Press Release

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Donation Takes

Tibbits Opera House Campaign Over $500,000

8/8/2007

COLDWATER, MI—Southern Michigan Bank and Trust (SMB&T) recently became the largest corporate contributor to the restoration campaign of the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan and helped the historic theatre reach the fundraising milestone of one half million dollars.

This is the second campaign gift by SMB&T and brings their total support of the Tibbits “Through the Magic of Believing” fundraising campaign to $50,000.  Phase III of the restoration effort focuses on generating $1.5 million to return the façade of the 125 year-old Opera House to its original Second Empire architectural design.

“The Tibbits board of directors, staff and campaign volunteers are very appreciative of Southern Michigan Bank’s generous $50,000 commitment to Tibbits Opera House’s restoration campaign. The bank is a long time supporter and has sponsored many Tibbits events over the years including the recent performance of Cahlua & Cream just a few days ago,” according to Tibbits Board of Directors President Erl Gleason.

“It’s an honor for Southern Michigan Bank and Trust to help restore the Tibbits Opera House facade.  John Castle (CEO of SMB&T)and I believe this donation is an investment in an important cultural, economic and historic asset in the City of Coldwater,” according to SMB&T President, Kurt Miller.

Miller and his wife, Lisa, are among 42 community leaders active in the effort to achieve a restored Tibbits Opera House.

“The entire community benefits when we work together to accomplish a project as significant as the restoration of Tibbits Opera House.  When the façade is restored, Tibbits will once again become an architectural attraction in the historic business district, encouraging increased tourism and enhancing community pride,” Miller elaborated.

Tibbits Opera House is managed and operated by the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. whose mission is to preserve and restore the historic opera house and provide cultural entertainment on its stage.  Tibbits is celebrating its 125th anniversary year.

“The timing of this generous donation is especially significant,” said Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney. “Southern Michigan Bank’s donation has helped us surpass the $500,000 milestone and will help Tibbits attract additional funding for the project.  Reaching one third of our goal is significant.”   “Southern Michigan Bank & Trust is a respected regional business leader.  Their donation demonstrates the importance of the Tibbits restoration project for the Coldwater community and southern Michigan,” Delaney said.

Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. is a holding company and the parent company of Southern Michigan Bank and Trust. Its 11 offices throughout southern Michigan provide a broad range of consumer, business and wealth management services throughout the region. For more information, please visit the Southern Michigan Bank & Trust website, www.smb-t.com.

For more information about Tibbits entertainment schedule, to donate to the restoration campaign or for volunteer information, please call Krista Miller, Director of Development, at 517.278.6029 or visit Tibbits website at www.tibbits.org.