UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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DATE OF REPORT (Date of earliest event reported): July 25, 2006
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FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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INDIANA 0-17071 35-1544218
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission file number) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
200 East Jackson Street
P.O. Box 792
Muncie, IN 47305-2814
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(765) 747-1500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR
230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEM 5.02. DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS;
APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS.
(c) On July 25, 2006, the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation
(the "Corporation") appointed Charles E. Schalliol as Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors.
(d) On July 25, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Corporation also appointed
Terry L. Walker to fill a vacancy on the Corporation's Board of Directors.
Mr. Walker's term will continue until the 2007 Annual Meeting of the
Shareholders, at which time he will be considered for election for a two
(2) year term. Mr. Walker will serve on the audit committee of the Board of
Directors. A copy of the Corporation's press release, dated July 27, 2006,
announcing the appointment of Mr. Walker is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.
ITEM 5.03. AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR BYLAWS; CHANGE IN FISCAL
YEAR.
(a) On July 25, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Corporation also amended
Section Article V, Section 1 of the Corporation's Bylaws to provide for
twelve (12) Directors rather than the previous thirteen (13). The amendment
was effective as of July 25, 2006.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(c) (99.1) Press Release dated July 27, 2006.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
First Merchants Corporation
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Mark K. Hardwick
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Mark K. Hardwick
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Dated: July 27, 2006
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit No.
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99.1 Description
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Press Release, dated July 27, 2006, regarding the
matter referenced in Item 5.02.
First Merchants Corporation
Exhibit No. 99.1
Press Release, dated July 27, 2006
N / E / W / S R / E / L / E / A / S / E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Andrew Weixler, 765-747-1360
First Merchants Corporation Elects Terry L. Walker to its Board of Directors
July 27, 2006
Muncie, Indiana - First Merchants Corporation, a $3.4 billion financial holding
company, elected Terry L. Walker to its Board of Directors this week at a
regular meeting. Mr. Walker is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Muncie Power Products, Inc., a manufacturer of power take-offs and
hydraulic systems for the truck equipment industry.
"We are very pleased that Terry has joined our Board. He has long been a
business leader in Muncie. His extensive business background and dedication to
the region make him an ideal addition to the team," said Michael L. Cox,
President and Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation.
A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Walker is a lifelong resident of East Central
Indiana and serves the community through his work with local organizations
including Ivy Tech, the United Way, Community Foundation, Cornerstone Center for
the Arts, and Minnetrista. He received his undergraduate degree from Ball State
University.
Mr. Walker has received recognition for his service including induction into the
American Red Cross Hall of Fame and selection as recipient of the "Benny" Award
for dedicated leadership and service to Ball State University.
About First Merchants Corporation
First Merchants Corporation (Nasdaq: FRME) is a financial holding company
headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. Since its organization in 1982, the
Corporation has grown to include eight affiliate banks with 68 locations in 17
Indiana and three Ohio counties, a trust company, a multi-line insurance
company, and a title company. Bank subsidiaries of the Corporation include:
* First Merchants Bank in Delaware, Hamilton, and Henry counties
* Madison Community Bank in Madison County
* United Communities National Bank (UCNB) in Randolph, Union, Fayette,
Wayne, and Butler (OH) counties
* First National Bank in Jay County
* Decatur Bank & Trust Company in Adams County
* Frances Slocum Bank in Wabash, Howard, and Miami counties
* Lafayette Bank and Trust Company in Tippecanoe, Carroll, Jasper, and White
counties
* Commerce National Bank in Franklin and Hamilton counties in Ohio
The Corporation also operates First Merchants Insurance Services, a full-service
property, casualty, personal lines, and health care insurer, and is the majority
owner of the Indiana Title Insurance Company LLC. First Merchants Trust Company
unites the trust and asset management services of all affiliate banks of the
Corporation and represents one of the largest trust companies in the State of
Indiana, with assets in excess of $1.5 billion.
For more information, visit www.firstmerchants.com.
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