Building Dreams Together: A Family-Owned Bank Supporting Local Families For Over A Century

We’re proud to announce First Community Bank as our Corporate Partner of the Year, recognizing their outstanding commitment to affordable housing in our community. For over two decades, First Community Bank has been more than a financial partner—they’ve been champions of our mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

Founded in 1905 by Irish immigrant William J. Clarke, First Community Bank has spent over a century investing in Northern Michigan families. Today, under the leadership of fifth-generation family members Matthew and Daniel Clarke, that legacy continues stronger than ever. Their partnership with Habitat exemplifies what it means to be truly community-focused.

This past year alone Habitat has sold 19 homes, providing affordable homeownership to teachers, healthcare professionals, retail workers, public safety officers, tradespeople, and business professionals—the essential workers who keep our community thriving. In collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis – First Community Bank’s most recent grant funding of $110,000 has helped make these successes possible!

Beyond financial contributions, First Community Bank demonstrates hands-on commitment through Tracey Dryovage, their VP of Commercial Lending, who serves on our Board of Directors. Their special interest project financing—providing credit at below-market rates—combined with Tracey’s strategic leadership gives us both the financial tools and guidance to meet the housing needs of working families in our region.

“Local banking means investing in local families,” reflects the philosophy that has guided First Community Bank through five generations and ten branch locations across Michigan. As a trusted banking partner for over 20 years, they understand that affordable housing isn’t just about building structures—it’s about building community.

Their partnership proves that when local businesses invest in their neighbors, transformation happens. Every home built, every family served, every life changed reflects the power of community commitment.
Join the mission. Support Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity’s work to create local affordable homeownership opportunities. And when you bank local with First Community Bank, you’re partnering with a family-owned institution that puts community first—today and for generations to come.