(COLDWATER) - Southern Michigan Bank & Trust has received both the 2026 Financial Literacy Award and the Innovator of the Year Award from the Michigan Bankers Association.
The bank was recognized for its efforts to advance financial education and community engagement, particularly through the creation of Financially Fit, a free online financial literacy resource center launched in July 2025. The platform is available to both customers and non-customers.
The Innovator of the Year Award is presented annually by the Michigan Bankers Association to a member bank demonstrating forward-thinking initiatives and excellence within the banking industry.
Financially Fit offers self-paced courses, quizzes, blogs, videos, downloadable tools, and educational guides covering topics including budgeting, college and money management, first-time home buying, debt repayment, investing, and retirement planning. Content is organized into categories for teens, emerging adults, established adults, empty nesters, and retirees.
"Financial decisions are made every day and impact us throughout our entire lives," said Quinn White, vice president and head of marketing for Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. "We believe everyone should have access to clear, practical financial education that empowers informed decision-making at every stage, and Financially Fit provides the tools and resources to support that journey."
Michigan Bankers Association President and CEO Rann Paynter praised the bank's efforts, saying the program helps individuals and families build stronger financial futures.
Southern Michigan Bank & Trust operates 18 offices across Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.