CMS Energy, Partners With First Independence Bank for Treasury Services   

Rejji P. Hayes, left, is executive vice president and chief financial officer of CMS Energy, and Kenneth Kelly, right, Chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank.

CMS Energy, the parent company of Jackson-based Consumers Energy, has entered into an agreement for treasury services with African American-owned First Independence Bank. Under the agreement, the bank will provide cash management services for the energy provider.  

“In our treasury department and across the Company, we’ve made it a priority to support minority-owned and Michigan-based businesses,” said Rejji Hayes, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CMS Energy. “We recognize the many benefits of having a diverse supplier base and supporting the communities we serve, which aligns with our commitment to the triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity. Our partnership with First Independence Bank not only broadens our base of commercial banks, but will also support commercial activity in Southeast Michigan.” 

First Independence Bank is based in Michigan and its treasury management services are managed at its headquarters in Detroit. 

“We are thrilled to be part of the Consumers Energy diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” says Kenneth Kelly, chairman & CEO, First Independence Bank. “The Consumers team is demonstrating the leadership needed to make a difference in our community. It is this level of commitment that is needed to leave a footprint in the communities that we care about growing.” 

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.  

First Independence Bank is the 7th largest Black-owned commercial bank in the United States. It offers a variety of high-quality banking services from managing accounts to personal loans, mortgages, consumer education and investments. First Independence Bank has three locations and offers banking solutions online and digitally through its mobile app. Established in 1970, the bank continues to be a responsible leader, efficiently serving the financial needs of its community, its businesses, and its customers nationwide.  

First Independence Bank is a member of FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. For more information visit http://www.firstindependence.com [firstindependence.com].