mbwm20190315_def14a.htm

DEF 14A 1 mbwm20210325_def14a.htm FORM DEF 14A mbwm20190315_def14a.htm

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant ☑

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐ CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14a-6(e)(2))

☑ Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):

☑	No fee required.

☐	Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

	1)	Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:


	2)	Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:


	3)	Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):


	4)	Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:


	5)	Total fee paid:

☐	Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

☐	Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

	1)	Amount Previously Paid:


	2)	Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:


	3)	Filing Party:


	4)	Date Filed:

PERSONS WHO POTENTIALLY ARE TO RESPOND TO THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RESPOND UNLESS THE FORM DISPLAYS A CURRENTLY VALID OMB CONTROL NUMBER.

SEC 1913 (02-02)

Table of Contents

To our Shareholders:

We are pleased to announce that the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders of Mercantile Bank Corporation will be held virtually, in lieu of an in-person meeting, on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time. Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting may do so via live webcast. Shareholders who attend the virtual meeting will be able to participate and submit questions prior to and during the meeting as described in more detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement. The meeting is being held for the purpose of considering and voting on the following matters:

Election of seven directors, each for a one-year term.

Ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.

An advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in this proxy statement.

Any other business that may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.

All shareholders of record at the close of business on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 are entitled to notice of the meeting, and any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. Shareholders of record will have the opportunity to vote on the matters to be presented to the meeting via proxy in advance of the meeting. In light of the virtual format, we will not receive in-person voting at this year’s meeting.

Your vote is important. We urge you to submit your proxy (1) over the internet, (2) by telephone or (3) by mail, in advance of the virtual meeting, whether or not you plan to attend. For specific instructions, please refer to the questions and answers beginning on the first page of the proxy statement and the instructions on the proxy card relating to the annual meeting. We would appreciate receiving your proxy by Friday, May 14, 2021.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Michael H. Price

Chairman of the Board

Dated: April 8, 2021

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS	i
PROXY SUMMARY	1
PROXY STATEMENT	6
INFORMATION REGARDING THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS	6
Matters to be Considered at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders	6
Notice and Access	6
Purpose of the Annual Meeting	7
Record Date, Voting and Voting Procedures	7
Voting Matters	8
Proxy and Proxy Statement	9
Other Matters	9
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT	10
Stock Owned by 5% Beneficial Owners	11
PROPOSAL #1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS	12
Information About Our Directors	12
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS	14
Executive Officers	15
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	16
Director Independence	16
Board Meetings	16
Board Committees	16
Board Leadership Structure	18
Board Diversity	19
Board Role in Risk Oversight	19
Communications with Directors	19
Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy	19
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation	20
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT	20
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT	21
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	22
Compensation Discussion and Analysis	22
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control	37
CEO Pay Ratio	43
Director Compensation for 2020	43
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS	45
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE	45
PROPOSAL #2 – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	45
PROPOSAL #3 – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	46
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2022 ANNUAL MEETING	46
OTHER MATTERS	47

Table of Contents

PROXY SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in the proxy statement of Mercantile Bank Corporation (“we,” “our,” “Company” or “Mercantile”). This summary provides an overview and is not intended to contain all the information that you should consider before voting.

We encourage you to read the entire proxy statement for more detailed information on each topic prior to casting your vote.

MEETING INFORMATION

Meeting:	Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Date:	Thursday, May 27, 2021
Time:	9:00 a.m., Eastern Time
Live Webcast:	https://signin.webex.com/join
	The meeting number is: 160 599 2511
	The meeting password is: MBWM2021
	You may register ahead of time to receive the meeting link via e-mail by using the internet address and meeting number above.
Record Date:	March 31, 2021

GENERAL INFORMATION

Stock Symbol:	MBWM
Exchange:	NASDAQ Global Select
Common Stock Outstanding:	16,219,138 shares (as of record date)
Registrar & Transfer Agent:	Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Website:	www.mercbank.com

OVERVIEW OF VOTING MATTERS

PROPOSALS			BOARD RECOMMENDATION
	1.	Election of seven directors, each for a one-year term.	FOR each Nominee
	2.	Ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.	FOR
	3.	An advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in this proxy statement.	FOR
	4.	Any other business that may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

DIRECTOR NOMINEES

Additional details about each of the directors and director nominees can be found beginning on page 12.

*Director*	Audit Committee	Compensation Committee	Governance & Nominating Committee
David M. Cassard
Michael S. Davenport
Michelle L. Eldridge
Jeff A. Gardner
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.*
Michael H. Price**
David B. Ramaker
*TOTAL MEETINGS IN 2020*	4	7	4

* Non-independent Director

** Expected to be independent as of May 27, 2021

MEMBER

CHAIR

HOW TO VOTE

Your vote is important. We urge you to submit your proxy (1) over the internet, (2) by telephone or (3) by mail, prior to the virtual meeting, whether or not you plan to attend. For specific instructions, please refer to the questions and answers beginning on the first page of the proxy statement and the instructions on the proxy card relating to the annual meeting. We would appreciate receiving your proxy by Friday, May 14, 2021.

INTERNET		TELEPHONE OR CELLPHONE	MAIL


1.	Go to: www.envisionreports.com/MBWM.	Call toll free	If you wish to vote by mail,
2.	Click on Cast Your Vote.	1-800-652-VOTE (8683)	send your completed and signed
3.	Follow the instructions to log in.	1-800-652-VOTE (8683)	proxy card using the enclosed
4.	Make your selections as instructed on each screen for your delivery preferences.	within the USA, US territories and Canada	envelope.
5.	Vote your shares.

On April 8, 2021, we began sending our shareholders a Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

OUR COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

●

Base salary

●

Short-term incentive compensation

●

Long-term incentive compensation

●

Other benefits

●

The equity-based plans encourage our executive officers and other employees to focus on increasing shareholder value over a period of years.

●

The deferred compensation and 401(k) plans provide helpful ways for our employees to save for retirement.

●

Bonus plans are typically based on a variety of metrics tied to our financial performance, and contain "claw-back" provisions if the executive officer or employee engages in certain activities or a payout is based on materially inaccurate financial statements or other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria.

The Compensation Discussion and Analysis section beginning on page 22 gives a more detailed description of the Corporation’s compensation policies and practices.

2020 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SUMMARY

	Salary	Bonus	Stock Awards	Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation	Change in Pension Value and Non- qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings	All Other Compensation	Total Compensation
EXECUTIVE OFFICER	($)	($)	($)	($)	($)	($)	($)
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.	538,962	–	285,431	204,356	37	58,581	1,087,367
Raymond E. Reitsma	400,621	–	202,891	118,146	–	60,498	782,156
Charles E. Christmas	389,341	–	168,690	114,819	–	49,875	722,725
Lonna L. Wiersma	281,197	–	94,767	65,127	–	40,727	481,818
Robert T. Worthington	270,000	–	90,998	62,563	334	26,972	450,867

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

●

All directors attended at least 78% of the Board meetings and committee meetings on which they served during 2020;

●

Code of Ethics policy is in place for all directors, officers and employees;

●

Majority of directors are independent;

●

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are separate positions;

●

Ongoing and active risk oversight is performed by the Board and committees; and

●

Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies are in place.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents


BOARD OF DIRECTORS	•	Majority of directors are independent
	•	Board consists of directors with a mix of tenures, including founding members who have actively overseen the Company’s strategic journey through various business cycles and have a deep knowledge of the Company
	•	Approximately 30% of our Board members possess characteristics of racial and gender diversity and our Compensation Committee is chaired by a female director.
	•	Directors reflect a variety of experiences and skills that match the Company’s complexity and strategic direction and give the Board the collective capability necessary to oversee the Company’s activities
	•	All directors attended at least 78% of meetings of the Board and committees on which they served during 2020



BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE	•	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are separate positions
	•	Chief Executive Officer and President is the only member of management who serves as a Company Director
	•	Executive session facilitator annually recommended by Governance and Nominating Committee and elected by our Board of Directors
	•	Active and empowered Committee chairs, all of whom are independent



BOARD GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICES	•	Executive sessions are held by independent directors
	•	Annual self-evaluations of the Board and each of its committees
	•	Annual assessment of director independence
	•	Regular discussions regarding Board recruiting and succession including desirable director skills and qualifications for the Company’s long-term strategic objectives
	•	Active engagement in oversight of Company strategy
	•	Active risk oversight by the Board and committees
	•	Direct access by the Board to key members of management at the discretion of independent directors; executive sessions regularly include separate meetings with our Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, Senior Risk Officer, Internal Audit Director, Credit Administration Risk Manager, Chief Compliance Officer, Bank President, and Chief Lending Officer
	•	Annual evaluation process of Chief Executive Officer led by the Compensation Committee Chair
	•	Regular talent and succession planning discussions regarding the Chief Executive Officer and other key executives
	•	Management maintains strong working relationships with Federal and State of Michigan Regulators



SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND SHAREHOLDER ROLE IN GOVERNANCE	•	Regular outreach and engagement throughout the year with stockholders about Company strategy and performance by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
	•	Outreach and engagement with governance representatives of largest stockholders at least two times per year
	•	Feedback from investors regularly shared with our Board and its committees to ensure that our Board has insight on investor views
	•	Directors are elected annually

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

This page intentionally left blank

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

PROXY STATEMENT

310 Leonard Street N.W.

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: April 8, 2021

INFORMATION REGARDING THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Matters to be Considered at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Mercantile Bank Corporation (“we,” “our,” “Company” or “Mercantile”). The proxies are being solicited for use at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, virtually via live webcast at https://signin.webex.com/join (the meeting number is: 160 599 2511 and the meeting password is: MBWM2021), and at any and all adjournments of the meeting. An annual report that consists of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other information is first being mailed or made available to shareholders, along with these proxy materials, on or about April 8, 2021.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Shareholder Meeting

to be Held on May 27, 2021:

Our proxy statement and 2020 Annual Report are available at

www.envisionreports.com/MBWM.

Notice and Access

We use the “Notice and Access” method of providing proxy materials to you via the internet instead of mailing printed copies. We believe that this process provides you with a convenient and quick way to access the proxy materials, including our proxy statement and 2020 Annual Report to shareholders on Form 10-K, and to authorize a proxy to vote your shares, while allowing us to conserve natural resources and reduce the costs of printing and distributing the proxy materials.

Most shareholders will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials unless they request them. Instead, the Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials, which we refer to as the Notice and Access card, that was mailed to our shareholders on April 8, 2021, provides instructions regarding how you may access and review all of the proxy materials on the internet. The Notice and Access card also includes instructions on how to submit your proxy via the internet or telephone. If you would like to receive a paper or email copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials printed on the Notice and Access card.

If your shares are held by a brokerage house or other custodian, nominee or fiduciary in “street name,” you will receive a Notice and Access card intended for their beneficial holders with instructions for providing to such intermediary voting instructions for your shares. You may also request paper copies of the proxy materials and provide voting instructions by completing and returning the enclosed voting instruction form in the addressed, postage paid envelope provided. Alternatively, if you receive paper copies, many intermediaries provide instructions for their beneficial holders to provide voting instructions via the internet or by telephone.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Purpose of the Annual Meeting

At our annual meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying notice of the meeting and described in this proxy statement. These matters include the election of directors, the ratification of the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm, and an advisory (non-binding) vote on the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in this proxy statement.

Please read this proxy statement carefully. You should consider the information contained in this proxy statement when deciding how to vote your shares.

Record Date, Voting and Voting Procedures

The Board of Directors has set March 31, 2021 as the record date for the annual meeting. If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on the record date, March 31, 2021, you are entitled to receive notice of the meeting and to vote your shares via proxy prior to the meeting. Holders of Mercantile common stock are entitled to one vote per share.

All shareholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the virtual meeting. Shareholders of record as of the record date will have the opportunity to vote on the matters to be presented to the meeting via proxy in advance of the meeting. In light of the virtual format, we will not receive in-person voting at this year’s meeting

These terms describe how your shares are held. If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are a “shareholder of record.” If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank, trust or other nominee, then the broker, bank, trust or other nominee is considered to be the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. However, you still are considered the beneficial owner of those shares, and your shares are said to be held in “street name.” Street name holders generally cannot vote their shares directly and must instead instruct the broker, bank, trust or other nominee how to vote their shares using the voting instructions provided by it.

If you are a shareholder of record as of the record date, you can give a proxy to be voted at the meeting in any of the following ways:

•

over the telephone by calling a toll-free number;

•

electronically, using the internet; or

•

by completing, signing and mailing the printed proxy card.

The telephone and internet voting procedures have been set up for your convenience. We encourage you to reduce corporate expense by submitting your vote by telephone or internet. The procedures have been designed to authenticate your identity, to allow you to give voting instructions, and to confirm that those instructions have been recorded properly. If you are a shareholder of record and you would like to submit your proxy by telephone or internet, please refer to the specific instructions provided on the enclosed proxy card. If you wish to submit your proxy by mail, please return your signed proxy card to us before the annual meeting.

If the shares you own are held in street name, your broker, bank, trust or other nominee, as the record holder of your shares, is required to vote your shares according to your instructions. Your broker, bank, trust or other nominee is required to send you directions on how to vote those shares. If you do not give instructions to your broker, bank, trust or other nominee, it will still be able to vote your shares with respect to certain “discretionary” items, but will not be allowed to vote your shares with respect to certain “non-discretionary” items. In the case of non-discretionary items, the shares that do not receive voting instructions will be treated as “broker non-votes.”

If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance to attend the virtual Annual Meeting. In order to do so, you must submit proof of your proxy power (legal proxy) reflecting your Mercantile Bank Corporation holdings along with your name and email address to Computershare. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 21, 2021.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after we receive your registration materials.

Requests for registration should be directed to Computershare at the following:

By E-Mail:

Forward the email from your broker, or attach an image of your legal proxy, to legalproxy@computershare.com

By Mail:

Computershare

Mercantile Bank Corporation Legal Proxy

P.O. Box 43001

Providence, RI 02940-3001

If you have questions about attending the virtual annual meeting, please write to the Secretary, Mercantile Bank Corporation, 310 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 or call 616-726-1601.

If you receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction form, it means that you hold shares registered in more than one account. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, sign and return each proxy card, or if you submit your proxy vote by telephone or internet, vote once for each proxy card or voting instruction form you receive.

At least a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding on the record date must be present at the virtual meeting in order to hold the meeting and conduct business. This is called a quorum. Your shares are counted as present at the meeting if:

•

you are present and vote via the live webcast at the meeting; or

•

you have properly submitted a proxy by mail, telephone or internet.

As of the record date, 16,219,138 shares of our common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote. Proxies that are received and voted as withholding authority, abstentions, and broker non-votes (where a bank, trust, broker or other nominee does not exercise discretionary authority to vote on a matter) will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the meeting.

Voting Matters

Election of Directors. The affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the votes cast on the election of directors at the meeting is required for nominees to be elected as directors. The seven nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board. Votes withheld and broker non-votes are not counted toward a nominee’s total.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The affirmative vote of a majority of the common stock present virtually or by proxy at the meeting and voting on the matter is necessary to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. For purposes of counting votes on this matter, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as shares voted on the matter.

Advisory approval of compensation of our Named Executive Officers. Because this is an advisory vote, it will not be binding upon the Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. For purposes of counting votes on this matter, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as shares voted on the matter.

As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board of Directors does not know of any matters which may come before the meeting, other than the matters described in this proxy statement. Should any other matter requiring a vote of the shareholders arise and be properly presented at the annual meeting, the proxy gives the persons named in the proxy and designated to vote the shares discretionary authority to vote or otherwise act with respect to any such matter in accordance with their best judgment.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote:

●

FOR the election of all of the seven nominees for director;

●

FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021; and

●

FOR the advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in this proxy statement.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Proxy and Proxy Statement

A proxy is your designation of another person to vote on your behalf. The other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document also is called a proxy or a proxy card. When you designate a proxy, you also may direct the proxy how to vote your shares. We sometimes refer to this as your “proxy vote.” By completing and returning the enclosed proxy card, or voting by internet or telephone, you are giving the persons appointed as proxies by our Board of Directors the authority to vote your shares.

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the proxy ballot is cast at the annual meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote by submitting a later-dated proxy by telephone, internet or mail, or by delivering to our Secretary a written notice of revocation prior to the meeting. Attending the virtual meeting will not revoke your proxy.

If you submit a signed proxy card or submit your proxy by telephone or internet and do not specify how you want to vote your shares, the proxies will vote your shares:

●

FOR the election of all of the seven nominees for director;

●

FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021;

●

FOR the advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in this proxy statement; and

●

In the discretion of the persons named as proxies as to all other matters that may be properly presented at the annual meeting.

If you hold your shares in street name, contact your broker, bank, trust or other nominee regarding how to revoke your proxy and change your vote.

A proxy statement is a document that we are required to give you, or provide you access to, in accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), when we ask you to designate proxies to vote your shares of our common stock at a meeting of our shareholders. The proxy statement includes information regarding the matters to be acted upon at the meeting and certain other information required by regulations of the SEC and rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”).

Other Matters

All costs of soliciting proxies will be borne by us. Our directors, officers, and other employees, and employees of our subsidiary, Mercantile Bank of Michigan (the “Bank”), may, without compensation other than their regular compensation, solicit proxies by further mailing or personal conversation, or by telephone, facsimile or electronic means. We will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding soliciting material to the beneficiary owners of our common stock.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table presents information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock, as of March 16, 2021, by each of our current directors, each nominee for election as a director, our executive officers and all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

Name of Beneficial Owner	Amount Beneficially Owned⁽¹⁾	Percent of Class Beneficially Owned⁽¹³⁾
David M. Cassard •	29,874⁽²⁾	*
Charles E. Christmas	87,317⁽³⁾	*
Michael S. Davenport •	4,962⁽⁴⁾	*
Michelle L. Eldridge •	14,023⁽⁵⁾	*
Jeff A. Gardner •	107,357⁽⁶⁾	*
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr. •	86,080⁽⁷⁾	*
Michael H. Price •	60,769(⁸⁾	*
David B. Ramaker •	1,034	*
Raymond E. Reitsma	43,506⁽⁹⁾	*
Lonna L. Wiersma	35,891(¹⁰⁾	*
Robert T. Worthington	27,477(¹¹⁾	*
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (11 persons)	498,290⁽¹²⁾	3.07%

•	Member of our Board of Directors and Nominee for Re-election

*	Less than 1%

(1)

The number of shares beneficially owned includes any shares over which the person has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares that the person can acquire within 60 days of March 16, 2021 through the exercise of any stock options or other right. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power (or shares such power with his or her spouse) over the shares set forth in the table. For each person, the number of shares that is included in the table because the person has options to acquire the shares is set forth below.

Name	Shares
Mr. Christmas		3,000
Mr. Kaminski		2,700
Mr. Price		2,000
Mr. Reitsma		500
Ms. Wiersma		500
Mr. Worthington		500

(2)

Includes 8,115 shares that Mr. Cassard holds jointly with his spouse.

(3)

Includes 24,260 shares that Mr. Christmas holds jointly with his spouse, 10,409 shares of restricted stock, and 40,223 shares that Mr. Christmas owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan. Also includes 1,750 shares that Mr. Christmas’ spouse, who was previously employed by the Bank, owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan as well as 425 shares that she owns in her IRA.

(4)

Includes 1,800 shares that Mr. Davenport holds in an IRA and 10 shares owned by one of his children.

(5)

Includes 6,750 shares that Ms. Eldridge holds in an IRA and a Roth IRA.

(6)

Includes 22,000 shares as to which Mr. Gardner shares voting or investment power by reason of joint ownership, trust, or other contract or property right, and 11,500 shares Mr. Gardner holds in an IRA.

(7)

Includes 36,320 shares that Mr. Kaminski holds jointly with his spouse, 17,156 shares of restricted stock, and 29,904 shares that Mr. Kaminski owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan.

(8)

Includes 3,267 shares of restricted stock, 15,590 shares that Mr. Price owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan, and 12,276 shares Mr. Price holds in an IRA.

(9)

Includes 11,943 shares of restricted stock, 9,875 shares that Mr. Reitsma owns jointly with his spouse, and 21,188 shares that Mr. Reitsma owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan.

(10)

Includes 5,847 shares of restricted stock and 22,344 shares that Ms. Wiersma owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan.

(11)

Includes 5,779 shares of restricted stock and 18,198 shares that Mr. Worthington owns under the Bank’s 401(k) plan.

(12)

Includes 9,200 shares that such persons have the right to acquire within 60 days of March 16, 2020 pursuant to stock options, 54,401 shares of restricted stock awarded under our stock-based compensation plans, and 149,197 shares that such persons own under the Bank’s 401(k) plan.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

(13)

The percentages shown are based on the 16,241,437 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 16, 2021, plus the number of shares that the named person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 16, 2021. For purposes of computing the percentages of outstanding shares of common stock held by each person, any shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days after March 16, 2021 are deemed to be outstanding with respect to such person but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of any other person.

Stock Owned by 5% Beneficial Owners

The following table presents information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of March 16, 2021.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Amount Beneficially Owned	Percent of Class Beneficially Owned⁽⁴⁾

BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52^nd Street New York, NY 10055⁽¹⁾	1,399,980	8.62%

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 6300 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78746⁽²⁾	1,229,281	7.57%

Bruce G. Visser 1946 Turner NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504⁽³⁾	857,091	5.28%

(1)

The information is based on a Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 4, filed with the SEC on January 29, 2021. BlackRock, Inc. may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares reflected in the table as of December 31, 2020. BlackRock reported aggregate beneficial ownership of 1,399,980 shares, with sole voting power over 1,333,691 shares and sole dispositive power over 1,399,980 shares.

(2)

The information is based on a Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 4, filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”) is an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. It furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment manager or sub-adviser to certain other commingled funds, group trusts and separate accounts (such investment companies, trusts and accounts, collectively referred to as the “Funds”). Dimensional reported aggregate beneficial ownership of 1,229,281 shares, with sole voting power over 1,178,708 shares and sole dispositive power over 1,229,281 shares. Though Dimensional may possess voting and/or investment power over the shares, it disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities, which are owned by the Funds.

(3)

The information is based on a Schedule 13G, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021. Bruce Visser may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares reflected in the table as of December 31, 2020. Mr. Visser reported aggregate beneficial ownership of 857,091 shares, with sole voting power and sole dispositive power over all 857,091 shares.

(4)	The percentages shown are based on the 16,241,437 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 16, 2021.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL #1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Information About Our Directors

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that our Board of Directors will consist of between six and fifteen directors, with the exact number of directors determined from time to time by our Board of Directors. Our directors are elected annually to one-year terms. Our Board of Directors currently has seven members.

Our Board of Directors has nominated David M. Cassard, Michael S. Davenport, Michelle L. Eldridge, Jeff A. Gardner, Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., Michael H. Price, and David B. Ramaker as directors for election at this year’s annual meeting for one-year terms expiring at the 2022 annual meeting. Each of the nominees is presently a director whose term expires at this year’s annual meeting.

Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of the seven nominees named above. Unless otherwise instructed, the persons named as proxies intend to vote all proxies received for the election of the seven nominees.

All of the nominees have indicated their willingness to continue to serve. If any nominee should become unwilling or unavailable to serve, our Board of Directors may select a substitute nominee, and in that event the proxies intend to vote all proxies for the person selected, as well as the other nominees. If a substitute nominee is not selected, the proxies intend to vote for the election of the remaining nominees. Our Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will become unavailable.

Set forth below is information about the nominees for election as directors. The factual information about each nominee and director has been provided by that person. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that each should serve on our Board, in light of our business and structure, were determined by our Board or its Governance and Nominating Committee. There are no family relationships among any of our directors, nominees for director and executive officers.

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

DAVID M. CASSARD DIRECTOR SINCE 2001 AGE: 67		Mr. Cassard is retired. He is the former Chairman of Waters Corporation, a commercial real estate investment and management company. He served as President and Treasurer of Waters Corporation for over 20 years and became Chairman in 2005. Before joining Waters Corporation, he worked for an international firm of Certified Public Accountants. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan (BBA) and Michigan State University (MBA), and he is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Property Manager. He previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of First Michigan Bank-Grand Rapids and was a member of the Boards of Directors of First Michigan Bank Corporation and Butterworth Hospital. He holds membership in the American Institute of CPAs, the Michigan Association of CPAs and the Institute of Real Estate Management. Mr. Cassard’s financial expertise and commercial real estate management experience were key factors in our determination that he should be a member of our Board.

Michael S. Davenport

DIRECTOR SINCE 2020

AGE: 51

Mr. Davenport has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Jireh Metal Products since 2015. Prior to that, he held a variety of positions at major financial institutions, including U.S. Bank, Fifth Third Bank and First Financial Bank. Overall, his background includes over 13 years in the banking industry, holding positions in sales, risk management and community development. Mr. Davenport earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Xavier University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati. He has been a member of the Bank’s Board since 2017, where he will also continue to serve.

MICHELLE L. ELDRIDGE DIRECTOR SINCE 2016 AGE: 56		Ms. Eldridge is a Principal of Clear Ridge Wealth Management (“Clear Ridge”) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which she co-founded in 2014. Clear Ridge provides integrated wealth management to high net worth families and customized investment management to institutional organizations. Prior to founding Clear Ridge, Ms. Eldridge was a Principal of LVM Capital Management for 16 years. Ms. Eldridge serves as Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation, is part of the Leadership Council of the Small Business Association of Michigan, and is on the Finance Committee of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She is a CFA® charterholder, Certified Private Wealth Advisor ®, and a graduate of Western Michigan University. Ms. Eldridge served as a director of Keystone Community Bank from 2007 through 2014. Ms. Eldridge's experience as a CFA® charterholder and Registered Investment Advisor, as well as her leadership roles in the communities we serve, were key factors in our determination that she should be a member of our Board.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

JEFF A. GARDNER DIRECTOR SINCE 2014 AGE: 69		Mr. Gardner joined Mercantile’s Board of Directors in June of 2014, following our merger with Firstbank. Mr. Gardner served as a director and vice-chairman of Keystone Community Bank from 1997 through the date of the merger and a director of Firstbank Corporation from October 2005 through the date of the merger. Mr. Gardner is the managing member of Superior Property Management of St. Joseph, LLC. Superior Property Management provides real estate services throughout southwestern Michigan, including development, construction, management, brokerage and maintenance. Mr. Gardner is a principal in numerous real estate developments, construction projects, and a consulting company. Mr. Gardner holds the designation of Certified Property Manager. Mr. Gardner’s extensive real estate expertise in the markets we serve led us to conclude that he should serve on our Board.

ROBERT B. KAMINSKI, JR.

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016 AND PREVIOUSLY FROM 2011 TO 2014

President and

Chief Executive Officer of

Mercantile;

Chief Executive Officer of

the Bank

AGE: 59

Mr. Kaminski joined the Bank in 1997 and has over 35 years of commercial banking experience. Mr. Kaminski was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile on January 1, 2017 and continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, a position he has held since 2015. Mr. Kaminski has held various positions of increasing influence and responsibility with Mercantile and the Bank, serving Mercantile and the Bank as Senior Vice President and Secretary from 1997 to 2003, Executive Vice President and Secretary from 2003 to June of 2007, Executive Vice President and Secretary from 2007 to 2015 and President and Chief Executive Officer from 2015 through 2016. In addition, he served as the Bank's Chief Operating Officer from 2000 to 2016. Mr. Kaminski serves on the Boards of Directors for the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the City of Wyoming Retirement Board, and the West Michigan Policy Forum. Mr. Kaminski serves on the Finance Committee for The Right Place. Mr. Kaminski also serves as a director of Mercantile, a position to which he was appointed by the Board on December 15, 2016. Mr. Kaminski served as a director of Mercantile previously from 2011 to 2014. Mr. Kaminski’s position as our President and CEO, in-depth knowledge of the organization since its inception, and length of experience in commercial banking were key factors in our determination that he should be a member of our Board.

MICHAEL H. PRICE DIRECTOR SINCE 1997 Chairman of Mercantile and of the Bank AGE: 64		Mr. Price has over 35 years of commercial banking experience and joined the Bank in 1997. Mr. Price retired as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank on January 1, 2017, positions he had held since 2007. Mr. Price served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Mercantile and the Bank in 1997 and 1998, and as President and Chief Operating Officer of Mercantile and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank from 1999 to June of 2007. Mr. Price also served as Chairman of the Board of Mercantile from 2007 through the date of the Firstbank merger and resumed his position as Chairman of Mercantile following Thomas J. Sullivan’s retirement in May of 2015. Mr. Price has been and continues to be very active in the Grand Rapids community. From 2005 to 2007, he served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. Mr. Price also held leadership positions on the Boards of Metro Health Corporation, Aquinas College, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, Project Rehab and Network180. Mr. Price was the founding President of our organization and has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and a strong understanding of the fundamentals of our industry. These attributes led us to conclude that he should be a member of our Board.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

DAVID B. RAMAKER DIRECTOR SINCE 2020 AGE: 65		Mr. Ramaker was appointed as director of Mercantile in August of 2020. Mr. Ramaker retired from Chemical Financial and Chemical Bank in 2017. Mr. Ramaker was the Chairman, President and CEO of Chemical Financial Corporation and Chemical Bank from 2006 until its merger with Talmer Bank Corporation in 2016. He served as President and CEO of Chemical Financial and Chemical Bank from 2001 through June of 2017. He joined Chemical Bank in 1989 as Vice President of Commercial Lending. Prior to that, he held a variety of banking positions with financial institutions in Texas from 1977 through 1989. Mr. Ramaker holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in finance and minor in accounting from Southern Methodist University. He is currently President of the Michigan Baseball Foundation, which owns a minor league baseball stadium and team, with an overarching mission to act as an economic catalyst for the Midland, Michigan, community, where he is also active with a number of other nonprofit and charitable organizations. Mr. Ramaker, as a former CEO of a publicly traded financial company, brings extensive governance, banking industry experience and strong leadership qualities, which were key factors in our determination that he should be a member of our Board.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our executive officers are listed in the table below:

Name of Executive Officer	Title
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.	President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile, and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank
Charles E. Christmas	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Mercantile, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank
Raymond E. Reitsma	Executive Vice President of Mercantile, and President of the Bank
Lonna L. Wiersma	Senior Vice President and Human Resource Director of Mercantile and of the Bank
Robert T. Worthington	Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, Senior Vice President, and General Counsel of Mercantile and of the Bank

Mr. Kaminski is also a member of our Board of Directors, and information regarding his business experience is described above under the heading “Election of Directors.” The business experience for Mr. Christmas, Mr. Reitsma, Ms. Wiersma and Mr. Worthington for at least the past five years is summarized below. Our executive officers are generally elected each year at the annual meeting of our Board of Directors that follows the annual meeting of the shareholders. Their terms of office are at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Executive Officers

Charles E. Christmas, age 55

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Mercantile, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank

Mr. Christmas joined the Bank in 1998 and has over 33 years of banking experience. Before being promoted to his current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mercantile and the Bank, Mr. Christmas served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mercantile and the Bank from 2000 to 2015. Mr. Christmas also serves as Treasurer of Mercantile, a position he has held since 2000. Prior to joining Mercantile, he examined various financial institutions for over ten years while serving as a bank examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). He began his tenure with the FDIC upon his graduation from Ferris State University. Mr. Christmas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy. Mr. Christmas serves on the Michigan Bankers Association Funds Management Committee, is an instructor at the Michigan Bankers Association Perry School of Banking, serves as a Board member and President of the Susan G. Komen Michigan affiliate, is a member of the Ferris State University College of Business Advisory Board, serves as a Board member and Finance Committee member of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and assists the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan in its fundraising activities.

Raymond E. Reitsma, age 58

Executive Vice President of Mercantile and President of the Bank; Director of the Bank since 2017

Mr. Reitsma was appointed President of the Bank effective January 1, 2017 and Executive Vice President of Mercantile effective May 24, 2018. He has been with the Bank for 15 years, beginning with his initial role as a Commercial Loan Manager in 2003, including holding the title of Senior Lender for eight years. In June 2015, Mr. Reitsma was appointed to be the Bank’s West Region President. Mr. Reitsma’s areas of responsibility have included commercial lending, treasury/cash management, mortgage lending, and credit administration. Mr. Reitsma was also very instrumental in the preparation, transition and integration periods surrounding the merger with Firstbank Corporation. Mr. Reitsma currently serves on the local board of the American Heart Association, and served as the Chair for the 2015 Heart Walk. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Council of DA Blodgett/St. John’s Home and has done so since 2011. Previously, Mr. Reitsma served on the Board of Directors of the Pine Rest Foundation for six years, including two years as Treasurer. He has also been involved with the local United Way agency, most recently as the annual Campaign Chair for the Bank. Mr. Reitsma graduated from Calvin College with a B.A. in Business Administration and also holds an MBA in Finance from Michigan State University.

Lonna L. Wiersma, age 61

Senior Vice President and Human Resource Director of Mercantile and the Bank

Ms. Wiersma joined the bank in 1999 and has approximately 38 years of banking experience primarily in the human resource function. Ms. Wiersma joined the Bank as Vice President, Human Resource Manager and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President, Human Resource Director. Ms. Wiersma is past President and current Board Member of the YWCA and is also a member of the Executive and Human Resource Committees. She is also a Board Member of the Children’s Advocacy Center and a member of the Human Resource Committee. She previously served as Board Member and Secretary of Health Intervention Services (Exhalta). Ms. Wiersma holds a B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Grand Valley State University.

Robert T. Worthington, age 46

Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, Senior Vice President, and General Counsel of Mercantile and of the Bank

Mr. Worthington was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of Mercantile on January 1, 2017, and continues to serve as Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Mercantile and the Bank. Mr. Worthington joined the Bank in 2009 as Senior Vice President and Risk Management Director and was appointed General Counsel of the Bank in 2011. In 2016, Mr. Worthington was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Bank and became Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Mercantile. Prior to joining the Bank, he was a corporate attorney, internal auditor, certified public accountant, and bank teller. Mr. Worthington serves as a director of Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes, Greenville Tool & Die Company, Mel Trotter Ministries, the Michigan Bankers Association, and the Michigan Bankers Workers Compensation Fund. His prior civic experience includes serving as Trustee of Grand Haven Charter Township, Treasurer of Mediation Services of Ottawa and Allegan Counties, and Trustee of Michigan State University College of Law.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Director Independence

Applicable NASDAQ rules require that a majority of our Board of Directors be independent. In March of 2021, our Board of Directors reviewed the independence of our directors and determined that each of the directors, including those nominated for election at the annual meeting, are independent as defined by applicable NASDAQ rules, with the exceptions of Mr. Kaminski, who currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Price, who served as Executive Chairman of Mercantile until his retirement on May 24, 2018. The Board expects that Mr. Price will be independent at the time of the annual meeting under NASDAQ rules, because three years will have elapsed from the date of his retirement. Further, in making independence determinations, our Board of Directors has concluded that none of the independent directors has a relationship that in the opinion of our Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

Board Meetings

During 2020, our Board of Directors held a total of ten meetings. During 2020, each director attended at least 78% of the meetings of our Board and its committees on which he or she then served.

Our Board of Directors has a policy of encouraging members of the Board of Directors to attend the annual meetings of the shareholders. All of our directors then serving on our Board attended last year’s annual meeting.

Board Committees

Our Board of Directors has, and appoints members to, three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. The membership of these committees, as of March 31, 2021, was as follows:

*Director*	Audit Committee	Compensation Committee	Governance & Nominating Committee
David M. Cassard
Michael S. Davenport
Michelle L. Eldridge
Jeff A. Gardner
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.*
Michael H. Price**
David B. Ramaker
*TOTAL MEETINGS IN 2020*	4	7	4

* Non-independent Director

**Expected to be independent as of May 27, 2021

MEMBER

CHAIR

Each of the members of these committees is an independent director as defined by applicable NASDAQ rules. Each of these committees has a charter that has been approved by our Board of Directors and is available on our website, www.mercbank.com.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Committee Members:	Primary Responsibilities:
David M. Cassard (Chair) Michael S. Davenport Michelle L. Eldridge Jeff A. Gardner David B. Ramaker Meetings Held in 2020: 4	■	The Audit Committee has five members and met four times in 2020.
	■	The Audit Committee assists our Board of Directors in overseeing our financial reporting process, internal controls and audit functions, and is directly responsible for the appointment, evaluation, retention and compensation of our independent registered public accounting firm.
	■	Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Cassard, Ms. Eldridge and Mr. Ramaker, who are members of the Audit Committee, are qualified as audit committee financial experts, as that term is defined in the rules of the SEC.
	■	More information about the Audit Committee is included below under the heading “Audit Committee Report.”

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Committee Members:	Primary Responsibilities:
David M. Cassard Michael S. Davenport Michelle L. Eldridge (Chair) Jeff A. Gardner David B. Ramaker Meetings Held in 2020: 7	■	The Compensation Committee has five members and met seven times in 2020.
	■	The Compensation Committee assists our Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities relating to compensation and benefits for our directors, officers and employees.
	■	The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the goals and objectives relating to the compensation of our executive officers, and evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer.
	■	The Compensation Committee determines or recommends to our Board for determination, all elements of compensation for our executive officers and considers the results of the most recent advisory vote of the shareholders on executive compensation in making compensation determinations and recommendations.
	■	The Compensation Committee reviews the Company’s compensation of its Directors, including cash and equity based compensation and benefits, and recommends or makes changes in compensation for Directors.
	■	The Committee sets guidelines for Directors' ownership of our stock.
	■	The Compensation Committee reviews our incentive compensation arrangements to determine whether they encourage excessive risk-taking; administers and makes awards under our stock-based incentive plans for directors, officers and employees, to the extent provided for in the plans; and has sole discretion in retaining or obtaining the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser (each, a “Compensation Adviser”), and the direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any Compensation Adviser it retains.
	■	The Compensation Committee charter grants the Compensation Committee the authority, in its discretion, to delegate appropriate matters to subcommittees of the Compensation Committee.
	■	The Compensation Committee charter grants the Compensation Committee the authority, in its discretion, to delegate appropriate matters to subcommittees of the Compensation Committee.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

GOVERNANCE & NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Committee Members:	Primary Responsibilities:
David M. Cassard Michael S. Davenport Michelle L. Eldridge Jeff A. Gardner (Chair) David B. Ramaker Meetings Held in 2020: 4	■	The Governance and Nominating Committee has five members and met four times in 2020.
	■	The Governance and Nominating Committee advises our Board of Directors regarding corporate governance principles and practices, and recommends candidates to the Board for election as directors. It also makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the composition, leadership and duties of the Board’s committees.
	■	The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider as potential nominees persons recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Governance and Nominating Committee in care of the Secretary, Mercantile Bank Corporation, 310 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. Each recommendation should include a personal biography of the suggested nominee, an indication of the background or experience that qualifies the person for consideration, and a statement that the person has agreed to serve if nominated and elected.
	■	The Governance and Nominating Committee has used an informal process to identify potential candidates for nomination as directors. Candidates for nomination have been recommended by an executive officer or director, and considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors. Generally, candidates have been members of the West or Central Michigan communities who have been known to one or more of our Board members.
	■	The Governance and Nominating Committee has not adopted specific minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a person it recommends for nomination as a director. In evaluating candidates for nomination, the Governance and Nominating Committee will consider the factors it believes to be appropriate. These factors would generally include the candidate’s personal and professional integrity, business judgment, relevant experience and skills, and potential to be an effective director in conjunction with the rest of our Board of Directors in collectively serving the long-term interests of our shareholders.
	■	Although the Governance and Nominating Committee has the authority to retain a search firm to assist it in identifying director candidates, there has to date been no need to employ a search firm. The Governance and Nominating Committee does not evaluate potential nominees for director differently based on whether they are recommended by a shareholder.
	■	Shareholders who themselves wish to effectively nominate a person for election to the Board of Directors, as contrasted with recommending a potential nominee to the Governance and Nominating Committee for its consideration, are required to comply with the advance notice and other requirements set forth in our articles of incorporation.

Board Leadership Structure

Our Board is led by Michael H. Price, our Chairman of the Board. The decision as to who should serve as Chairman of the Board, and who should serve as Chief Executive Officer, and whether those offices should be combined or separate, is properly the responsibility of our Board. The members of our Board possess considerable experience and unique knowledge of the challenges and opportunities we face, and are in the best position to evaluate our needs and how best to organize the capabilities of the directors and senior officers to meet those needs. The Board believes that the most effective leadership structure for us at this time is for the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer to be separated and served by Mr. Price and Mr. Kaminski, respectively.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Unlike many companies, our Board of Directors does not have an executive committee through which a chief executive officer and chairman of the board are able to undertake decisions without the participation of the full Board of Directors. Instead, our Board of Directors accomplishes most of its corporate governance role, including new director and succession planning, through its committees, which are chartered to undertake significant activities and are made up entirely of independent directors.

In addition, our independent directors participate in at least two executive sessions during the year, in which our non-independent directors do not participate. Any independent director may request additional executive sessions at any meeting. Our executive sessions are led by our executive session facilitator, who is an independent director recommended by our Governance and Nominating Committee and appointed by our Board. Our executive session facilitator is responsible for setting the agenda for executive sessions and leading them. Our current executive session facilitator is Jeff A. Gardner.

Board Diversity

Mercantile is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, because we believe that embracing human diversity makes us a better organization. The Governance and Nominating Committee considers gender, racial and ethnic diversity to be an asset when identifying Director Candidates. Approximately 30% of our Board members possess characteristics of racial and gender diversity and our Compensation Committee is chaired by a female director. This diversity is further enriched at the Bank Board where three Board Members are female and four are racial or ethnic minorities. The Governance and Nominating Committee considers diversity as one of many important aspects as we contemplate Director Candidates for our Board. We also believe that the composition of our Board has consistently demonstrated diversity as defined by viewpoint, background, geographic representation and professional experience.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

Our Board and Audit Committee oversee our risk management practices. In carrying out these responsibilities, our Board appointed Jeff Kaiser as Risk Management Department Head (our “Senior Risk Officer”). Our Senior Risk Officer, with supervision from our Board, is responsible for the definition, structure, implementation, and coordination of our risk management plan. Our Senior Risk Officer reports at least quarterly to our Board and Audit Committee.

Our Senior Risk Officer is the Chairman of our Enterprise Risk Management Committee. This committee is comprised of senior management. Its purpose is to provide high-level attention and coordination to the risk management process and to discuss and address significant risks that we face.

Our Senior Risk Officer meets at least every six months with the Compensation Committee to discuss, evaluate and review our compensation plans. Our Senior Risk Officer, with the Compensation Committee, assesses whether our compensation plans encourage taking unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten our value, or encourage the manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any employee.

Communications with Directors

Shareholders and other persons may send communications to members of our Board of Directors who serve on the Audit Committee by utilizing the webpage on our website, www.mercbank.com, designated for that purpose. Communications received through the webpage are reviewed by a member of our internal audit staff and the Chair of the Audit Committee. Communications that relate to functions of our Board of Directors or its committees, or that either of them believe requires the attention of members of our Board of Directors, are provided to the entire Audit Committee and reported to our Board of Directors by a member of the Audit Committee. Directors may review a log of these communications and request copies of any of the communications.

Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy

We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all our directors, officers and employees, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial and accounting officer. We have posted a copy of the code on our website, www.mercbank.com. In addition, we intend to post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or NASDAQ listing standards concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the code.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

We have also adopted an insider trading policy that prohibits directors, officers and employees of the Company and Mercantile Bank of Michigan from purchasing or selling any Company security while in possession of material non-public information about the Company. The policy also prohibits the directors, executive officers, and employees, of the Company and the Bank, including members of the strategic planning team and Asset/Liability Management Committee, and their related persons, from hedging our stock, engaging in short sales or buying or selling put or call options on our stock, or holding our stock in margin accounts. Further, the policy prohibits executive officers and directors of Mercantile from pledging our stock as collateral for a lending relationship without first submitting the facts and circumstances of the proposed pledge to an appointed compliance officer and obtaining prior approval of the Governance and Nominating Committee. The policy allows the Governance and Nominating Committee to either reject the proposed pledge, permit the proposed pledge, or place conditions upon the proposed pledge, as it deems prudent to protect the interests of Mercantile and its shareholders.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of Mercantile’s executive officers served as a director or a member of a compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity, an executive officer of which served as a director of Mercantile or member of the Compensation Committee during fiscal year 2020.

No member of the Compensation Committee has any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Each member of the Audit Committee is independent, as independence for audit committee members is defined in the NASDAQ listing standards and the rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee’s primary purpose is to assist the Board of Directors in overseeing:

■

the accounting and financial reporting process;

■

audits of financial statements and internal control over financial reporting;

■

internal accounting and disclosure controls; and

■

the internal audit functions.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee supervises the relationship between Mercantile and its independent registered public accounting firm, including having direct responsibility for the independent registered public accounting firm’s appointment, compensation and retention, reviewing the scope of its audit services, and approving audit and permissible non-audit services. The Audit Committee reviews and discusses the annual and quarterly financial statements, as well as the internal audit plan.

Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of Mercantile’s financial statements and for the appropriateness of the accounting principles and reporting policies that are used. Management is also responsible for testing the system of internal controls, and reporting to the Audit Committee on any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses that are found. Our independent registered public accounting firm for 2020, BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”), is responsible for auditing Mercantile’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting and for reviewing its unaudited quarterly financial statements.

The Audit Committee reviewed with BDO the overall scope and plan of the audit. In addition, the Audit Committee met with BDO, with and without management present, to discuss the results of BDO’s audit, its evaluation of Mercantile’s internal control over financial reporting, the overall quality of Mercantile’s financial reporting and such other matters as are required to be discussed under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). The Audit Committee has also received from, and discussed with, BDO the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 16 (Communications with Audit Committees) as amended.

The Audit Committee has discussed with BDO that firm’s independence from management and Mercantile, and has received from BDO the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding BDO’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee has also considered the compatibility of audit related and tax services with BDO’s independence.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 with both management and our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee’s review included a discussion of the quality and integrity of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant estimates and judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for filing with the SEC.

Additionally, the Audit Committee evaluates the performance of Mercantile’s independent registered public accounting firm, including the senior audit engagement team, each year and determines whether to reengage the current independent registered public accounting firm or consider other audit firms. As a threshold matter, the Committee satisfies itself that the most recent PCAOB inspection report pertaining to the current firm does not contain any information that would render inappropriate its continued service as Mercantile’s independent public accountants, including consideration of the public portion of the report and discussion in general terms of the types of matters covered in the non-public portion of the report. The Audit Committee also considers: (i) the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the previous services rendered by the current auditors; (ii) the auditor’s technical expertise and knowledge of Mercantile’s operations and industry; and (iii) the effectiveness of the auditor’s audit plan and communication with management. Based on these considerations, the Audit Committee evaluated and appointed BDO as Mercantile’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.

Audit Committee

David M. Cassard

Michael S. Davenport

Michelle L. Eldridge

Jeff A. Gardner

David B. Ramaker

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement with management. Based on the review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement for filing with the SEC.

Compensation Committee

David M. Cassard

Michael S. Davenport

Michelle L. Eldridge

Jeff A. Gardner

David B. Ramaker

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Philosophy

Our philosophy in setting compensation policies for executive officers is to align pay with performance, while at the same time providing competitive compensation that will attract and retain executive talent. Our Compensation Committee believes that executive compensation should be directly linked to continuous improvements in corporate performance and increasing shareholder value over the long term. The design of executive compensation programs affects all employees by setting general levels of compensation and helping to create an environment of goals, rewards and expectations. Because we believe the performance of every employee is important to our success, we are mindful of the effect of executive compensation and incentive programs on all our employees.

We believe that the compensation of our executive officers should reflect their performance as a management team and as individuals. By setting key operating objectives, such as growth in revenues, growth of operating earnings and earnings per share, and growth or maintenance of market share, we expect to be successful in providing increasing value to our shareholders. We believe that the performance of our executive officers in managing our business, when considered in light of general economic and specific company, industry and competitive conditions, should be the basis for determining their overall compensation. We also believe that their compensation should not be based on short-term results, whether favorable or unfavorable, but rather on long-term operating results which truly reflect the ability of our executives to manage our business. Long-term gains in shareholder value will be reflected in executive compensation through our stock-based compensation and other equity incentive programs.

Our policy for allocating between currently paid and long-term compensation is to provide adequate base compensation to attract and retain personnel, while offering incentives to maximize long-term value for our shareholders. We provide cash compensation in the form of a base salary to meet competitive salary norms and reward good performance on an annual basis, and, in years when the Compensation Committee determines it appropriate, in the form of bonus compensation to reward superior performance against short-term goals. We provide stock-based compensation to reward superior performance against specific objectives and long-term strategic goals. Our Compensation Committee granted performance-based restricted stock to our executive officers in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Our Compensation Committee reviews and takes into consideration elements such as the following in setting compensation policies:

•	peer group comparisons with our financial performance, including net interest margin, efficiency ratio, return on average assets, return on average equity, one and five year total shareholder returns, stock price, stock price to earnings ratios and stock yield;

•	strategic planning effectiveness and attainment of strategic goals, ability to react to changing markets and conditions, leadership and vision provided to employees and other stakeholders, and succession planning and effectiveness;

•	regulatory requirements and results of audits and examinations;

•	amount of time and effort expended by employees for our communities;

•	rate of employee turnover;

•	content and effectiveness of our employee training;

•	results of any employee surveys;

•	general attitude of employees;

•	ability to retain and attract new employees;

•	number of new accounts being opened and the rate of turnover;

•	results of any customer surveys;

•	any customer complaints that come to our attention;

•	level and commitment of our executive officers to our communities;

•	financial commitment to our communities; and

•	community support in comparison to that of our competitors.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Our Compensation Committee’s goal is to establish salary compensation for the executive officers based upon our operating performance relative to comparable peer companies over a three-year period. In setting base salaries, consideration is given to salary compensation of executive officers with comparable qualifications, experience and responsibilities at financial institutions within our peer group. Operating performance and salary compensation information is obtained from the annual SNL Executive Compensation Review for Banks and Thrifts. We also utilize industry compensation studies prepared by the Michigan Bankers Association and an independent public accounting firm, but to a lesser degree.

Our Compensation Committee may engage an independent compensation consultant periodically to conduct a competitive analysis of our executive compensation program relative to the market. In 2017, the Compensation Committee engaged Pearl Meyer to provide a market analysis of our executive compensation program, including base salary, target annual incentive, target total cash compensation, long-term incentives and total direct compensation. The Compensation Committee concluded that Pearl Meyer is independent under applicable SEC and NASDAQ rules, based on the Committee’s review of the services provided to the Committee and information provided by Pearl Meyer, and concluded that no conflict of interest existed that would prevent Pearl Meyer from independently advising the Compensation Committee.

In its analysis, Pearl Meyer utilized four compensation surveys and a peer group comprised of 15 financial institutions of similar size in the Midwest. The peer group of companies used by Pearl Meyer, which was utilized by the Compensation Committee as a reference for 2020 and 2021 compensation decisions, is listed below.

2020 AND 2021 PEER GROUP
Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.	Lakeland Financial Corporation
Farmers National Banc Corp.	Macatawa Bank Corporation
First Busey Corporation	Midland States Bancorp, Inc.
First Financial Corporation	Nicolet Bancshares, Inc.
First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc.	Peoples Bancorp, Inc.
German American Bancorp, Inc.	Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.
Horizon Bancorp	1^st Source Corporation
Independent Bank Corporation

Consistent with the Compensation Committee’s philosophy and guiding principles for determining overall executive compensation, the Compensation Committee does not target any particular percentile at which to align compensation. However, the Compensation Committee will use the peer group median as a reference point when making pay decisions. Although the median is used as a reference point, actual levels of pay depend on a variety of factors such as experience and individual and Company performance.

Base Salary

In view of our operating performance and financial condition, the increase in the size of the organization, and changes in responsibilities under our management succession plan, our Compensation Committee increased the base salaries of each of our executive officers in 2019. The base salary for Mr. Kaminski was increased by approximately 4% in 2020, as the market analysis provided by Pearl Mayer indicated that his base salary was below the median for a comparable position, and Mr. Reitsma received a merit-based increase of 4% in 2020. Based on the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, the Board approved a 5.2% merit-based increase in Mr. Reitsma's 2021 base salary. The 2021 base salaries for each of Mr. Kaminski, Mr. Christmas, Ms. Wiersma and Mr. Worthington were not increased, as the Board concluded that their base salaries were at least equal to the median for comparable positions.

Executive Officer Bonus Compensation

For most years, it has been our policy to provide cash bonus awards for eligible executive officers and employees based on predetermined performance goals. We believe that paying such cash awards:

•

promotes the growth, profitability and expense control necessary to accomplish corporate strategic long-term plans;

•

encourages superior results by providing a meaningful incentive; and

•

supports teamwork among employees.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

We adopted bonus plans for our executive officers in each of 2020, 2019, and 2018 as described below.

In early to mid-2020, there was significant uncertainty as to whether COVID-19 would have a material adverse impact on the Company, the Bank and its customers. For this reason, our Compensation Committee delayed the adoption of bonus plans for employees, including our executive officers, until those impacts were better understood. By the fourth quarter, the Compensation Committee determined that the financial performance of the Company and the Bank would not be materially affected by the pandemic, and adopted bonus plans for all employees including our executive officers. As in prior years, the financial metrics for the 2020 Executive Officer Bonus Plan, described below, were based on the budgeted targets for 2020, which were not adjusted during the year.

Bonus Plans for 2020

On November 19, 2020, we adopted an executive officer bonus plan for 2020 (the “2020 Executive Officer Plan”), which provided for cash bonuses for our executive officers.

The maximum amount that could be allocated to the bonus pool was $645,765 under the 2020 Executive Officer Plan provided, however, that the maximum amount will be appropriately adjusted if (a) a newly hired employee becomes eligible to participate in the plan, (b) a participant's base salary is adjusted during the year, or (c) a participant becomes ineligible before December 31, 2020.

Payment from the bonus pool under the 2020 Executive Officer Plan, if any, was based on the achievement of targets under the following metrics for 2020, which were established by our Compensation Committee:

METRICS FOR THE 2020 EXECUTIVE OFFICER PLAN

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL	METRIC	TARGET	RESULTS	MET?
12.5%	Level of non-performing assets	Not to exceed 0.50% of total assets on December 31, 2020	0.09%	Yes
12.5%	Commercial loan portfolio composition	Commercial and industrial loans plus owner-occupied commercial real estate loans not less than 55% of total commercial loans at December 31, 2020	60.0%	Yes
12.5%	Net interest margin*	3.55% for 2020	3.15%	No
12.5%	Noninterest income*	$22.5 million for 2020	$45.2 million	Yes
12.5%	Efficiency ratio*	63.7% for 2020	56.1%	Yes
12.5%	Return on assets*	1.10% for 2020	1.15%	Yes
12.5%	Return on equity*	9.40% for 2020	11.2%	Yes
12.5%	Wholesale funds	Average not to exceed 20.0% of total funds during 2020	13.1%	Yes

(*)

Measured pre bonus-accrual and excluding unbudgeted one-time/non-core income and expenses

The target levels are based on GAAP financial measures, other than the wholesale funds target, which is calculated as brokered deposits plus Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, divided by total deposits plus repurchase agreements plus FHLB advances.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

The Award Amount was paid to each executive officer pro rata based on a uniform percentage of the executive officer's 2020 salary, not to exceed 45% of the 2020 salary of the Chief Executive Officer; 35% of the 2020 salary of each of the President of the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer; and 27.5% of the 2020 salary of each of the Chief Operating Officer and the Human Resources Director. Any bonus awards that were earned under the 2020 Executive Officer Plan were paid to the executive officers on or before March 15, 2021.

Payments under the 2020 Executive Officer Plan were subject to specified conditions, qualifications, and clawback provisions. The plan, to the extent provided for in the plan, may be amended by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

We attained 87.5% of the targets established in the 2020 Executive Officer Plan. The bonus pool of $565,011 under the 2020 Executive Officer Plan was paid to our executive officers as follows:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER	PAYMENT	PERCENT OF 2020 SALARY
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.	$204,356	37.9%
Raymond E. Reitsma	$118,146	29.5%
Charles E. Christmas	$114,819	29.5%
Lonna L. Wiersma	$65,127	23.2%
Robert T. Worthington	$62,563	23.2%

Payments under the 2020 Executive Officer Bonus are reported in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Bonus Plans for 2019

On May 23, 2019, we adopted an executive officer bonus plan for 2019 (the “2019 Executive Officer Plan”), which provided for cash bonuses for our executive officers.

The maximum amount that could be allocated to the bonus pool was $606,561 under the 2019 Executive Officer Plan provided, however, that the maximum amount will be appropriately adjusted if (a) a newly hired employee becomes eligible to participate in the plan, (b) a participant's base salary is adjusted during the year, or (c) a participant becomes ineligible before December 31, 2019.

Payment from the bonus pool under the 2019 Executive Officer Plan, if any, was based on the achievement of targets under the following metrics for 2019, which were established by our Compensation Committee:

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

METRICS FOR THE 2019 EXECUTIVE OFFICER PLAN

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL	METRIC	TARGET	RESULTS	MET?
12.5%	Level of non-performing assets	Not to exceed 0.50% of total assets on December 31, 2019	0.08%	Yes
12.5%	Commercial loan portfolio composition	Commercial and industrial loans plus owner-occupied commercial real estate loans not less than 55% of total commercial loans at December 31, 2019	58%	Yes
12.5%	Net interest margin	3.85% for 2019	3.75%	No
12.5%	Noninterest income*	$19.0 million for 2019	$23.5 million	Yes
12.5%	Efficiency ratio*	60.3% for 2019	58.0%	Yes
12.5%	Return on assets*	1.25% for 2019	1.37%	Yes
12.5%	Return on equity*	11.2% for 2019	12.4%	Yes
12.5%	Wholesale funds	Average not to exceed 20.0% of total funds during 2019	17%	Yes

(*) Measured pre bonus-accrual and excluding unbudgeted one-time/non-core income and expenses

The Award Amount was paid to each executive officer pro rata based on a uniform percentage of the executive officer's 2019 salary, not to exceed 40% of the 2019 salary of the Chief Executive Officer; 35% of the 2019 salary of each of the President of the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer; and 27.5% of the 2019 salary of each of the Chief Operating Officer and the Human Resources Director. Any bonus awards that were earned under the 2019 Executive Officer Plan were paid to the executive officers on or before March 15, 2020.

Payments under the 2019 Executive Officer Plan were subject to specified conditions, qualifications, and clawback provisions. The plan, to the extent provided for in the plan, may be amended by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

We attained 87.5% of the targets established in the 2019 Executive Officer Plan. The bonus pool of $530,741 under the 2019 Executive Officer Plan was paid to our executive officers as follows:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER	PAYMENT	PERCENT OF 2019 SALARY
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.	$174,650	35.0%
Raymond E. Reitsma	$113,552	30.6%
Charles E. Christmas	$114,819	30.6%
Lonna L. Wiersma	$65,157	24.1%
Robert T. Worthington	$62,563	24.1%

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Payments under the 2019 Executive Officer Bonus are reported in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Bonus Plans for 2018

On May 24, 2018, we adopted an executive officer bonus plan for 2018 (the “2018 Executive Officer Plan”). The 2018 Executive Officer Plan provided for cash bonuses for our executive officers.

The maximum amount that could be allocated to the bonus pool was $616,237 under the 2018 Executive Officer Plan provided, however, that the maximum amount will be appropriately adjusted if (a) a newly hired employee becomes eligible to participate in the plan, (b) a participant's base salary is adjusted during the year, or (c) a participant becomes ineligible before December 31, 2018.

Payment from the bonus pool under the 2018 Executive Officer Plan, if any, was based on the achievement of targets under the following metrics for 2018, which were established by our Compensation Committee:

METRICS FOR THE 2018 EXECUTIVE OFFICER PLAN

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL	METRIC	TARGET	RESULTS	MET?
12.5%	Level of non-performing assets	Not to exceed 0.50% of total assets on December 31, 2018	0.15%	Yes
12.5%	Commercial loan portfolio composition	Commercial and industrial loans plus owner-occupied commercial real estate loans not less than 55% of total commercial loans at December 31, 2018	58%	Yes
12.5%	Net interest margin	3.78% for 2018	3.96%	Yes
12.5%	Noninterest income*	$19.3 million for 2018	$18.1 million	No
12.5%	Efficiency ratio*	62.8% for 2018	59.9%	Yes
12.5%	Return on assets*	1.13% for 2018	1.34%	Yes
12.5%	Return on equity*	9.8% for 2018	11.9%	Yes
12.5%	Wholesale funds	Not to exceed 15.0% of total funds during 2018	Maximum level during 2018 was 11.7%	Yes

(*) Measured pre bonus-accrual and excluding unbudgeted one-time/non-core income and expenses

The Award Amount was paid to each executive officer pro rata based on a uniform percentage of the executive officer's 2018 salary, not to exceed 40% of the 2018 salary of each of the Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer; 35% of the 2018 salary of each of the President of the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer; 32.5% of the 2018 salary of the Chief Operating Officer; and 27.5% of the 2018 salary of the Human Resources Director. Any bonus awards that were earned under the 2018 Executive Officer Plan were paid to the executive officers on or before March 15, 2019.

Payments under the 2018 Executive Officer Plan are subject to specified conditions, qualifications, and clawback provisions. The plan, to the extent provided for in the plan, may be amended by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

We attained 87.5% of the targets established in the 2018 Executive Officer Plan. The bonus pool of $539,207 under the 2018 Executive Officer Plan was paid to our executive officers as follows:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER	PAYMENT	PERCENT OF 2018 SALARY
Michael H. Price	$21,202	35.0%
Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.	$167,475	35.0%
Raymond E. Reitsma	$106,124	30.6%
Charles E. Christmas	$111,475	30.6%
Lonna L. Wiersma	$63,259	24.1%
Robert T. Worthington	$69,672	28.4%

Payments under the 2018 Executive Officer Bonus are reported in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Stock Incentive Plan

The overall objective for our stock-based compensation is to provide an equitable and competitive means to reward our executive and other officers for their contributions to our long-range success. Our goal is to meet the following objectives:

•

link each participant’s remuneration to our long-term success through the appreciation of stock price;

•

align the interests of our officers with the interests of our shareholders by linking the long-term value of the compensation to shareholder returns;

•

provide annual long-term incentive awards that are market competitive; and

•

improve our ability to attract and retain officers.

In recent years, we have utilized restricted stock as our primary long-term incentive tool to retain and motivate our key employees. Prior to 2018, we granted restricted stock subject to time-based vesting to our executive officers and other key employees. We believe this is an excellent way to reward them for, and to motivate them toward, superior performance. Restricted stock is an important retention instrument in that it has immediate value to the recipient. Unlike stock option grants that create economic value only if the stock price appreciates above the price at the date of grant, restricted stock provides value and motivation to the recipient even if the stock price declines.

The restricted stock granted in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to key employees other than our executive officers is subject to a three-year vesting period to encourage retention as well as provide value to our key employees.

For 2018, 2019 and 2020, our Compensation Committee determined that grants of performance-based restricted stock would be made to our executive officers, and restricted stock subject to time-based vesting would be made to other key employees. In order to become vested in their restricted stock, our executive officers would need to be employed throughout the three-year performance period, which satisfies a retention goal, and Mercantile must meet certain pre-determined financial performance goals. The Compensation Committee believes it is important for the restricted stock, which is intended to be a long-term incentive, to focus our executive officers on, and reward them for, the achievement of multi-year performance objectives. The performance goals were set at a target performance level. If Mercantile meets the target performance level, the executive officers would be vested in the number of shares designated as the “target award.” Performance levels would also be set at a maximum level to provide an incentive for superior performance, and at a threshold level, below which no shares would be earned. Depending on Mercantile’s performance relative to the performance goals, the executive officers could earn between 0% and 150% of the target award.

The Compensation Committee considered whether to adjust the performance metrics under the 2018 and 2019 grants of performance-based restricted stock due to potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and decided that any such adjustments would be premature. The Compensation Committee also considered granting other forms of equity compensation for our executive officers, but ultimately determined that the reasons for using performance-based restricted stock were critical in aligning their interests with our shareholders, and decided not to change its approach.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

In December 2020, our Compensation Committee evaluated our progress toward achieving the performance goals set for the grants made in 2018 and 2019. Based on our actual and projected financial performance as of that date, our Compensation Committee adjusted the target number of shares that are anticipated to be earned at the end of the three-year performance period. Going forward, our Compensation Committee intends to make adjustments to the target number of shares for existing grants of performance-based shares each December. This process will align the number of shares used for financial reporting purposes as well as more accurately project the amount of compensation that will be earned by our officers in the form of performance-based restricted stock.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock for the 2021-2023 Performance Period

Our Compensation Committee determined the goals and the target number of shares for the 2021-2023 performance period in December 2020. For the performance period of 2021-2023, our Compensation Committee set the target number of shares by reference to the 2021 base salary of each executive officer, as follows: Mr. Kaminski, 55%; Mr. Reitsma, 50%; Mr. Christmas, 45%; and Ms. Wiersma and Mr. Worthington, 35%. The number of shares of performance-based restricted stock earned during the performance period will be based upon Mercantile’s achievement of certain performance levels for each of the measurement criteria. The performance goals for the performance period are based on a comparison of Mercantile’s average performance over the performance period (i.e., the summation of performance for calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023 divided by three) for:

(1)

Return on Average Assets (“ROAA”) (weighted at 25%);

(2)

Diluted Earnings per Share Growth (“Diluted EPS Growth”) (weighted at 50%); and

(3)

Return on Average Equity (“ROE”) (weighted at 25%).

Our Compensation Committee will determine whether the performance goals have been met by taking into consideration Mercantile’s performance as compared to budget. In addition, our Compensation Committee will take into consideration the 3-year average of the median performance for the Peer Group with respect to ROAA, Diluted EPS Growth and ROE, business unit and individual performance and such other factors as the Committee may determine and approve in its sole discretion. The “Peer Group” means a group of similarly sized financial institutions located in the Midwest, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion; provided, however, that a financial institution will be deleted from the Peer Group for 2023 if it has not reported its year-end financial results by January 31, 2024. Following the Compensation Committee’s determination, the shares will become vested, in whole or in part, on February 15, 2024.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock for the 2020-2022 Performance Period

Our Compensation Committee determined the goals and the target number of shares for the 2020-2022 performance period in the Fall of 2019. For the performance period of 2020-2022, our Compensation Committee set the target number of shares by reference to the 2020 base salary of each executive officer, as follows: Mr. Kaminski, 55%; Mr. Reitsma, 50%; Mr. Christmas, 45%; and Ms. Wiersma and Mr. Worthington, 35%. The number of shares of performance-based restricted stock earned during the performance period will be based upon Mercantile’s achievement of certain performance levels for each of the measurement criteria. The performance goals for the performance period are based on a comparison of Mercantile’s average performance over the performance period (i.e., the summation of performance for calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022 divided by three) for:

(1)

Return on Average Assets (“ROAA”) (weighted at 25%);

(2)

Diluted Earnings per Share Growth (“Diluted EPS Growth”) (weighted at 50%); and

(3)

Return on Average Equity (“ROE”) (weighted at 25%).

Our Compensation Committee will determine whether the performance goals have been met by taking into consideration Mercantile’s performance as compared to budget. In addition, our Compensation Committee will take into consideration the 3-year average of the median performance for the Peer Group with respect to ROAA, Diluted EPS Growth and ROE, business unit and individual performance and such other factors as the Committee may determine and approve in its sole discretion. The “Peer Group” means a group of similarly sized financial institutions located in the Midwest, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion; provided, however, that a financial institution will be deleted from the Peer Group for 2022 if it has not reported its year-end financial results by January 31, 2023. Following the Compensation Committee’s determination, the shares will become vested, in whole or in part, on February 15, 2023.

On December 17, 2020, our Compensation Committee reduced the number of target shares that are expected to be earned by our officers for the 2022-2022 performance period as follows: Mr. Kaminski, shares reduced from 8,088 to 3,389; Mr. Reitsma, shares reduced from 5,465 to 2,290; Mr. Christmas, shares reduced from 4,780 to 2,003; Ms. Wiersma, shares reduced from 2,685 to 1,125; and Mr. Worthington, shares reduced from 2,578 to 1,080.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Performance-Based Restricted Stock for the 2019-2021 Performance Period

Our Compensation Committee determined the goals and the target number of shares for the 2019-2021 performance period in the Fall of 2018. For the performance period of 2019-2021, our Compensation Committee set the target number of shares by reference to the 2019 base salary of each executive officer, as follows: Mr. Kaminski, 50%; Mr. Reitsma and Mr. Christmas, 45%; Ms. Wiersma, 35%; and Mr. Worthington, 40%. The number of shares of performance-based restricted stock earned during the performance period will be based upon Mercantile’s achievement of certain performance levels for each of the measurement criteria. The performance goals for the performance period are based on a comparison of Mercantile’s average performance over the performance period (i.e., the summation of performance for calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 divided by three) for:

(1)

Return on Average Assets (“ROAA”) (weighted at 25%);

(2)

Diluted Earnings per Share Growth (“Diluted EPS Growth”) (weighted at 50%); and

(3)

Return on Average Equity (“ROE”) (weighted at 25%).

Our Compensation Committee will determine whether the performance goals have been met by taking into consideration Mercantile’s performance as compared to budget. In addition, our Compensation Committee will take into consideration the 3-year average of the median performance for the Peer Group with respect to ROAA, Diluted EPS Growth and ROE, business unit and individual performance and such other factors as the Committee may determine and approve in its sole discretion. The “Peer Group” means a group of similarly sized financial institutions located in the Midwest, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion; provided, however, that a financial institution will be deleted from the Peer Group for 2021 if it has not reported its year-end financial results by January 31, 2022. Following the Compensation Committee’s determination, the shares will become vested, in whole or in part, on February 15, 2022.

On December 17, 2020, our Compensation Committee reduced the number of target shares that are expected to be earned by our officers for the 2019-2021 performance period as follows: Mr. Kaminski, shares reduced from 7,841 to 3,168; Mr. Reitsma, shares reduced from 5,244 to 2,119; Mr. Christmas, shares reduced from 5,302 to 2,142; Ms. Wiersma, shares reduced from 2,978 to 1,203; and Mr. Worthington, shares reduced from 3,268 to 1,320.

Historically, we have made stock-based awards annually in the Fall in conjunction with the performance review of our executive and other officers. It has generally been our practice, when stock-based compensation awards are made, to make them to all recipients on the same date. In 2019, we awarded shares of performance-based restricted stock to our executive officers, and shares of time-vested restricted stock to 104 key employees, respectively. In 2020, we awarded shares of time-vested restricted stock to 99 key employees in November 2020 and shares of performance-based restricted stock to our executive officers in December 2020. Our Compensation Committee briefly delayed the grants to executive officers until it received the final draft of the 2021 budget and 5-year forecast presented by management, on which the performance metrics are largely based.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our Board, on the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, adopted stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers that became effective on January 1, 2018. The stock ownership guidelines require each named executive officer to own our stock at the following levels:

POSITION	NUMBER OF SHARES
Chief Executive Officer	Value equivalent to 3 times base salary
Each other named executive officer	Value equivalent to 2 times base salary

The time period for attainment of the stock ownership levels set forth above is five years from the later of January 1, 2018 or the date on which a named executive officer becomes subject to the guidelines.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

All shares beneficially owned by each named executive officer will be credited toward the target level under the guidelines, including:

●

Shares owned outright or with an immediate family member;

●

Shares beneficially owned through a trust or other estate planning vehicle;

●

Shares held in benefit plans (e.g., 401(k), stock purchase plan, etc.); and

●

Unvested restricted shares.

Perquisites

We limit the perquisites that we make available to our executive officers. We believe that providing excessive perquisites to executive officers sends mixed messages to the rest of our employees and can destroy the “team” effort. Our executive officers are entitled to a few benefits that are not generally available to all of our employees. We do not provide a defined benefit pension plan, post-retirement health coverage (other than certain COBRA benefits as discussed below), or similar benefits for our executive officers or other employees.

During 2020, we provided the following perquisites for our executive officers:

●

in addition to the general health and insurance plan that we maintain for all of our employees, we provided our executive officers with additional life insurance, and we provided Mr. Kaminski, Mr. Christmas and Ms. Wiersma with additional disability insurance and long term care insurance; and

●

a local country club membership was provided for Mr. Reitsma. Mr. Reitsma made significant use of the membership in connection with our business.

IRC Section 162(m)

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to their chief executive officer or certain other highly compensated officers. For taxable years before 2018, qualifying performance-based compensation was not subject to the deduction limitation if certain requirements are met. We periodically reviewed the potential consequences of Section 162(m) and considered whether to structure some or all of the performance-based portion of our executive compensation so that it was not subject to the deduction limitations of Section 162(m).

The performance-based compensation exception was eliminated for compensation paid in taxable years after December 31, 2017 and the limit on deductibility was expanded to include all named executive officers. As a result, Section 162(m) no longer permits a public company to take a deduction for any compensation paid to its named executive officers in excess of $1 million, unless the compensation is provided under a written binding contract in effect on November 2, 2017 that was not materially modified on or after that date.

Post-Employment Compensation

We do not provide a defined benefit pension plan or post-retirement health insurance coverage for our executive officers or other employees. Our executive officers and most of our other employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan. We provide for each eligible participant a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan. Effective on and after January 1, 2014, we made a matching contribution that “dollar for dollar” is equal to the first 4.25% of each participant’s contribution to the 401(k) plan. On and after April 1, 2018, our matching contribution is "dollar for dollar" on the first 5.00% of each participant's contribution to the 401(k) plan. All of our executive officers participated in our 401(k) plan during 2020.

All employees, except our executive officers and certain key employees, are employees-at-will and do not have an employment agreement. The employment agreements that we have with our executive officers are described below under the heading “Employment Agreements.” We do not provide post-employment health insurance coverage or other benefits to any employee, except those provided for executive officers and key employees in their employment agreements.

Change in Control Agreements

On November 29, 2018, we entered into an amended change in control agreement with each of our executive officers. The change in control agreements for the executive officers provide for a lump sum payment if the executive officer is terminated without “Cause” or terminates employment for “Good Reason” (as those terms are defined under the employment agreements) within 24 months after a change in control of Mercantile or the Bank. The lump sum payment would be in addition to severance payments under each officer's respective employment agreement.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

In entering into the change in control agreements, we took into account that, prior to 2015, the employment agreements with our executive officers did not provide any benefits if the officer were to be terminated in connection with a change in control. We believe that a pending or threatened change in control would provide significant distraction for our executive officers. We believe that providing an additional payment to each executive officer in the event that he or she is involuntarily terminated within 24 months after a change in control will provide the officer with financial protection and is an incentive to maintain a high level of dedication to Mercantile and the Bank in the event of a pending or threatened change in control.

Additional information regarding the change in control agreements is included below under the heading "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control."

Overview of the Compensation Process

The composition of compensation for our executive officers can include: salary, cash bonus, stock-based awards, health, disability and life insurance and perquisites. The elements of executive compensation are discussed at the meetings of our Compensation Committee. During the Fall of each year, the Compensation Committee discusses the base salaries and cash bonus plan, if any, for the next year for our executive officers, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for its approval. The Board of Directors usually approves the Compensation Committee’s recommendations; though if it does not, it could ask the Compensation Committee to prepare revised recommendations. At or about the same time, in years when stock-based awards are to be made, the Compensation Committee grants stock-based awards to our executive and other officers.

As part of the Compensation Committee’s process, it meets with our Human Resource Director and reviews the elements of each executive officer’s compensation during the preceding three years. Typically, the Human Resource Director makes compensation recommendations to the Compensation Committee for each of our executive officers (other than with respect to her own compensation). The Compensation Committee may accept or reject all or any part of such recommendations. As part of our Human Resource Director’s process of formulating her recommendations, she may confer with our President and Chief Executive Officer. Our executive officers are not present when our Human Resource Director makes her recommendations, or during the Compensation Committee’s deliberations on the compensation of our executive officers. Our Human Resources Director is not present during the Compensation Committee’s deliberations on her compensation.

Compensation Risk Assessment

The Compensation Committee reviews our compensation policies and practices with our Senior Risk Officer every six months, and does not believe that they are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us by encouraging our executive officers to take unnecessary or excessive risks that threaten our value. The Compensation Committee does not believe that the features of our compensation plans make it likely that taking unnecessary or excessive risks that threaten our value will provide greater compensation than actions that involve a prudent level of risk.

●

The equity-based plans encourage our executive officers and other employees to focus on increasing shareholder value over a period of years.

●

The deferred compensation and 401(k) plans provide helpful ways for our employees to save for retirement.

●

The bonus plans are typically based on a variety of metrics tied to improving our performance, and contain "clawback" provisions if the executive officer or employee engages in certain activities or a payout is based on materially inaccurate financial statements or other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria.

Based on its review, the Compensation Committee believes that our compensation policies and procedures do not pose any unnecessary risks, and do not encourage employees to manipulate reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any employee.

Shareholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

At our 2020 annual meeting, our shareholders voted on an advisory proposal to approve the compensation of our executive officers as disclosed in our proxy statement for that annual meeting. Approximately 98.7% of the 9,741,647 votes cast on the proposal voted in favor of the proposal. Our Compensation Committee considered the result of this vote, viewed the result as favorable, and sought to maintain consistent compensation policies and procedures.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides information regarding the compensation earned by the named executive officers for the three years ended December 31, 2020.

Name and Principal Position	Year	Salary ($)(3)	Bonus ($)	Stock Awards ($)(4)	Options Awards ($)	Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(5)	Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(6)	All Other Compensation ($)(7)	Total ($)

Robert B. Kaminski, Jr President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile, and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank	2020	538,962	—	285,431	—	204,356	37	58,581	1,087,367
	2019	499,000	—	285,426	—	174,650	127	55,165	1,014,368
	2018	478,500	—	249,501	—	167,475	74	55,716	951,266

Raymond E. Reitsma (1) Executive Vice President of Mercantile, and President of the Bank	2020	400,621	—	202,891	—	118,146	—	60,498	782,156
	2019	370,783	—	192,860	—	113,552	—	57,217	734,412
	2018	346,526	—	166,864	—	106,124	—	57,344	676,858

Charles E. Christmas Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Mercantile, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank	2020	389,341	—	168,690	—	114,819	—	49,875	722,725
	2019	374,921	—	168,686	—	114,819	—	47,630	706,056
	2018	364,000	—	168,710	—	111,475	—	48,258	692,443

Lonna L. Wiersma (2) Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director of Mercantile and the Bank	2020	281,197	—	94,767	—	65,127	—	40,727	481,818
	2019	270,783	—	94,754	—	65,157	—	42,287	472,981
	2018	262,895	—	94,760	—	63,259	—	41,662	462,576

Robert T. Worthington Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Mercantile and the Bank	2020	270,000	—	90,998	—	62,563	334	26,972	450,867
	2019	260,000	—	90,978	—