FirstMerit Bank Named Strategic Partner by U.S. Department of Commerce - International Trade Administration

AKRON, Ohio, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstMerit Corporation (Nasdaq: FMER) today signed a Strategic Partnership agreement with The U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration. As a Strategic Partner, FirstMerit will support the International Trade Administration's mission of broadening and deepening the U.S. exporter base.

FirstMerit's International Banking Division offers U.S. companies a comprehensive range of products and services to help them enter and compete in global markets, including letters of credit, documentary collections, foreign exchange advisory and payments services and U.S. government-guaranteed working capital loan programs. These services are delivered through experienced bankers, state-of-the-market technology and global banking partners.

The Strategic Partnership was formalized at FirstMerit's Akron headquarters. In attendance were Cody Dietrich, U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration, Office of Strategic Partnerships; Susan Whitney, Office Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center – Ohio; Todd Hiser, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Export Assistance Center – Ohio; Paul G. Greig, Chairman, President and CEO, FirstMerit Corporation; David G. Goodall, Vice Chairman and Chief Commercial Banking Officer, FirstMerit Corporation; and Craig Schurr, Senior Vice President and Manager, FirstMerit International Banking Division.

As a Strategic Partner, FirstMerit will work with the Department of Commerce on programs of interest to FirstMerit customers covering topics such as exporting trends, geographic information and industry-specific intelligence.   

"We are pleased to be recognized by the Department of Commerce as a financial resource partner for Midwest businesses currently exporting or looking to export their goods around the world," said Paul G. Greig, chairman, president and CEO of FirstMerit. "This partnership with the Department of Commerce, coupled with the President's 'E' Award for Export Service we received in May of this year, reflects our commitment to providing our exporting customers with the highest level of international banking products and services to help them succeed in our local economies and around the world."

"Last year, the United States exported $2.35 trillion in goods and services—the fifth consecutive year that American businesses set a record for exports," said Paul Thanos, Director for Office of Finance and Insurance Industries at the International Trade Administration. "With more than 96 percent of potential customers living outside the United States, it is imperative that American companies of all sizes consider the benefits of selling their products abroad. We're pleased to welcome FirstMerit to the Strategic Partner Program and look forward to working with them to expand access to export financing for U.S. businesses."

About The U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA's U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals in more than 100 U.S. cities and in more than 70 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets. Visit www.trade.gov/ to learn more. 

About FirstMerit Corporation

FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of approximately $25.3 billion as of June 30, 2015, and 367 banking offices and 399 ATM locations in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Pennsylvania. FirstMerit provides a complete range of banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses through its core operations. Principal affiliates include: FirstMerit Bank, N.A. and FirstMerit Mortgage Corporation.

FirstMerit Corporation 
Media Contact: Rob Townsend
Phone: 330.384.7075

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