MINNEAPOLIS/WINONA, Minn. – Shawn Haines has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Credit Manager at Merchants Bank Equipment Finance (MBEF), according to Corey Hothan, Vice President of Operations at MBEF.

"Shawn has demonstrated a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills and continues to be a valuable contributor to the MBEF team and our success," Hothan said.

Haines has been with MBEF since 2011, serving most recently as Credit Underwriting Manager. He has over 20 years of financial analysis experience, which includes equipment leasing and floor planning.

"It’s very nice to receive the recognition," said Haines, "Merchants really supports its team by growing and developing our employees. Plus, the fact that we’re employee owned and our stock evaluation continues to improve is a sign of a great organization."

Haines is responsible for overseeing underwriting, reporting and maintaining credit quality at MBEF.

"The people I work with are great," said Haines, "There are so many important pieces and we work well as a team. We get the job done."

Today, MBEF has 11 employees and has continued to make a significant impact to the bottom line for Merchants Financial Group, Inc. MBEF primarily provides equipment lease and loan financing options to businesses located throughout the central U.S. and also partners with other finance companies in equipment finance transactions outside its marketing footprint.  MBEF finances tangible assets over terms of 2 to 10 years on equipment with values generally ranging from $50,000 to over $10 million. MBEF serves many industries, including construction, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, food and agriculture.

MFGI, the parent company for MBEF, owns 21 Merchants Bank locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, has more than $1.6 billion in assets and is one of the largest independent financial organizations in its region. Member FDIC.