MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Wednesday, Feb. 4th the ribbon was cut for a new Flagstar Bank branch in Okemos.

Previously, the branch was located at 1754 Central Park Drive, and is now located at 1801 Grand River. It is said to be more visible and easier to access. It is 5,800 square feet, and will have commercial bankers, home lenders, and financial consultants on site. A drive-up ATM has been added, as well as an extra lane for drive-up banking.

Many people attended the ribbon cutting and were treated to a breakfast reception to celebrate the creation of the new full-service Flagstar branch. One such person in attendance was Tim Daman, the president and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. He provided the following statement:

"I think when you look at it from a positive economic indicator, when a financial institution is reinvesting or investing in brick and mortar buildings, they're obviously doing that to meet the growing needs of their clients and customers in business. So I really view it as being very positive economic indicator for the greater Lansing region."

Flagstar is celebrating its grand opening with a community program called Michigan Makeovers in an effort to make an impact in the community.

Flagstar will choose three projects as finalists, and the public will then vote for their favorite project online or at the Flagstar Bank Okemos branch. The voting period will take place February 24th - March 10th.