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We
understand that a sudden change like this can produce a range of
feelings,
including anxiety and confusion. Our intent is to communicate early
and
often throughout this process to eliminate as much uncertainty as
we
can. We want you to log your questions as they arise, and give
those questions to any of your BOL Executives so they can forward
the
questions to us. We will be fair, open and honest with you in all
of our
interactions.
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In
the next few days, we will be scheduling meetings that will allow
you more
time to ask questions, share concerns, establish teams, and learn
more
about First Federal. Our goal is to make this transition as easy
as
possible on you.
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An
experienced Transition Team is in place at First Federal and will
be
responsible for identifying and addressing key issues concerning
the
people, processes and technology involved. We will be working
in partnership with the staff of BOL to insure success during this
transition. You will see some of our staff in your areas as early
as
tomorrow, as we begin the work of getting to know you and your processes
better. We have already met some of your staff and we are convinced
that
together, we will make a great
team.
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We
anticipate a final closing date by late first quarter, 2008. That
means we
will have significant time to work through any of the transition
issues we
have identified and map out plans for all
employees.
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The
press release has been distributed, and your customers will likely
read
this announcement in tomorrow's papers. They, like you, will have
questions. It's critical to communicate reassurance to the customers--Bank
of Lenawee has a strong customer base and we will want to keep each
and
every one of them! Let them know that things will remain "as is"
for at
least six months, then the name will change and their options will
expand.
They will continue to be served by a community bank that puts the
customer
first.
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The
Bank of Lenawee branch locations are very similar to existing First
Federal Bank locations. Like BOL, we have a long-standing
community banking philosophy of superior customer service and
local decision-making; we want to continue these proven practices and
build on the success you have already experienced in these
locations.
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Thank
you in advance for your patience and understanding throughout this
process. We look forward to working with you and getting to
know you better!
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Filed
by: Pavilion Bancorp, Inc. pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities
Act
of 1933 and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Subject
Company: First Defiance Financial Corp.
Commission
File No.: 0-26850
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