfolio. The increase in troubled residential mortgage loans and a tightening of underwriting standards will most likely result in an increase in residential mortgage loans in foreclosure and possibly the inventory of unsold homes. The combination of all of these factors is expected to further reduce average home values and thus homeowner’s equity on a national level.
The Corporation originates and sells fixed rate residential real estate mortgages to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.Corporation (Freddie Mac). The Corporation has not originated loans either for either trading or its own portfolio that would be classified as sub prime, nor has it originated adjustable rate mortgagessubprime or financed loans for more than 80% of market value unless insured by private third party insurance.
 
BasedAs shown in the preceding table, when comparing 2010 to 2009, net loans charged off increased by $367. This increase is primarily related to one loan, for which a charge off of $1,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010. Despite the increase in net loans charged off, the overall improvement in the credit quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio has allowed the Corporation to reduce its provision for loan losses in 2010 when compared to 2009.
The Corporation allocates the allowance throughout its loan portfolio based on management’s analysis,assessment of the underlying risks associated with each loan segment. Management’s assessments include allocations based on specific impairment allocations, historical loss histories, internally assigned credit ratings, and past due and nonaccrual balances. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is not allocated to any one loan segment, but is instead a reflection of $12,979 is considered adequate as of December 31, 2009.other qualitative risks within the Corporation’s loan portfolio.
 
AllocationFor further discussion on the allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses, has been allocated accordingsee “Note 4 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses” to the amount deemed to be reasonably necessary to reflect forCorporation’s consolidated financial statements.
Loans Past Due and Loans in Nonaccrual Status
Increases in past due and nonaccrual loans can have a significant impact on the probability ofALLL. To determine the potential impact, and corresponding estimated losses, being incurred withinmanagement analyzes its historical loss trends on loans past due30-89 days, 90 days or more, and nonaccrual loans.
The following tables summarize the following categoriesCorporation’s past due and nonaccrual loans as of December 31:
 
                                         
  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005 
     % of Each
     % of Each
     % of Each
     % of Each
     % of Each
 
     Category
     Category
     Category
     Category
     Category
 
  Allowance
  to Total
  Allowance
  to Total
  Allowance
  to Total
  Allowance
  to Total
  Allowance
  to Total
 
  Amount  Loans  Amount  Loans  Amount  Loans  Amount  Loans  Amount  Loans 
 
Commercial and agricultural $3,565   53.1% $3,632   50.7% $2,458   46.0% $2,687   43.3% $2,771   46.9%
Real estate mortgage  3,809   39.5%  3,832   43.4%  1,341   48.6%  1,367   50.9%  1,192   46.8%
Consumer installment  1,308   4.5%  1,736   4.5%  2,195   4.8%  2,434   5.1%  2,286   5.8%
Specific allocations  3,572   2.9%  2,065   1.4%  703   0.6%  594   0.7%  184   0.5%
Unallocated  725   N/A   717   N/A   604   N/A   523   N/A   466   N/A 
                                         
Total
 $12,979   100.0% $11,982   100.0% $7,301   100.0% $7,605   100.0% $6,899   100.0%
                                         
                     
  Total Past Due and Nonaccrual 
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
 
Commercial and agricultural $9,606  $8,839  $13,958  $8,746  $7,213 
Residential mortgage  8,119   10,296   12,418   8,357   4,631 
Consumer installment  309   460   956   617   360 
                     
  $18,034  $19,595  $27,332  $17,720  $12,204 
                     
 
                 
  2010 
  Accruing Loans Past Due     Total
 
     Greater
     Past Due
 
     Than
     and
 
  30-89 Days  90 Days  Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual 
 
Commercial and agricultural  5,291   175   4,140  $9,606 
Residential mortgage  6,339   310   1,470   8,119 
Consumer installment  308   1      309 
                 
  $11,938  $486  $5,610  $18,034 
                 
Management has evaluated all specific allocations and believes the valuation allowance related to these loans to be adequate.
 
Nonperforming Assets
Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued and not collected is reversed from income or charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Loans are charged off when management determines that collection has become unlikely. Restructured loans are those where a concession has been granted on either principal or interest paid due to financial difficulties of the borrower. Other real estate owned consists of real property acquired through foreclosure on the related collateral underlying defaulted loans.


7377


The following table presents nonperforming assets for the past five years:
Nonperforming Assets
                     
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005 
 
Nonaccrual loans $8,522  $11,175  $4,156  $3,444  $1,375 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more  768   1,251   1,727   1,185   1,058 
                     
Total nonperforming loans
  9,290   12,426   5,883   4,629   2,433 
Other real estate owned  1,141   2,770   1,376   562   122 
Repossessed assets  16   153          
                     
Total nonperforming assets
 $10,447  $15,349  $7,259  $5,191  $2,555 
                     
Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans
  1.28%  1.69%  0.96%  0.78%  0.50%
                     
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets
  0.91%  1.35%  0.76%  0.57%  0.34%
                     
                 
  2009 
  Accruing Loans Past Due     Total
 
     Greater
     Past Due
 
     Than
     and
 
  30-89 Days  90 Days  Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual 
 
Commercial and agricultural  2,567   462   5,810  $8,839 
Residential mortgage  7,352   287   2,657   10,296 
Consumer installment  386   19   55   460 
                 
  $10,305  $768  $8,522  $19,595 
                 
 
Restructured Loans
 
                     
  December 31 
  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005 
 
Complying with modified terms $2,754  $2,565  $517  $640  $62 
Past due30-89 days
  107      115   57   663 
Past due 90 days or more        53       
Nonaccrual  2,116   1,985          
                     
Total restructured loans
 $4,977  $4,550  $685  $697  $725 
                     
The following table summarizes the Corporation’s restructured loans as of December 31:
                                             
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  Accruing
  Non-
     Accruing
  Non-
     Accruing
  Non-
     Accruing
  Accruing
 
  Interest  accrual  Total  Interest  accrual  Total  Interest  accrual  Total  Interest  Interest 
 
Current $4,798  $499  $5,297  $2,754  $786  $3,540  $2,297  $1,355  $3,652  $517  $640 
Past due30-89 days
  277   26   303   107   904   1,011   268      268   115   57 
Past due 90 days or more     163   163      426   426      630   630   53    
                                             
Total
 $5,075  $688  $5,763  $2,861  $2,116  $4,977  $2,565  $1,985  $4,550  $685  $697 
                                             
 
Since December 31, 2008, the Corporation’s nonperformingThe Corporation had no restructured loans have declined $3,136. Of this decline, $1,325 is related to the charge off of one specific loan as noted previously. The remainder of the decline is related to loans being removed fromin nonaccrual status as a result of improvements in creditworthiness, loans being paid off, loans being charged off,December 31, 2007 or transfers2006.
The Corporation has taken aggressive actions to other real estate owned. The majority of the restructured loansavoid foreclosures on borrowers who are the result ofwilling to work with the Corporation working within modifying their loans, thus making them more affordable. These loan restructurings have allowed borrowers to develop a payment structure that will allow them to continue making payments in lieu of foreclosure or repossessionforeclosure. Restructured loans that have been placed in nonaccrual status may be placed back on accrual status after six months of collateral.continuous performance.
 
OfTo be classified as a restructured loan, the $1,629 decline in other real estate owned, $670concessions granted to a customer who is experiencing financial difficulty must meet one of the following criteria:
1. Reduction of the stated interest rate related to the salesole purpose of providing payment and relief for the remaining original life of the debt.
2. Extension of the amortization period beyond typical lending guidelines.
3. Forbearance of principal.
4. Forbearance of accrued interest.
The following table displays the results of the Corporation’s efforts related to loans restructured since December 31, 2008:
                         
  Successful  Unsuccessful  Total 
  Number of
  Amount of
  Number of
  Amount of
  Number of
  Amount of
 
  Loans  Loans  Loans  Loans  Loans  Loans 
 
Reduction in interest rate  2  $275   1  $132   3  $407 
Extension of amortization  29   6,235   2   68   31   6,303 
Reduction in interest rate and                        
extension of amortization  33   4,196         33   4,196 
                         
   64  $10,706   3  $200   67  $10,906 
                         
Since December 31, 2008, the Corporation has not restructured any loans as a result of a forbearance of principal or accrued interest.

78


The Corporation has restructured $10,906 of loans since December 31, 2008 and had $5,763 of loans classified as restructured as of December 31, 2010. While the number of loans restructured has increased in 2010, it is a reflection of the Corporation’s efforts to work with customers to modify the terms of their loan agreements and an indicator that the local economy remains under stress.
Nonperforming Assets
The following table summarizes the Corporation’s nonperforming assets as of December 31:
                     
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
 
Nonaccrual loans $5,610  $8,522  $11,175  $4,156  $3,444 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more  486   768   1,251   1,727   1,185 
                     
Total nonperforming loans
  6,096   9,290   12,426   5,883   4,629 
Other real estate owned  2,039   1,141   2,770   1,376   562 
Repossessed assets  28   16   153       
                     
Total nonperforming assets
 $8,163  $10,447  $15,349  $7,259  $5,191 
                     
Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans
  0.83%  1.28%  1.69%  0.96%  0.78%
                     
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets
  0.67%  0.91%  1.35%  0.76%  0.57%
                     
Loans are placed in nonaccrual status when the foreclosure process has begun, generally after a loan is 90 days past due, unless such loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Upon transferring the loans to nonaccrual status, an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral is performed. This evaluation is used to help determine if any charge downs are necessary. Loans may be placed back on accrual status after six months of continued performance.
The following table summarizes the Corporation’s nonaccrual loan balances by type as of December 31:
                     
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
 
Commercial and agricultural $4,140  $5,810  $8,059  $1,959  $2,887 
Residential mortgage  1,470   2,657   3,092   2,185   557 
Consumer installment     55   24   12    
                     
  $5,610  $8,522  $11,175  $4,156  $3,444 
                     
Included in nonaccrual commercial and agricultural loans was one property. Management has evaluated the properties heldcredit with a balance of $2,679 as otherof December 31, 2010. This credit is secured by unsold condominiums and undeveloped commercial real estate ownedfor which there has been a specific allocation established in the amount of $345. Commercial and has adjusted the carrying value of each property to the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, as necessary. Management anticipates theagricultural nonaccrual loans included one credit with a balance of other real estate owned to remain at historically high levels throughout 2010.
Management established a credit risk management committee in 2008. This committee consists of management from lending, accounting, collection and auditing. This committee reviews various reports covering credit quality to help identify potential problem credits and their potential impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. Management believes that$1,800 as of December 31, 2009 allwhich was subsequently transferred to other real estate owned in the third quarter of 2010. There were no other individually significant credits included in nonaccrual loans for which inherent losses are probable have been identifiedas of December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, or 2006.
Included in the nonaccrual loan balances above were credits currently classified as restructured loans as of December 31:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Commercial and agricultural $115  $1,692  $1,985 
Residential mortgage  573   424    
             
  $688  $2,116  $1,985 
             
The Corporation had no restructured loans in nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.
The Corporation has devoted considerable attention to identifying impaired loans and thatadjusting the net carrying amountsvalue of thethese loans have been adjusted to reflect the collateral’stheir current net realizable values.values through the establishment of a specific reserve or


79


the recording of a charge off. To management’s knowledge, there are no other loans which cause management to have serious doubts as to the ability of a borrower to comply with their loan repayment terms. A continued decline in real estate values may require further write downs of loans in foreclosure and other real estate owned and could potentially have an adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial performance.
 
AsBased on management’s analysis, the allowance for loan losses is considered appropriate as of December 31, 2009, there were no other interest bearing assets which required classification.2010. Management is not aware of any recommendations by regulatory agencieswill continue to closely monitor its overall credit quality during 2011 to ensure that if implemented, would have a material impact on the Corporation’s liquidity, capital, or operations.


74


As a result of the new State of Michigan foreclosure laws, which went into effect on July 5, 2009, the time required to complete a residential mortgage foreclosure has increased. Despite the increased timeline to complete the foreclosure process, the new law did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s ability to initiate and complete foreclosure proceedings.allowance for loan losses remains appropriate.
 
Noninterest Income
 
The following table shows the changes in noninterest income between the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 20072008 respectively.
 
                                                        
 Year Ended December 31  Year Ended December 31 
     Change   Change      Change   Change 
 2009 2008 $ % 2007 $ %  2010 2009 $ % 2008 $ % 
Service charges and fee income                            
Service charges and fees                            
NSF and overdraft fees $3,187  $3,413  $(226)  −6.6% $2,961  $452   15.3% $2,809  $3,187  $(378)  −11.9% $3,413  $(226)  −6.6%
ATM and debit card fees  1,492   1,218   274   22.5%  1,029   189   18.4%
Trust fees  814   886   (72)  −8.1%  1,035   (149)  −14.4%  896   814   82   10.1%  886   (72)  −8.1%
Freddie Mac servicing fee  724   627   97   15.5%  635   (8)  −1.3%  760   724   36   5.0%  627   97   15.5%
ATM and debit card fees  1,218   1,029   189   18.4%  737   292   39.6%
Service charges on deposit accounts  344   372   (28)  −7.5%  328   44   13.4%  333   344   (11)  −3.2%  372   (28)  −7.5%
Net originated mortgage servicing rights income (loss)  514   (92)  606   N/M   43   (135)  N/M 
Net originated mortgage servicing                            
rights income (loss)  47   514   (467)  −90.9%  (92)  606   N/M 
All other  112   135   (23)  −17.0%  155   (20)  −12.9%  143   112   31   27.7%  135   (23)  −17.0%
                              
Total service charges and fees
  6,913   6,370   543   8.5%  5,894   476   8.1%  6,480   6,913   (433)  −6.3%  6,370   543   8.5%
Gain on sale of mortgage loans  886   249   637   N/M   209   40   19.1%  610   886   (276)  −31.2%  249   637   N/M 
Net gain (loss) on trading securities  80   245   (165)  −67.3%  460   (215)  −46.7%
Net (loss) gain on trading securities  (94)  80   (174)  N/M   245   (165)  −67.3%
Net gain (loss) on borrowings measured at fair value  289   (641)  930   N/M   (66)  (575)  N/M   227   289   (62)  −21.5%  (641)  930   N/M 
Gain (loss) on sale of investment securities  648   24   624   N/M   (19)  43   N/M 
Title insurance revenue     234   (234)  −100.0%  2,192   (1,958)  −89.3%
Gain on sale ofavailable-for-sale investment securities
  348   648   (300)  −46.3%  24   624   N/M 
Other                                                        
Increase in cash value of corporate owned life insurance policies  641   616   25   4.1%  432   184   42.6%
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies  663   641   22   3.4%  616   25   4.1%
Brokerage and advisory fees  521   480   41   8.5%  276   204   73.9%  573   521   52   10.0%  480   41   8.5%
All other  178   225   (47)  −20.9%  584   (359)  −61.5%  493   178   315   177.0%  459   (281)  −61.2%
                              
Total other
  1,340   1,321   19   1.4%  1,292   29   2.2%  1,729   1,340   389   29.0%  1,555   (215)  −13.8%
                              
Total noninterest income
 $10,156  $7,802  $2,354   30.2% $9,962  $(2,160)  −21.7% $9,300  $10,156  $(856)  −8.4% $7,802  $2,354   30.2%
                              
 
Significant changes in noninterest income are detailed below:
 
 • Management continuously analyzes various fees related to deposit accounts includingincluding: service charges and NSF and overdraft fees, and ATM and debit card fees. Based on these analyses, the Corporation makes any necessary adjustments to ensure that its fee structure is within the range of its competitors, while at the same time making sure that the fees remain fair to deposit customers. NSF and overdraft fees have been declining over the past two years. This decline isyears, and declined further in the third quarter and fourth quarters of 2010 as a result of customers more closely managing their deposit accountsnew regulatory rules issued by the Federal Reserve Bank being implemented related to avoid payingNSF and overdraft fees. Management does not expect significant changes to its deposit fee structure throughout 2010.
• TrustThe Corporation anticipates that NSF and overdraft fees fluctuate from period to period based on various factors including changeswill decline further in the market value2011 as a result of assets held, the mix of their customers’ portfolios and the closing of client estates (as much of their estate fees are non-recurring in nature and are based on the assets of the estate).this recent rule making.


7580


 
 • The increases in ATM and debit card fees during 2009 and 2008 are primarily the result of the increased usage of debit cards by the Bank’s customers. As management does not anticipate any significant changes to the ATM and debit card fee structures, these fees are expected to continue to increase as the usage of debit cards increases.
 
 • As a result of lower than normal residential mortgage rates, the Corporation has experienced increases in Federal Home Loan Corporation (“the volume of loans sold to Freddie Mac”) servicing fees, net originated mortgage servicing rights (OMSR), andMac beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. This high volume led to increases in gains from the sale of mortgage loans to the secondary market in 2009. The Corporation’svolume of new mortgage activity has returned to more normal levels in 2010, leading to a decline in the gain on sale of mortgage loans. Despite the increase in the balance of serviced loans, the Corporation recorded only modest increases in the value of its originated mortgage servicing rights (“OMSR”) portfolio has increased $53,161 since December 31, 2008. Thein 2010 as rates remained at historically low levels. As interest rates are expected to increase, inthe Corporation anticipates that Freddie Mac servicing fees is a direct result of the increase in the volume of loans the Corporation services as the Corporation is paid 0.25% per year for each dollar of loans serviced. The increase in loans serviced, as well as recent increases in residential mortgage rates, has led to the increase in net OMSR income. As refinancing activity is expected to decline, the Corporation anticipatesand net OMSR income andwill increase in 2011, while the gains from the sale of mortgage loans to decline in 2010.will likely decline.
 
 • Title insurance revenue decreased as a result of a joint venture between IBT Title and Insurance Agency and Corporate Title on March 1, 2008 (see Note 2 — “Business Combinations and Joint Venture Formation” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The Corporation’s portion of income or loss fromFluctuations in the joint venture is now included in all other income. This new venture was the primary reason for the decline in all other income when the year ended December 31, 2008 is compared to the same period in 2007 as the Corporation’s share of the entity’s losses were $268.
• Net gains and losses related to trading securities and borrowings carried at fair market value fluctuate based onare caused by interest rate variances. During 2008, the Corporation recorded $641 in net losses related to borrowings carried at fair market value. These losses were the result of a dramatic decline in offering rates on borrowed funds. Management does not anticipate any significant fluctuations in net trading activities for 2010in 2011 as significant interest rate changes are not expected.
 
 • Income related toThe Corporation does not anticipate any significant sales ofavailable-for-sale investment securities in 2011.
• Fees generated from brokerage and advisory services have been steadily increasing for the value of Corporate owned life insurance increased in 2008 when compared to 2007 as apast few years. This has been the result of the purchase of additional policiesstaff additions as well as transferringa conscious effort by management to expand the management of the policiesCorporation’s presence in its local market. Management anticipates brokerage and advisory fees to a new investment advisor.increase further in 2011.
 
 • The years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 were excellent years for brokerage and advisory services income. These results arefluctuation in all other income in 2010 is due partially to ana $133 increase in customer base, a conscious effort by management to expandearnings from the Bank’s presenceCorporation’s investment in the local market, and a resultCorporate Settlement Solutions. The remainder of the additiondifference is spread throughout the various categories, none of another broker in the fourth quarter of 2008. The Corporation anticipates this trend to continue in 2010.which are individually significant.


7681


 
Noninterest Expenses
 
The following table shows the changes in noninterest expenses between the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 20072008 respectively.
 
                                                        
 Year Ended December 31  Year Ended December 31 
     Change   Change      Change   Change 
 2009 2008 $ % 2007 $ %  2010 2009 $ % 2008 $ % 
Compensation                            
Compensation and benefits
                            
Leased employee salaries $13,494  $12,465  $1,029   8.3% $11,507  $958   8.3% $13,697  $13,494  $203   1.5% $12,465  $1,029   8.3%
Leased employee benefits  4,745   4,502   243   5.4%  4,096   406   9.9%  4,837   4,745   92   1.9%  4,502   243   5.4%
All other  19   25   (6)  −24.0%  15   10   66.7%  18   19   (1)  −5.3%  25   (6)  −24.0%
                              
Total compensation
  18,258   16,992   1,266   7.5%  15,618   1,374   8.8%
Total compensation and benefits
  18,552   18,258   294   1.6%  16,992   1,266   7.5%
                              
Occupancy                                                        
Depreciation  546   508   38   7.5%  448   60   13.4%  584   546   38   7.0%  508   38   7.5%
Outside services  433   492   (59)  −12.0%  332   160   48.2%  524   433   91   21.0%  492   (59)  −12.0%
Property taxes  439   411   28   6.8%  384   27   7.0%  505   439   66   15.0%  411   28   6.8%
Utilities  393   366   27   7.4%  344   22   6.4%  423   393   30   7.6%  366   27   7.4%
Building rent  2   3   (1)  −33.3%  72   (69)  −95.8%
Building repairs  288   202   86   42.6%  147   55   37.4%  243   288   (45)  −15.6%  202   86   42.6%
All other  69   53   16   30.2%  39   14   35.9%  72   71   1   1.4%  56   15   26.8%
                              
Total occupancy
  2,170   2,035   135   6.6%  1,766   269   15.2%  2,351   2,170   181   8.3%  2,035   135   6.6%
                              
Furniture and equipment                                                        
Depreciation  1,803   1,663   140   8.4%  1,512   151   10.0%  1,938   1,803   135   7.5%  1,663   140   8.4%
Computer/service contracts  1,676   1,565   111   7.1%  1,289   276   21.4%  1,779   1,676   103   6.1%  1,565   111   7.1%
ATM and debit card fees  621   570   51   8.9%  433   137   31.6%  595   621   (26)  −4.2%  570   51   8.9%
All other  46   51   (5)  −9.8%  63   (12)  −19.0%  32   46   (14)  −30.4%  51   (5)  −9.8%
                              
Total furniture and equipment
  4,146   3,849   297   7.7%  3,297   552   16.7%  4,344   4,146   198   4.8%  3,849   297   7.7%
                              
FDIC insurance premiums
  1,730   313   1,417   N/M   95   218   N/M   1,254   1,730   (476)  −27.5%  313   1,417   N/M 
                              
Other                                                        
Marketing and community relations  1,093   894   199   22.3%  921   (27)  −2.9%
Foreclosed asset and collection  710   546   164   30.0%  565   (19)  −3.4%
Directors fees  887   923   (36)  −3.9%  867   56   6.5%
Audit and SOX compliance fees  546   565   (19)  −3.4%  583   (18)  −3.1%  916   831   85   10.2%  698   133   19.1%
Marketing and community relations  833   844   (11)  −1.3%  670   174   26.0%
Directors fees  923   867   56   6.5%  796   71   8.9%
Education and travel  499   395   104   26.3%  491   (96)  −19.6%
Printing and supplies  529   508   21   4.1%  462   46   10.0%  420   529   (109)  −20.6%  508   21   4.1%
Education and travel  395   491   (96)  −19.6%  505   (14)  −2.8%
Postage and freight  472   523   (51)  −9.8%  459   64   13.9%  382   415   (33)  −8.0%  419   (4)  −1.0%
Legal  415   419   (4)  −1.0%  296   123   41.6%
Legal fees  338   375   (37)  −9.9%  415   (40)  −9.6%
Amortization of deposit premium  375   415   (40)  −9.6%  278   137   49.3%  395   472   (77)  −16.3%  523   (51)  −9.8%
Foreclosed asset and collection  831   698   133   19.1%  269   429   159.5%
Brokerage and advisory  191   205   (14)  −6.8%  92   113   122.8%
Consulting  201   298   (97)  −32.6%  176   122   69.3%
Consulting fees  167   201   (34)  −16.9%  298   (97)  −32.6%
All other  1,668   1,682   (14)  −0.8%  1,867   (185)  −9.9%  1,499   1,798   (299)  −16.6%  1,810   (12)  −0.7%
                              
Total other
  7,379   7,515   (136)  −1.8%  6,453   1,062   16.5%  7,306   7,379   (73)  −1.0%  7,515   (136)  −1.8%
                              
Total noninterest expenses
 $33,683  $30,704  $2,979   9.7% $27,229  $3,475   12.8% $33,807  $33,683  $124   0.4% $30,704  $2,979   9.7%
                              


7782


Significant changes in noninterest expenses are detailed below:
 
 • Leased employee salaries expenses have remained essentially unchanged from 2009. During 2009, the Corporation incurred increased dueovertime costs related to the large volume of mortgage refinancing activity. While the demand for mortgage refinancing has reduced, the reduction in overtime has been offset by annual merit increases and the continued growth of the Corporation. Leased employee benefits fluctuate from period to period primarily as a result of changes in health care related expenses. The Corporation as well as overtime due to the increased volume of mortgage refinancing noted earlier. The increasesdoes not anticipate any significant changes in leased employee benefitssalaries or benefit expenses are principally the result of continued increases in health care costs.
• The increase in building repairs for 2009 can be attributed to standard upkeep done to various branches throughout the year, while the decline in building rent in 2008 was a result of the new joint venture (see “Note 2 — Business Combinations and Joint Venture Formation” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).2011.
 
 • FDIC insurance premium expense has increaseddecreased primarily when the year ended December 31, 2010 is compared to the same period in 2009 as a result of significant increases in the premium rates charged by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This expense also includes a one timean FDIC special assessment of $479, which was paid in September 2009. Management expects FDIC insurance premiums to approximate current levels for 2011.
 
 • In April 2008,The increase in marketing and community relations expenses in 2010 is primarily related to the Corporation unveiledmaking a new brand for both Isabella Bank (the “Bank”) and Isabella Bank Corporation. As a resultcontribution of the development of this brand and the corresponding marketing campaign, the Corporation incurred significant nonrecurring marketing expenses during 2008. During 2009, the Corporation contributed $140$250 to the IBT Foundation, as compared to $140 in 2009 and $0 in 2008.
 
 • The increase in the amortization of deposit premium in 2008 was relatedAudit and SOX compliance fees fluctuate due to the January 2008 acquisitiontiming of Greenville Community Financial Corporation (GCFC). This expense declined in 2009, and is expected to decline again in 2010, as the deposit premium is being amortized using an accelerated amortization method.performance of recurring audit procedures.
 
 • As a result of the recent increases in delinquencies and foreclosures, the Corporation has incurred historically high legal, foreclosed asset, and collection expenses since 2007. These expenses are expected to remain above historical levelsDirector fees declined in 2010 as management anticipates that delinquency ratesdue to Corporation implementing a policy whereby the membership on the Isabella Bank and foreclosures will remain high.Isabella Bank Corporation’s board of directors is identical; no significant change is expected in 2011.
 
 • Consulting feesPrinting and supplies expenses were elevatedhistorically high in 2008 primarily as a resultthe first three months of a potential new branch location study that was performed.
• All other expenses include title insurance expenses as well as other miscellaneous expenses. All other expenses decreased by $222 in 20082009 as a result of the new joint venture (see “Note 2 — Business CombinationsCorporation increasing inventories of various supplies. Printing and Joint Venture Formation” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The remaining changes in othersupplies expenses are individually not significant.expected to approximate current levels in 2011.
 
 • The Corporation places a strong emphasis on customer service. In February 2010, all of the Corporation’s employees attended a special customer service seminar. This seminar coupled with increases in expenditures for executive leadership training led to increases in education expenses during 2010. Management expects that education related expenses may decline slightly in 2011.
• Postage and freight expenses have declined, and are expected to continue to decline, as a result of fewer special mailings as well as an increase in total noninterestthe Corporation’s customers usage of electronic statements.
• The Corporation’s legal expenses can fluctuate from 2007period to 2008 was partiallyperiod based on the resultvolume of foreclosures as well as expenses related to the acquisitionCorporation’s ongoing operations, including regulatory compliance. At this time, the Corporation is not aware of GCFCany significant legal matters, and as such expects that legal expenses should approximate current levels in January 2008. Exclusive2011.
• The fluctuations in all other expenses are spread throughout various categories, none of the effects of the acquisition, total noninterest expenses increased 2.3%, with nowhich are individually significant changes other than those noted above.significant.
 
Federal Income Taxes
 
Federal income tax expense (benefit) expense for 20092010 was $846$1,604 or 9.8%15.1% of pre-tax income compared to $846 or 9.8% of income in 2009 and ($724) or (21.4%) of pre-tax income in 2008 and $1,605 or 16.8% in 2007.2008. The primary factor behind the reduction in the effective rate in 2008 is related to the increase in tax exempt income as a percentage of net income. A reconcilement of actual federal income tax expense reported and the amount computed at the federal statutory rate of 34% is found in Note 12,11, “Federal Income Taxes” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


7883


ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
                                
 December 31      December 31     
 2009 2008 $ Change % Change  2010 2009 $ Change % Change 
ASSETS
                
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $22,706  $22,979  $(273)  −1.19% $18,109  $24,482  $(6,373)  −26.03%
Interest bearing balances in other financial institutions  7,156   575   6,581   N/M 
Trading account securities  13,563   21,775   (8,212)  −37.71%
Certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions  15,808   5,380   10,428   193.83%
Trading securities  5,837   13,563   (7,726)  −56.96%
Available-for-sale investment securities
  259,066   246,455   12,611   5.12%  330,724   259,066   71,658   27.66%
Mortgage loans available for sale  2,281   898   1,383   154.01%
Mortgage loansavailable-for-sale
  1,182   2,281   (1,099)  −48.18%
Loans  723,316   735,385   (12,069)  −1.64%  735,304   723,316   11,988   1.66%
Allowance for loan losses  (12,979)  (11,982)  (997)  8.32%  (12,373)  (12,979)  606   −4.67%
Premises and equipment  23,917   23,231   686   2.95%  24,627   23,917   710   2.97%
Acquisition intangibles and goodwill, net  47,429   47,804   (375)  −0.78%
Goodwill and other intangible assets  47,091   47,429   (338)  −0.71%
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values  17,921   17,345   576   3.32%  17,564   17,921   (357)  −1.99%
Other assets  39,568   34,798   4,770   13.71%  41,937   39,568   2,369   5.99%
                  
Total assets
 $1,143,944  $1,139,263  $4,681   0.41%
Total Assets
 $1,225,810  $1,143,944  $81,866   7.16%
                  
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
                                
Deposits $802,652  $775,630  $27,022   3.48% $877,339  $802,652  $74,687   9.31%
Other borrowed funds  193,101   222,350   (29,249)  −13.15%
Borrowed funds  194,917   193,101   1,816   0.94%
Accrued interest and other liabilities  7,388   6,807   581   8.54%  8,393   7,388   1,005   13.60%
                  
Total liabilities
  1,003,141   1,004,787   (1,646)  −0.16%  1,080,649   1,003,141   77,508   7.73%
Shareholders’ equity
  140,803   134,476   6,327   4.70%  145,161   140,803   4,358   3.10%
     ��             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 $1,143,944  $1,139,263  $4,681   0.41% $1,225,810  $1,143,944  $81,866   7.16%
                  
As shown above, the Corporation has intentionally increased its balance sheet through the acquisition ofavailable-for-sale investment securities and certificates of deposit held in other financial institutions, which is consistent with its plan to increase net interest income. These purchases were funded primarily with retail deposit growth.Available-for-sale investment securities are expected to continue to increase in 2011. Overall changes in deposit accounts and demand for loans are the primary reasons for fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents. As the Corporation has increased its investment securities, it has reduced its interest bearing balances, which is included in cash and cash equivalents.
 
A discussion of changes in balance sheet amounts by major categories follows:
 
Interest bearing balances in other financial institutions
The increase in interest bearing balances in other financial institutions is primarily the result of the Corporation increasing its holdings in certificates of deposits due to the relative competitiveness of the interest rates as well as the temporary increase in FDIC insurance limits.
Trading account securities
 
Trading securities are carried at fair value. The Corporation’s overall intent is to maintain a trading portfolio to enhance the ongoing restructuring of assets and liabilities as part of our interest rate risk management objectives (See Note 32 “Trading Securities” of the Consolidated Financial Statements). Due to the current interest rate environment, the Corporation has allowed this balance to decline.


84


The following is a schedule of the carrying value of trading securities as of December 31:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
 
Government sponsored enterprises $  $  $4,014 
States and political subdivisions  5,837   9,962   11,556 
Corporate        160 
Mortgage-backed     3,601   6,045 
             
Total
 $5,837  $13,563  $21,775 
             
 
Available-for-sale Investment Securitiesinvestment securities
 
The primary objective of the Corporation’s investing activities is to provide for safety of the principal invested. Secondary considerations include the need for earnings, liquidity, and the Corporation’s overall exposure to changes in interest rates. Securities currently classified asavailable-for-sale are stated at fair value.


79


The following is a schedule of the carrying value of investment securitiesavailable-for-sale as of December 31:
 
             
  2009  2008  2007 
 
U.S. Government and federal agencies $  $4,083  $4,058 
Government-sponsored enterprises  19,471   62,988   50,181 
States and political subdivisions  151,730   149,323   130,956 
Corporate     7,145   12,000 
Auction rate money market preferred  2,973   5,979   12,300 
Preferred stocks  7,054       
Mortgage-backed  67,734   16,937   3,632 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  10,104       
             
Total
 $259,066  $246,455  $213,127 
             
The following is a schedule of the carrying value of trading securities as of December 31:
                        
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
Government-sponsored enterprises $  $4,014  $4,024 
U.S. Government and federal agencies $  $  $4,083 
Government sponsored enterprises  5,404   19,471   62,988 
States and political subdivisions  9,962   11,556   10,324   169,717   151,730   149,323 
Corporate     160   1,004         7,145 
Auction rate money market preferred  2,865   2,973   5,979 
Preferred stocks  6,936   7,054    
Mortgage-backed  3,601   6,045   9,712   102,215   67,734   16,937 
Collateralized mortgage obligations  43,587   10,104    
              
Total
 $13,563  $21,775  $25,064  $330,724  $259,066  $246,455 
              
 
Excluding those holdings of the investment portfolio in government-sponsoredgovernment sponsored enterprises and municipalities within the statesstate of Michigan, and Pennsylvania, there were no investments in securities of any one issuer that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity. The Corporation has a policy prohibiting investments in securities that it deems are unsuitable due to their inherent credit or market risks. Prohibited investments include stripped mortgage backed securities, zero coupon bonds, nongovernment agency asset backed securities, and structured notes. The Corporation’s holdings in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations include only government agencies and government sponsored agencies as the Corporation holds no investments in private label mortgage-backed securities.
The Corporation invested $11,000 in auction rate money market preferred security instruments, which are classified asavailable-for-salesecurities and reflected at fair value. As a result of the illiquidity of the markets for these securities, $7,800 converted during 2009 to preferred stock with debt like characteristics. Due to the continuing uncertainty in credit markets, these investments are considered illiquid. Due to their illiquidity, the fair values of these securities were estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis or other type of valuation adjustment methodology as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. This analysis considers, among other factors, the collateral underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, estimates of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction, and the Corporation’s ability to hold such securities until credit markets improve.collateralized mortgage obligations.
 
The following is a schedule of maturities of available for saleavailable-for-sale investment securities (at carrying value) and their weighted average yield as of December 31, 2009.2010. Weighted average yields have been computed on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%. Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are included in maturity categories based on their stated maturity date. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Trading securities have been excluded as they are not expected to be held to maturity. Included in the contractual maturity distribution in the following table are auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stock. Auction rate debt and auction rate preferred securities are long-termlong term floating rate instruments for which interest rates are set at periodic auctions. At each successful auction, the Corporation has the option to sell the security at par value. Additionally, the issuers of


8085


the issuers of auction rate securities generally have the right to redeem or refinance the debt. As a result, the expected life of auction rate securities may differ significantly from the contractual term.
 
                                                                        
 Maturing  Maturing 
   After One Year But
 After Five Years But
      After One
 After Five
     
 Within One Year Within Five Years Within Ten Years After Ten Years    Year But
 Years But
     
 Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%)  Within
 Within
 Within
 After
 Securities with
 
 One Year Five Years Ten Years Ten Years Variable Payments 
Government-sponsored enterprises $     $18,570   2.32  $901   7.91  $    
 Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%) Amount Yield (%) 
Government sponsored enterprises $     $5,007   2.02  $397   7.91  $     $    
States and political subdivisions  7,922   4.41   44,844   4.22   65,882   3.99   33,082   3.30   14,132   3.51   34,837   3.73   87,263   3.74   33,485   2.09       
Mortgage-backed        449   5.31   38,790   3.45   28,495   3.74               53,738   2.54   48,477   2.66       
Collateralized mortgage obligations                    10,104   2.97                           43,587   2.59 
Auction rate money market preferred                    2,973   4.86                           2,865   4.86 
Preferred stocks                    7,054   4.60                           6,936   4.60 
                                      
Total
 $7,922   4.41  $63,863   3.68  $105,573   3.83  $81,708   3.58  $14,132   3.51  $39,844   3.53  $141,398   3.29  $81,962   2.43  $53,388   2.98 
                                      
 
Loans
 
The largest component of earning assets is loans. The proper management of credit and market risk inherent in the loan portfolio is critical to the financial well-beingwell being of the Corporation. To control these risks, the Corporation has adopted strict underwriting standards. TheThese standards include specific criteria against lending outside the Corporation’s defined market areas, lending limits to a single borrower, and strict loan to collateral value limits. The Corporation also monitors and limits loan concentrations extended to volatiledistressed industries. The Corporation has no foreign loans and there were no concentrations greater than 10% of total loans that are not disclosed as a separate category in the following table.
 
The following table presents the composition of the loan portfolio for the years ended December 31:
 
                                        
 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005  2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 
Commercial $340,274  $324,806  $238,306  $212,701  $179,541  $348,852  $340,274  $324,806  $238,306  $212,701 
Agricultural  64,845   58,003   47,407   47,302   49,424   71,446   64,845   58,003   47,407   47,302 
Residential real estate mortgage  285,838   319,397   297,937   300,650   226,251   284,029   285,838   319,397   297,937   300,650 
Installment  32,359   33,179   29,037   30,389   28,026   30,977   32,359   33,179   29,037   30,389 
                      
 $723,316  $735,385  $612,687  $591,042  $483,242  $735,304  $723,316  $735,385  $612,687  $591,042 
                      
 
The following table presents the change in the loan categories for the years ended December 31:
 
                                                
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
 $ Change % Change $ Change % Change $ Change % Change  $ Change % Change $ Change % Change $ Change % Change 
Commercial $15,468   4.8% $86,500   36.3% $25,605   12.0% $8,578   2.5% $15,468   4.8% $86,500   36.3%
Agricultural  6,842   11.8%  10,596   22.4%  105   0.2%  6,601   10.2%  6,842   11.8%  10,596   22.4%
Residential real estate mortgage  (33,559)  −10.5%  21,460   7.2%  (2,713)  −0.9%  (1,809)  −0.6%  (33,559)  −10.5%  21,460   7.2%
Installment  (820)  −2.5%  4,142   14.3%  (1,352)  −4.4%  (1,382)  −4.3%  (820)  −2.5%  4,142   14.3%
                          
 $(12,069)  −1.6% $122,698   20.0% $21,645   3.7% $11,988   1.7% $(12,069)  −1.6% $122,698   20.0%
                          
 
The growth in commercial and agricultural loans is a result of the Corporation’s efforts to increase these segments of the commercial loan portfolio as a percentage of total loans. A significant portion of this growth has been driven by the Corporation’s new business development team.
 
The current rate environment has increasedAs rates in 2010 on residential mortgages were comparable to the rates in 2009, residential mortgage refinancing activity stabilized which has led to increasesresulted in a decrease in loans sold to the secondary market. This refinancing activity has, however, led toAs a result of this decline in loans sold, the residential real estate portfolio remained stable in 2010 as customers who have traditionally utilized 3 and 5 year balloon products are refinancing into 15 and 30 year fixed rate loans, whichcompared to the Corporation typically sells on the secondary market. Thissignificant


8186


declines noted in 2009. Refinancing activity resulted in a net increase of $53,161$2,226 in the balance of residential mortgage loans sold to the secondary market since December 31, 2008.in 2010 compared to a net increase of $53,161 in 2009.
 
A substantial portion of the increase in total loans as of December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007 was a result of the acquisition of Greenville Financial Corporation in January 2008. Pursuant to the acquisition, the Corporation purchased gross loans totaling $88,613.
 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
 
Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are restricted securities, which are carried at cost, and investments in nonconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values consist of the following as of December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock $7,960  $7,460  $7,596  $7,960 
Investment in CT/IBT Title Agency, LLC  6,782   6,905 
Investment in Corporate Settlement Solutions  6,793   6,782 
Federal Reserve Bank Stock  1,879   1,879   1,879   1,879 
Investment in Valley Financial Corporation  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
Other  300   101   296   300 
          
Total
 $17,921  $17,345  $17,564  $17,921 
          
Other Assets
Other assets increased in 2009 primarily due to the required prepayment of $4,737 in estimated FDIC insurance premiums for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
 
Deposits
 
The main source of funds for the Corporation is deposits. The deposit portfolio represents various types of non transaction accounts as well as savings accounts and time deposits.
The following table presents the composition of the deposit portfolio as of December 31:
 
                                        
 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005  2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 
Noninterest bearing demand deposits $96,875  $97,546  $84,846  $83,902  $73,839 
Noninterest bearing deposits $104,902  $96,875  $97,546  $84,846  $83,902 
Interest bearing demand deposits  128,111   113,973   105,526   111,406   104,251   142,259   128,111   113,973   105,526   111,406 
Savings deposits  157,020   182,523   196,682   178,001   153,397   177,817   157,020   182,523   196,682   178,001 
Certificates of deposit  356,594   340,976   311,976   320,226   250,246   386,435   356,594   340,976   311,976   320,226 
Brokered certificates of deposit  50,933   28,185   28,197   27,446   7,076   53,748   50,933   28,185   28,197   27,446 
Internet certificates of deposit  13,119   12,427   6,246   4,859   3,669   12,178   13,119   12,427   6,246   4,859 
                      
Total
 $802,652  $775,630  $733,473  $725,840  $592,478  $877,339  $802,652  $775,630  $733,473  $725,840 
                      


82


The following table presents the change in the deposit categories for the years ended December 31:
 
                                                
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
 $ Change % Change $ Change % Change $ Change % Change  $ Change % Change $ Change % Change $ Change % Change 
Noninterest bearing demand deposits $(671)  −0.7% $12,700   15.0% $944   1.1%
Noninterest bearing deposits $8,027   8.3% $(671)  −0.7% $12,700   15.0%
Interest bearing demand deposits  14,138   12.4%  8,447   8.0%  (5,880)  −5.3%  14,148   11.0%  14,138   12.4%  8,447   8.0%
Savings deposits  (25,503)  −14.0%  (14,159)  −7.2%  18,681   10.5%  20,797   13.2%  (25,503)  −14.0%  (14,159)  −7.2%
Certificates of deposit  15,618   4.6%  29,000   9.3%  (8,250)  −2.6%  29,841   8.4%  15,618   4.6%  29,000   9.3%
Brokered certificates of deposit  22,748   80.7%  (12)  0.0%  751   2.7%  2,815   5.5%  22,748   80.7%  (12)  0.0%
Internet certificates of deposit  692   5.6%  6,181   99.0%  1,387   28.5%  (941)  −7.2%  692   5.6%  6,181   99.0%
                          
Total
 $27,022   3.5% $42,157   5.7% $7,633   1.1% $74,687   9.3% $27,022   3.5% $42,157   5.7%
                          
 
As shown in the preceding table, total deposits have grown conservatively since December 31, 2008.the Corporation has enjoyed strong deposit growth during 2010. This growth has primarily come in the form of interest bearing demand deposits, certificates of deposits, and brokered certificates of deposits. The growth in interest bearing demand deposits and certificates of deposits, as well as the declines in savings deposits is the results of a change in customers’ preferences as much of the variances represent transfers between different types of accounts and the current economics within the market. The increase in brokered certificates of deposit iswas the result of the Corporation purchasing CD’s throughoffering products with competitive rates and terms, as well as focused marketing efforts to increase deposit market share in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS).communities served. Management anticipates that deposits will continue to grow in 2011.


87


A substantial portion of the increase in total deposits as of December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007 was a result of the acquisition of Greenville Community Financial Corporation (GCFC) in January 2008. Pursuant to the acquisition, the Corporation purchased deposits totaling $90,151. Exclusive of the GCFC acquisition, deposits decreased $47,994 when December 31, 2008 is compared to December 31, 2007. This decline was the result of increased competition with other depository institutions as well as declines in brokered certificates of deposit and internet certificates of deposit.
 
The following table shows the average balances and corresponding interest rates paid on deposit accounts as of December 31:
 
                                          
 2009 2008 2007  2010 2009 2008 
 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate  Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate 
Noninterest bearing demand deposits $94,408     $95,552     $80,128     $102,812     $94,408     $95,552    
Interest bearing demand deposits  116,412   0.13%  114,889   0.71%  109,370   1.72%  137,109   0.11%  116,412   0.13%  114,889   0.71%
Savings deposits  177,538   0.22%  213,410   1.14%  188,323   2.25%  169,579   0.23%  177,538   0.22%  213,410   1.14%
Time deposits  398,356   3.27%  393,190   4.23%  349,941   4.71%  430,892   2.55%  398,356   3.27%  393,190   4.23%
              
Total
 $786,714      $817,041      $727,762      $840,392      $786,714      $817,041     
              
 
The remaining maturity of time certificates and other time deposits of $100 or more atas of December 31, 20092010 was as follows:
 
        
Maturity        
Within 3 months $45,849  $35,935 
Within 3 to 6 months  23,223   20,695 
Within 6 to 12 months  56,669   49,207 
Over 12 months  62,281   98,360 
      
Total
 $188,022  $204,197 
      
 
Borrowed Funds
 
As a resultThe following table summarizes the Corporation’s borrowings as of the decrease in loans, coupled with the increase in deposits, the Corporation was able to reduce other borrowed funds.December 31:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances $113,423   3.64% $127,804   4.11%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                
without stated maturity dates  45,871   0.25%  37,797   0.30%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                
with stated maturity dates  19,623   3.01%  20,000   3.72%
Federal funds purchased  16,000   0.60%      
Federal Reserve Bank discount window advance        7,500   0.75%
                 
Total
 $194,917   2.53% $193,101   3.19%
                 


8388


The maturity and weighted average interest rates of FHLB advances are as follows as of December 31:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
 
Fixed rate advances due 2010 $     $28,320   4.52%
One year putable advances due 2010        6,000   5.31%
Fixed rate advances due 2011  10,086   3.96%  10,206   3.96%
One year putable advances due 2011  1,000   4.75%  1,000   4.75%
Fixed rate advances due 2012  17,000   2.97%  17,000   2.97%
One year putable advances due 2012  15,000   4.10%  15,000   4.10%
Fixed rate advances due 2013  5,337   4.14%  5,278   4.14%
One year putable advances due 2013  5,000   3.15%  5,000   3.15%
Fixed rate advances due 2014  25,000   3.16%  15,000   3.63%
Fixed rate advances due 2015  25,000   4.63%  25,000   4.63%
Fixed rate advances due 2017  10,000   2.35%      
                 
Total
 $113,423   3.64% $127,804   4.11%
                 
The maturity and weighted average interest rates of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with stated maturity dates are as follows at December 31:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
 
Repurchase agreements due 2010 $     $5,000   4.00%
Repurchase agreements due 2011  858   1.51%      
Repurchase agreements due 2012  1,013   2.21%      
Repurchase agreements due 2013  5,127   4.45%  5,000   4.51%
Repurchase agreements due 2014  12,087   3.00%  10,000   3.19%
Repurchase agreements due 2015  538   3.25%      
                 
Total
 $19,623   3.01% $20,000   3.72%
                 
Contractual Obligations and Loan Commitments
The Corporation has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments, which may require future cash payments. The following schedule summarizes the Corporation’s non cancelable obligations and future minimum payments as of December 31, 2010:
                     
  Minimum Payments Due by Period 
     After One
  After Three
       
  Due in
  Year But
  Year But
       
  One Year
  Within
  Within
  After
    
  or Less  Three Years  Five Years  Five Years  Total 
 
Deposits with no stated maturity $424,978  $  $  $  $424,978 
Certificates of deposit with stated maturities  216,927   158,268   70,888   6,278   452,361 
                     
Borrowed funds                    
Short term borrowings  61,871            61,871 
Long term borrowings  11,944   48,477   62,625   10,000   133,046 
                     
Total borrowed funds  73,815   48,477   62,625   10,000   194,917 
                     
Total contractual obligations
 $715,720  $206,745  $133,513  $16,278  $1,072,256 
                     


89


The Corporation also has loan commitments that may impact liquidity. The following schedule summarizes the Corporation’s loan commitments and expiration dates by period as of December 31, 2010. Since many of these commitments historically have expired without being drawn upon, the total amount of these commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Corporation.
                     
  Expiration Dates by Period 
     After One
  After Three
       
  Due in
  Year But
  Year But
       
  One Year
  Within
  Within
  After
    
  or Less  Three Years  Five Years  Five Years  Total 
 
Unused commitments to extend credit $65,717  $24,364  $14,847  $5,273  $110,201 
Undisbursed loans  13,382            13,382 
Standby letters of credit  4,881            4,881 
                     
Total loan commitments
 $83,980  $24,364  $14,847  $5,273  $128,464 
                     
Capital
 
The capital of the Corporation consists solelyprimarily of common stock, including shares to be issued, retained earnings, and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).loss. The Corporation offers dividend reinvestment and employee, director, and directorshareholder stock purchase plans. Under the provisions of these Plans,plans, the Corporation issued 122,113 shares of common stock generating $2,164 of capital during 2010, and 126,874 shares of common stock generating $2,396 of capital during 2009, and 78,994 shares of common stock generating $2,879 of capital in 2008.2009. The Corporation also offers share-based payment awardsgenerates capital through the Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (the “Directors Plan”), its equity compensation plan (See Note 1716 “Benefit Plans” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Pursuant to this plan, the Corporation generated $677$650 and $603$677 of capital in 20092010 and 2008,2009, respectively.
 
The Board of Directors has adopted a common stock repurchase plan. This plan was approved to enable the Corporation to repurchase the Corporation’s common stock for reissuance to the dividend reinvestment plan, the employee stock purchase plan and for distributions of share-based payment awards.from the Directors Plan. During 20092010 and 20082009 the Corporation repurchased 138,970 shares of common stock at an average price of $18.40 and 122,612 shares of common stock at an average price of $19.47, and 148,336 shares of common stock at an average price of $43.41, respectively.
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $3,450$410 in 20092010 and consists of $3,203$457 of unrealized gains onavailable-for-sale investment securities andwhich was offset by a $247 reduction of$47 increase in unrecognized pension cost. These amounts are net of tax.
 
The Federal Reserve Board’s current recommended minimum primary capital to assets requirement is 6.0%. The Corporation’s primary capital to average assets ratio, which consists of shareholders’ equity plus the allowance for loan losses less acquisition intangibles, was 8.60%8.24% at year end 2009.2010. There are no commitments for significant capital expenditures.
 
The Federal Reserve Board has established a minimum risk based capital standard. Under this standard, a framework has been established that assigns risk weights to each category of on and off-balance-sheet items to arrive at risk adjusted total assets. Regulatory capital is divided by the risk adjusted assets with the resulting ratio compared to the minimum standard to determine whether a corporation has adequate capital. The minimum standard is 8%, of which at least 4% must consist of equity capital net of goodwill. The following table sets forth the percentages required under the Risk Based Capital guidelines and the Corporation’s values at December 31, 2009:at:
 
Percentage of Capital to Risk Adjusted Assets:
        
 Isabella Bank Corporation
             
 December 31, 2009  December 31 
 Required Actual  2010 2009 Required 
Equity Capital  4.00%  12.80%  12.44%  12.80%  4.00%
Secondary Capital  4.00%  1.25%  1.25%  1.25%  4.00%
            
Total Capital
  8.00%  14.05%  13.69%  14.05%  8.00%
   ��         
 
Isabella Bank Corporation’s secondary capital includes only the allowance for loan losses. The percentage for the secondary capital under the required column is the maximum amount allowed from all sources.


90


The Federal Reserve Board also prescribes minimum capital requirements for the Corporation’s subsidiary Bank. At December 31, 2009,2010, the Bank exceeded these minimums. For further information regarding the Bank’s capital requirements, refer to Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements,15 “Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements”. of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
 
Fair Value
 
The Corporation utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securitiesavailable-for-sale, trading securities, and certain liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Corporation may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loansheld-for-sale, loans held for investment in foreclosed assets, originated mortgage servicing rights, and certain other assets and liabilities. These


84


nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
Due to the illiquidity of certain investment securities, these assets were classified as having significant non observable inputs (Level 3) during 2008. The fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis or other type of valuation adjustment methodology as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. These analyses consider, among other factors, the collateral underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, estimates of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction, and the fact that the management asserts that it does not intend to sell the security in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the securities before recovery of its cost basis, as further described in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The table below represents the activity in Level 3 inputs measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31:
 
                
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
Level 3 inputs — January 1 $5,021  $  $10,027  $5,979 
Transfers of securities into level 3 due to changes in the observability of significant inputs (illiquid markets)     11,000 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities  5,006   (5,979)
Net unrealized (losses) gains onavailable-for-sale investment securities
  (226)  4,048 
          
Level 3 inputs — December 31 $10,027  $5,021  $9,801  $10,027 
          
 
For further information regarding fair value measurements see Note 201, “Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 19, “Fair Value” of the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value” and Note 21of the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Fair Values of Financial Instruments”.Statements.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
Interest rate sensitivity is determined by the amount of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities repricing within a specific time period, and their relative sensitivity to a change in interest rates. Management also strives to achieve reasonable stability in the net interest margin through periods of changing interest rates. One tool used by management to measure interest rate sensitivity is gap analysis. As shown in the following table, the gap analysis depicts the Corporation’s position for specific time periods and the cumulative gap as a percentage of total assets.
 
Trading securities are included in the 0 to 3 month time frame due to their repricing characteristics. Fixed interest rate investment securities are scheduled according to their contractual maturity. Fixed rate loans are included in the appropriate time frame based on their scheduled amortization. Variable rate loans , which totaled $143,572 as of December 31, 2010, are included in the time frame of their earliest repricing. Of the $723,316 in total loans, $138,085 are variable rate loans. Time deposit liabilities are scheduled based on their contractual maturity except for variable rate time deposits in the amount of $1,821$1,940 that are included in the 0 to 3 month time frame.
 
Savings, NOW accounts, and money market accounts have no contractual maturity date and are believed to be predominantly noninterest rate sensitive by management. These accounts have been classified in the gap table according to their estimated withdrawal rates based upon management’s analysis of deposit runoff over the past five years. Management believes this runoff experience is consistent with its expectation for the future. As of December 31, 2009,2010, the Corporation had $88,403 more liabilities than assets maturinga negative cumulative gap within one year. A negative gap position results when more liabilities, within a specified time frame, mature or reprice than assets.
 
The following table shows the time periods and the amount of assets and liabilities available for interest rate repricing as of December 31, 2009.2010. The interest rate sensitivity information for investment securities is based on the


8591


expected prepayments and call dates versus stated maturities. For purposes of this analysis, nonaccrual loans and the allowance for loan losses are excluded.
 
                                
 0 to 3
 4 to 12
 1 to 5
 Over 5
  0 to 3
 4 to 12
 1 to 5
 Over 5
 
 Months Months Years Years  Months Months Years Years 
Interest Sensitive Assets                                
Trading securities $13,563  $  $  $  $5,837  $  $  $ 
Investment securities  23,430   44,648   97,741   93,247   17,405   47,247   129,688   136,384 
Loans  173,302   89,964   402,764   48,764   168,790   94,739   401,106   65,059 
                  
Total
 $210,295  $134,612  $500,505  $142,011  $192,032  $141,986  $530,794  $201,443 
                  
Interest Sensitive Liabilities                                
Borrowed funds $56,947  $28,154  $63,000  $45,000  $63,421  $10,730  $110,766  $10,000 
Time deposits  91,078   178,748   148,770   2,050   67,036   150,552   228,495   6,278 
Savings  9,622   35,247   88,645   23,506   10,770   33,671   107,557   25,819 
Interest bearing demand  8,070   25,444   71,605   22,992   7,432   22,405   79,827   32,595 
                  
Total
 $165,717  $267,593  $372,020  $93,548  $148,659  $217,358  $526,645  $74,692 
                  
Cumulative gap (deficiency) $44,578  $(88,403) $40,082  $88,545  $43,373  $(31,999) $(27,850) $98,901 
Cumulative gap (deficiency) as a % of assets  3.90%  (7.73)%  3.50%  7.74%  3.54%  (2.61)%  (2.27) %  8.07%
 
The following table shows the maturity of commercial and agricultural loans outstanding at December 31, 2009.2010. Also provided are the amounts due after one year, classified according to the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
 
                                
 1 Year
 1 to 5
 Over 5
    1 Year
 1 to 5
 Over 5
   
 or Less Years Years Total  or Less Years Years Total 
Commercial and agricultural $96,488  $291,650  $16,981  $405,119  $102,027  $296,042  $22,229  $420,298 
                  
Interest Sensitivity                                
Loans maturing after one year that have:                                
Fixed interest rates     $246,145  $15,922          $253,106  $20,346     
Variable interest rates      45,505   1,059           42,936   1,883     
          
Total
     $291,650  $16,981          $296,042  $22,229     
          
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity is monitored regularly by the Corporation’s Market Risk Committee, which consists of members of senior management. The committee reviews projected cash flows, key ratios, and liquidity available from both primary and secondary sources.
 
The primary sources of the Corporation’s liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, trading securities, andavailable-for-sale investment securities, excluding auction rate money market preferred securities and preferred stock due to their illiquidity. These categories totaled $292,464$360,677 or 25.6%29.4% of assets as of December 31, 20092010 as compared to $285,805$292,464 or 25.0%25.6% in 2008.2009. Liquidity is important for financial institutions because of their need to meet loan funding commitments, depositor withdrawal requests, and various other commitments discussed in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Liquidity varies significantly daily, based on customer activity.
Operating activities provided $18,225 of cash in 2009 as compared to $20,661 in 2008. Net financing activities used $7,538 of cash in 2009 as compared to providing $66,038 in 2008, with the fluctuation being primarily the result of increases in other borrowed funds during 2008. The Corporation’s investing activities used cash amounting to $10,960 in 2009 and $87,846 in 2008. The accumulated effect of the Corporation’s operating, investing, and financing activities used $273 of cash in 2009 and $1,147 in 2008.


8692


The following table summarizes the Corporation’s sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31:
             
  2010  2009  $ Variance 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities $26,521  $18,225  $8,296 
Net cash used in investing activities  (103,877)  (9,184)  (94,693)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  70,983   (7,538)  78,521 
             
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents  (6,373)  1,503   (7,876)
Cash and cash equivalents January 1  24,482   22,979   1,503 
             
Cash and cash equivalents December 31 $18,109  $24,482  $(6,373)
             
The primary source of funds for the BankCorporation is deposits. The BankCorporation emphasizes interest-bearinginterest bearing time deposits as part of its funding strategy. The BankCorporation also seeks noninterest bearing deposits, or checking accounts, to expand its customer base, while reducing the Corporation’s cost of funds.
 
In recent periods, the Corporation has experienced some competitive challenges in obtaining additional deposits to fuel growth. As depositors continue to have wider access to the Internet and other real-time interest rate monitoring resources, deposit sourcing and pricing has become more competitive. Deposit growth is achievable, but generally at a higher cost. As a result of this increased competition, the Corporation (as discussed above) has begun to rely more and more on brokered, internet deposits, and other borrowed funds as a key funding source.
In addition to these primary sources of liquidity, theThe Corporation has the ability to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank, and through various correspondent banks as federal funds. AsThese funding methods typically carry a higher interest rate than traditional market deposit accounts. Some borrowed funds, including Federal Home Loan Bank Advances, Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window Advances, and repurchase agreements, require the Corporation to pledge assets, typically in the form of December 31, 2009, theinvestment securities or loans, as collateral.
The Corporation had the capacityability to borrow up to an additional $13,849 from the Federal Home Loan Bank$122,960, based uponon the assets currently pledged as collateral. The Corporation’s liquidity is considered adequate by the management of the Corporation.Corporation has pledged eligible mortgage loans and investment securities as collateral for any such borrowings.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Corporation’s primary market risks are interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Corporation has no significant foreign exchange risk, holds limited loans outstanding, to oil and gas concerns, and does not utilize interest rate swaps or derivatives, except for interest rate locks and forward loan commitments, in the management of its interest rate risk. Any changes in foreign exchange rates or commodity prices would have an insignificant impact if any, on the Corporation’s interest income and cash flows. The Corporation does have a significant amount of loans extended to borrowers in agricultural production. The cash flow of such borrowers and ability to service debt is largely dependent on the commodity prices for corn, soybeans, sugar beets, milk, beef, and a variety of dry beans.prices. The Corporation mitigates these risks by using conservative price and production yields when calculating a borrower’s available cash flow to service their debt.
 
Interest rate risk (“IRR”) is the exposure of the Corporation’s net interest income, its primary source of income, to changes in interest rates. IRR results from the difference in the maturity or repricing frequency of a financial institution’s interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. IRR is the fundamental method in which financial institutions earn income and create shareholder value. Excessive exposure to IRR could pose a significant risk to the Corporation’s earnings and capital.
 
The Federal Reserve Board, the Corporation’s primary Federal regulator, has adopted a policy requiring the Board of Directors and senior management to effectively manage the various risks that can have a material impact on the safety and soundness of the Corporation. The risks include credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational, and reputational. The Corporation has policies, procedures and internal controls for measuring and managing these risks. Specifically, the IRR policy and procedures include defining acceptable types and terms of investments and funding sources, liquidity requirements, limits on investments in long term assets, limiting the mismatch in repricing opportunity of assets and liabilities, and the frequency of measuring and reporting to the Board of Directors.
 
The Corporation uses several techniques to manage IRR. The first method is gap analysis. Gap analysis measures the cash flowsand/or the earliest repricing of the Corporation’s interest bearing assets and liabilities. This analysis is useful for measuring trends in the repricing characteristics of the balance sheet. Significant assumptions are required in this process because of the imbedded repricing options contained in assets and liabilities. A substantial portion of the Corporation’s assets are invested in loans and investment securities with issuer call options. LoansResidential real estate and other consumer loans have imbedded options that allow the borrower to repay


93


the balance prior to maturity without penalty.penalty, while commercial and agricultural loans have prepayment penalties. The amount of prepayments is dependent upon many factors, including the interest rate of a given loan in comparison to the current interest rate for residential mortgages, the level of sales of used homes, and the overall availability of credit in the market place. Generally, a decrease in interest rates will result in an increase in the Corporation’s cash flows from these assets. A significant portion of the Corporation’s securities are callable.callable or subject to prepayment. The call option is more likely to be exercised in a period of decreasing interest rates. Investment securities, other than those that are callable, do not have any significant imbedded options. Savings and checking deposits may generally


87


be withdrawn on request without prior notice. The timing of cash flows from these deposits is estimated based on historical experience. Time deposits have penalties that discourage early withdrawals.
 
The second technique used in the management of IRR is to combine the projected cash flows and repricing characteristics generated by the gap analysis and the interest rates associated with those cash flows to project future interest income. By changing the amount and timing of the cash flows and the repricing interest rates of those cash flows, the Corporation can project the effect of changing interest rates on its interest income. Based on the projections prepared for the year ended December 31, 2009,2010, the Corporation’s net interest income would increasedecrease during a period of decreasingincreasing interest rates.
 
The following tables provide information about the Corporation’s assets and liabilities that are sensitive to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 20092010 and 2008.2009. The Corporation has no interest rate swaps, futures contracts, or other derivative financial options. The principal amounts of assets and time deposits maturing were calculated based on the contractual maturity dates. Savings and NOW accounts are based on management’s estimate of their future cash flows.
 
                                                                
 December 31, 2009 Fair Value
 December 31, 2010 Fair Value
 
 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Thereafter Total 12/31/09 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Thereafter Total 12/31/10 
 (Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands) 
Rate sensitive assets                                                        
Other interest bearing assets $4,996  $960  $1,200  $  $  $  $7,156  $7,156  $10,550  $5,429  $960  $  $  $  $16,939  $17,039 
Average interest rates  1.13%  2.29%  2.64%           1.54%     0.96%  1.82%  2.16%           1.30%    
Trading securities $7,139  $2,043  $2,546  $1,094  $570  $171  $13,563  $13,563  $1,918  $2,366  $1,031  $522  $  $  $5,837  $5,837 
Average interest rates  2.84%  2.42%  2.28%  2.53%  2.66%  4.86%  2.66%     3.46%  2.31%  2.42%  2.47%        2.72%    
Fixed interest rate securities $68,078  $35,401  $21,540  $20,369  $20,431  $93,247  $259,066  $259,066  $64,652  $42,984  $32,871  $29,395  $24,438  $136,384  $330,724  $330,724 
Average interest rates  3.53%  3.51%  3.59%  3.65%  3.63%  3.58%  3.57%     3.68%  3.42%  3.30%  3.33%  3.28%  3.13%  3.32%    
Fixed interest rate loans $133,703  $111,981  $118,749  $109,754  $62,280  $48,764  $585,231  $594,498  $128,277  $121,434  $140,019  $67,423  $68,569  $66,010  $591,732  $603,435 
Average interest rates  6.64%  6.85%  6.72%  6.50%  6.61%  6.01%  6.61%     6.80%  6.63%  6.26%  6.47%  6.08%  5.83%  6.41%    
Variable interest rate loans $60,727  $17,695  $13,799  $16,357  $16,940  $12,567  $138,085  $138,085  $59,536  $17,306  $22,523  $15,118  $18,830  $10,259  $143,572  $143,572 
Average interest rates  5.00%  4.69%  4.79%  3.83%  3.74%  5.35%  4.68%     4.94%  4.76%  4.27%  3.78%  3.69%  5.21%  4.55%    
Rate sensitive liabilities                                                        
Borrowed funds $85,101  $11,000  $32,000  $15,000  $5,000  $45,000  $193,101  $195,179  $74,151  $33,013  $15,127  $37,087  $25,539  $10,000  $194,917  $200,603 
Average interest rates  2.28%  4.04%  3.50%  3.93%  4.38%  4.01%  3.17%     0.62%  3.46%  2.55%  3.11%  4.60%  2.35%  2.33%    
Savings and NOW accounts $78,383  $65,107  $44,439  $30,095  $20,609  $46,498  $285,131  $285,131  $74,278  $73,818  $53,174  $35,872  $24,520  $58,414  $320,076  $320,076 
Average interest rates  0.15%  0.15%  0.15%  0.14%  0.15%  0.13%  0.15%     0.21%  0.21%  0.20%  0.19%  0.18%  0.15%  0.19%    
Fixed interest rate time deposits $268,005  $46,484  $53,054  $32,959  $16,273  $2,050  $418,825  $422,227  $215,648  $113,338  $44,269  $31,414  $39,474  $6,278  $450,421  $452,392 
Average interest rates  2.26%  3.59%  3.47%  3.83%  3.09%  3.35%  2.72%     1.79%  2.67%  3.35%  2.86%  2.97%  3.26%  2.36%    
Variable interest rate time deposits $1,252  $569  $  $  $  $  $1,821  $1,821  $1,279  $661  $  $  $  $  $1,940  $1,940 
Average interest rates  1.56%  1.40%              1.51%     1.21%  1.06%              1.16%    
 December 31, 2008 Fair Value
 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Thereafter Total 12/31/08
Rate sensitive assets                        
Other interest bearing assets $575  $  $  $  $  $  $575  $575 
Average interest rates  0.21%                 0.21%   
Trading securities $7,867  $4,902  $3,181  $2,937  $1,089  $1,799  $21,775  $21,775 
Average interest rates  3.89%  3.57%  3.47%  2.74%  2.90%  3.11%  3.49%   
Fixed interest rate securities $82,852  $13,043  $12,494  $11,247  $20,291  $106,528  $246,455  $246,455 
Average interest rates  4.68%  4.78%  4.25%  4.20%  3.74%  3.69%  4.15%   
Fixed interest rate loans $136,854  $105,529  $110,218  $80,163  $88,540  $57,692  $578,996  $598,703 
Average interest rates  6.73%  6.78%  6.90%  7.20%  6.86%  6.34%  6.82%   
Variable interest rate loans $61,795  $25,166  $16,524  $8,049  $27,505  $17,350  $156,389  $156,389 
Average interest rates  5.32%  4.75%  5.27%  5.34%  4.45%  5.90%  5.14%   
Rate sensitive liabilities                        
Borrowed funds $95,159  $39,191  $21,000  $22,000  $15,000  $30,000  $222,350  $230,130 
Average interest rates  1.11%  4.57%  3.63%  4.17%  3.93%  4.59%  2.95%   
Savings and NOW accounts $119,801  $79,465  $63,274  $25,140  $8,816  $  $296,496  $296,496 
Average interest rates  0.12%  0.27%  0.26%  0.20%  0.34%     0.20%   
Fixed interest rate time deposits $239,152  $62,838  $29,771  $21,565  $24,860  $1,589  $379,775  $385,478 
Average interest rates  3.47%  4.29%  4.55%  4.61%  4.18%  4.57%  3.81%   
Variable interest rate time deposits $1,187  $626  $  $  $  $  $1,813  $1,813 
Average interest rates  1.90%  1.67%              1.82%   


8894


                                 
  December 31, 2009  Fair Value
 
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  Thereafter  Total  12/31/09 
 
Rate sensitive assets                                
Other interest bearing assets $10,360  $960  $1,200  $  $  $  $12,520  $12,520 
Average interest rates  1.13%  2.29%  2.64%           1.36%    
Trading securities $7,139  $2,043  $2,546  $1,094  $570  $171  $13,563  $13,563 
Average interest rates  2.84%  2.42%  2.28%  2.53%  2.66%  4.86%  2.66%    
Fixed interest rate securities $68,078  $35,401  $21,540  $20,369  $20,431  $93,247  $259,066  $259,066 
Average interest rates  3.53%  3.51%  3.59%  3.65%  3.63%  3.58%  3.57%    
Fixed interest rate loans $133,703  $111,981  $118,749  $109,754  $62,280  $48,764  $585,231  $594,498 
Average interest rates  6.64%  6.85%  6.72%  6.50%  6.61%  6.01%  6.61%    
Variable interest rate loans $60,727  $17,695  $13,799  $16,357  $16,940  $12,567  $138,085  $138,085 
Average interest rates  5.00%  4.69%  4.79%  3.83%  3.74%  5.35%  4.68%    
Rate sensitive liabilities                                
Borrowed funds $85,101  $11,000  $32,000  $15,000  $5,000  $45,000  $193,101  $195,179 
Average interest rates  2.28%  4.04%  3.50%  3.93%  4.38%  4.01%  3.17%    
Savings and NOW accounts $78,383  $65,107  $44,439  $30,095  $20,609  $46,498  $285,131  $285,131 
Average interest rates  0.15%  0.15%  0.15%  0.14%  0.15%  0.13%  0.15%    
Fixed interest rate time deposits $268,005  $46,484  $53,054  $32,959  $16,273  $2,050  $418,825  $422,227 
Average interest rates  2.26%  3.59%  3.47%  3.83%  3.09%  3.35%  2.72%    
Variable interest rate time deposits $1,252  $569  $  $  $  $  $1,821  $1,821 
Average interest rates  1.56%  1.40%              1.51%    
Forward Looking Statements
 
This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Corporation intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995, and is including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Corporation, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. The Corporation’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the Corporation and the subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government including policies of the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in the Corporation’s market area, and accounting principles, policies and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Further information concerning the Corporation and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Corporation’s financial results, is included in the Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
 
The Corporation’s common stock is traded in theover-the-counter over the counter (“OTC”) market. The common stock has been quoted on the OTC Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service (“Pinkmarket tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc’s electronic quotation system (the “Pink Sheets”) under the symbol “ISBA” since August of 2008 and under the symbol “IBTM” prior to August of 2008. Other trades in the common stock occur in privately negotiated transactions from time to time of which the Corporation may have little or no information.
 
Management has reviewed the information available as to the range of reported high and low bid quotations, including high and low bid information as reported by Pink Sheets and closing price information as reported by the parties to privately negotiated transactions. The following table sets forth management’s compilation of that information for the periods indicated. Price information obtained from Pink Sheets reflects inter-dealerinter dealer prices, without retailmark-up, mark-down mark up, mark down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. Price information obtained from parties to privately negotiated transactions reflects actual closing prices that were

95


disclosed to the Corporation, which management has not independently verified. The following compiled data is provided for information purposes only and should not be viewed as indicative of the actual or market value of the Corporation’s common stock. All of the information has been adjusted to reflect the 10% stock dividend, paid February 29, 2008.
 
                        
 Number of
 Sale Price  Number of
 Sale Price 
Period
 Shares Low High  Shares Low High 
2010            
First Quarter  45,695  $16.75  $19.00 
Second Quarter  64,290   17.00   18.50 
Third Quarter  53,897   16.05   17.99 
Fourth Quarter  56,534   16.57   18.30 
   
  220,416         
   
2009                        
First Quarter  61,987  $14.99  $25.51   61,987   14.99   25.51 
Second Quarter  91,184   15.85   20.75   91,184   15.85   20.75 
Third Quarter  66,399   17.50   19.50   66,399   17.50   19.50 
Fourth Quarter  76,985   14.00   19.25   76,985   14.00   19.25 
      
  296,555           296,555         
      
2008            
First Quarter  107,920   32.73   44.00 
Second Quarter  50,600   39.00   44.00 
Third Quarter  29,303   33.00   40.00 
Fourth Quarter  71,855   22.50   36.50 
   
  259,678         
   


89


The following table sets forth the cash dividends paid for the following quarters, adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid on February 29, 2008.quarters:
 
                
 Per Share  Per Share 
 2009 2008  2010 2009 
First Quarter $0.12  $0.12  $0.18  $0.12 
Second Quarter  0.13   0.12   0.18   0.13 
Third Quarter  0.13   0.12   0.18   0.13 
Fourth Quarter  0.32   0.29   0.18   0.32 
          
Total
 $0.70  $0.65  $0.72  $0.70 
          
 
Isabella Bank Corporation’s authorized common stock consists of 15,000,000 shares, of which 7,535,1937,550,074 shares are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009.2010. As of that date, there were 3,0043,011 shareholders of record.
 
The Board of Directors has adopted a common stock repurchase plan. On October 29, 2009,June 23, 2010, the Board of Directors amended the plan to allow for the repurchase of an additional 100,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The maximum number of shares which may be repurchased pursuant to this plan was 78,432 shares as of December 31, 2009. These authorizations do not have expiration dates. As shares are repurchased under this plan, they are retired and revert back to the status of authorized, but unissued shares.
The following table provides information for the three month period ended December 31, 2009,2010, with respect to this plan:
 
                 
        Total Number of
    
        Shares Purchased
  Maximum Number of
 
  Shares Repurchased  as Part of Publicly
  Shares That May Yet Be
 
     Average Price
  Announced Plan
  Purchased Under the
 
  Number  Per Share  or Program  Plans or Programs 
 
Balance, September 30, 2009              6,636 
October 1 - 28, 2009  3,689  $17.45   3,689   2,947 
Additional authorization           102,947 
October 29 - 31, 2009           102,947 
November 1 - 30, 2009  11,152   17.06   11,152   91,795 
December 1 - 31, 2009  13,363   18.12   13,363   78,432 
                 
Balance, December 31, 2009
  28,204  $17.61   28,204   78,432 
                 
                 
        Total Number of
    
        Shares Purchased
  Maximum Number of
 
  Shares Repurchased  as Part of Publicly
  Shares That May Yet Be
 
     Average Price
  Announced Plan
  Purchased Under the
 
  Number  Per Share  or Program  Plans or Programs 
 
Balance, September 30, 2010              59,131 
October 1 - 31, 2010  5,224  $17.23   5,224   53,907 
November 1 - 30, 2010  7,773   17.37   7,773   46,134 
December 1 - 31, 2010  6,697   16.87   6,697   39,437 
                 
Balance, December 31, 2010
  19,694  $17.16   19,694   39,437 
                 
 
Information concerning Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans appears under “Item 11.12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters” included in the Corporation’s 20092010 annual report onForm 10-K.


9096


Stock Performance
 
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Corporation common stock for the last five years with the cumulative total return on (1) the NASDAQ Stock Market Index, which is comprised of all United States common shares traded on the NASDAQ and (2) the NASDAQ Bank Stock Index, which is comprised of bank and bank holding company common shares traded on the NASDAQ over the same period. The graph assumes the value of an investment in the Corporation and each index was $100 at December 31, 20042005 and all dividends are reinvested.
 
Stock Performance
Five-Year Total Return
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
The dollar values for total shareholder return plotted in the graph above are shown in the table below:
 
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative
Among Isabella Bank Corporation, NASDAQ Stock Market,
and NASDAQ Bank Stock
 
                        
 Isabella Bank
   NASDAQ
  Isabella Bank
   NASDAQ
 
Year
 Corporation NASDAQ Banks  Corporation NASDAQ Banks 
12/31/2004  100.0   100.0   100.0 
12/31/2005  106.4   102.1   98.0   100.0   100.0   100.0 
12/31/2006  118.7   112.6   111.4   111.6   110.3   113.6 
12/31/2007  120.6   124.6   89.5   113.3   122.1   91.4 
12/31/2008  78.5   75.0   70.5   73.8   73.5   72.0 
12/31/2009  60.5   108.8   59.0   56.9   106.6   60.2 
12/31/2010  54.2   125.8   68.6 


9197


 
SHAREHOLDERS’ INFORMATION
 
Annual Meeting
 
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2010,3, 2011, Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mission Street, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
 
Financial Information andForm 10-K
 
Copies of the 20092010 Annual Report, Isabella Bank CorporationForm 10-K, and other financial information not contained herein are available on the Bank’s website (www.isabellabank.com) under the Investor Relations tab, or may be obtained, without charge, by writing to:
 
Debra Campbell
Debra Campbell
Secretary

Isabella Bank Corporation

401 N. Main St.

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858
 
Mission Statement
 
To create an operating environment that will provide shareholders with sustained growth in their investment while maintaining our independence and subsidiaries’ autonomy.
 
Equal Employment Opportunity
 
The equal employment opportunity clauses in Section 202 of the Executive Order 11246, as amended; 38 USC 2012, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; relative to equal employment opportunity and implementing rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor are adhered to and supported by Isabella Bank Corporation, and its subsidiaries.


9298


ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION (ISABELLA LOGO)
PROXY
401 North Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 CARD
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appointsSandra L. Caul, David J. Maness,James C. Fabiano, and W. Joseph ManifoldLaFramboise as proxies, each with the power to appoint his/her substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of Isabellalsabella Bank Corporation held of record bythat the undersigned on March 31, 2010is eligible to vote as of April 1, 2011 at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 4, 20103,2011 or any adjournments thereof.
ELECTIONPROPOSAL 1--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: The Election ofProposal to elect the following five (5) persons as directors. Please mark the appropriate box for each director-nominee.
         
  FOR AGAINST WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
Dennis P. Angner  
James C. FabianoJeffrey J. Barnes
G. Charles Hubscher
David J. Maness
W. Joseph Manifold
PROPOSAL 2--ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Proposal to adopt an advisory (non-binding) resolution regarding named executive officer compensation.
FORAGAINSTWITHHOLD AUTHORITY
ooo
PROPOSAL 3:--FREQUENCY OF ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Proposal to adopt an advisory (non- binding) resolution on the frequency of shareholder votes regarding named executive officer compensation.
ONETWOTHREE
YEARYEARSYEARSWITHHOLD AUTHORITY
o o o o
Ted Kortesooo
Thomas L. Kleinhardtooo
Joseph LaFramboiseooo
Dale D. Weburgooo(continued and signed on other side)

The Board of Directors Recommends a VoteFOR” Proposals 1 and 2, and for the 3-year frequency on Proposal 3.


This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED TO ELECT ALL NOMINEES.“FOR” PROPOSALS 1 AND 2, AND FOR THE 3-YEAR FREQUENCY ON PROPOSAL 3. The shares represented by this proxy will be voted in the discretion of the proxies on any other matters which may come before the meeting.
Please sign below as your name appears on the label. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign full corporate name by the President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
     
Dated:, 2010
    
Dated:, 2011      
Please mark, sign, date and return Signature  
Proxy card promptly using the enclosed    
Envelope. 
Signature (if held jointly)  
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION  401 N Main St, Mount Pleasant, Ml 48858    www.isabellabank.com