INDEPENDENT BANK CORP /MI/ 8-K

What Happened
Independent Bank Corporation (IBCP) filed an 8-K on April 24, 2026 reporting the results of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 21, 2026. Shareholders elected directors, ratified Crowe LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal 2026, approved the company’s named executive officer compensation in a non-binding vote, and chose the frequency for future advisory votes on executive pay. Directors elected to three-year terms (through the 2029 meeting) were Terance L. Beia, Stephen L. Gulis, Jr., and William B. Kessel; Michael G. Wooldridge was elected to a term expiring at the 2027 meeting.

Key Details

• Director election vote totals:
  • Terance L. Beia: For 16,689,234; Against 217,090; Withheld 38,267; Broker non-votes 1,423,619.
  • Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.: For 16,530,123; Against 381,471; Withheld 32,997; Broker non-votes 1,423,619.
  • William B. Kessel: For 16,748,874; Against 160,829; Withheld 34,888; Broker non-votes 1,423,619.
  • Michael G. Wooldridge (term to 2027): For 16,840,747; Against 67,781; Withheld 36,063; Broker non-votes 1,423,619.
• Auditor ratification: Crowe LLP ratified as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026 — For 17,973,910; Against 363,239; Abstain 31,061.
• Say-on-pay and frequency votes: Advisory approval of executive compensation passed — For 16,605,837; Against 239,310; Abstain 99,444 (broker non-votes 1,423,619). Shareholders selected an annual (1-year) advisory vote on executive compensation: 1 year = 15,933,488; 2 years = 20,840; 3 years = 938,740; Abstain = 51,523. The Board recommended and will hold the annual advisory vote going forward.

Why It Matters
These results confirm the company’s board composition and continuity of governance through the next scheduled terms, and they secure Crowe LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal 2026 — items important for oversight and financial reporting. The strong shareholder preference for an annual say-on-pay means management will continue to face yearly advisory votes on executive compensation, providing more frequent shareholder input on pay practices. The filing contains vote totals and procedural outcomes but does not include operating results or financial performance data.