SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT--(Marketwire - Jun 19, 2012) - Michael R. Tuttle, President and CEO of Merchants Bank, today announced the promotion of Janet P. Spitler to the office of Executive Vice President. Ms. Spitler leads the Finance Department and is CFO and Treasurer.

"I am very pleased to announce this promotion," said Mr. Tuttle. "As Chief Financial Officer, Janet has been a significant contributor to the success of our company for many years. During that time she has been involved in many important initiatives that have extended well beyond the finance area. As of January 1^st our Human Resources department also started reporting to Janet."

Ms. Spitler joined Merchants Bank in 1990. She has served as the Treasurer of Merchants Bank since 1995 and as Chief Financial Officer since 1997. She was appointed to the office of Senior Vice President in 2006. She serves on the Board of Directors of Housing Vermont and is a member of the Vermont Tax Advisory Board. Ms. Spitler holds Bachelor's degrees from William Smith College and Syracuse University. Ms. Spitler resides in Shelburne, Vermont with her family.

Merchants Bank was established in 1849 in Burlington, Vermont. Its continuing mission is to provide Vermonters with a statewide community bank that combines a strong technology platform with a genuine appreciation for local markets. Merchants Bank delivers this commitment through a branch-based system that includes: 33 community bank offices and 40 ATMs throughout Vermont; local branch presidents and personal bankers dedicated to high-quality customer service; free online banking, phone banking, and electronic bill payment services; high-value depositing programs that feature Cash Rewards Checking, Rewards Checking for Business, business cash management, money market accounts, health savings accounts, certificates of deposit, Flexible CD, IRAs, and overdraft assurance; feature-rich loan programs including mortgages, home equity credit, vehicle loans, personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and merchant card processing. Merchants Bank offers a strong set of commercial and government banking solutions, delivered by experienced banking officers in markets throughout the state; these teams provide customized financing for medium-to-large companies, non-profits, cities, towns, and school districts. Merchants Trust Company, a division of Merchants Bank, provides investment management, financial planning and trustee services. Please visit [ www.mbvt.com ] for access to Merchants Bank information, programs, and services. Merchants' stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market system under the symbol MBVT (NASDAQ: [ MBVT ]). Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.