8-K

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2002

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):   April 17, 2002

NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Michigan	0-20167	38-2062816
(State of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3530 North Country Drive
Traverse City, Michigan		49684
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (231) 929-5600

Item 5.    Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure.

            On April 17, 2002 North Country Financial Corporation issued a press release announcing first quarter dividends and earnings. On April 18, 2002 North Country Financial Corporation issued a press release announcing the election of Sherry Littlejohn as the new CEO. Copies of the April 17, 2002 and April 18, 2002 press releases are attached as exhibits to this report and are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

            (c)      Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release, Dated April 17, 2002
99.2	Press Release, Dated April 18, 2002

SIGNATURE

            Pursuant to the requirements of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Gary Klein                               

Gary Klein

Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 23, 2002

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release, Dated April 17, 2002
99.2	Press Release, Dated April 18, 2002

EX-99.1

PRESS RELEASE

For Release April 17, 2002                                                                     Page 1 of 2
Contact: Ronald G. Ford, Chairman and CEO - (231) 935-3136, ext. 115
Web site: www.northcountrybank.com

North Country Financial Corporation Announces
First Quarter Dividend and Earnings

(Traverse City, Michigan) - North Country Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: NCFC), the holding company for North Country Bank and Trust, has reported primary earnings per share of $0.14 on net income of $1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. Although these results are down 39.1% and 36.8% respectively, compared to first quarter of 2001, they were not unexpected by management because of the compression of interest rates over the past year. Compared to the 4^th quarter of 2001, net income rose 49% during this reporting period. The Corporation also declared a dividend on April 16, 2002 of $0.10 per share, payable on April 30, 2002 to shareholders of record on April 23, 2002.

      "Despite the slowdown experienced by all banks after 9-11 of last year, we continue to be optimistic about our economy," said Ronald G. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer. "Many of our customers in tourism and hospitality businesses demonstrated great resiliency over the last six months and we are now seeing increases in loan activity ranging from commercial loans to the residential

PAGE 1 of 2 (Continues)

PAGE TWO, North Country Bank Announces Fourth Quarter Dividend

mortgage market. Management's aggressive actions have also reduced our exposure to slow-paying or non-paying loans and we have not needed to increase our provision for loan losses."

      At the end of the First Quarter, North Country Financial Corporation reported a two percent decrease in total assets, from $636.6 million at December 31, 2001 to $623.4 million on March 31, 2002. The decrease is largely attributed to the net decrease in deposits due to the lowering of the Federal Funds Rate throughout last year.

      Headquartered in Traverse City, North Country Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company providing a full range of commercial, consumer and mortgage banking services to a client base throughout northern Michigan. North Country Bank and Trust, its primary subsidiary, has 27 offices conveniently located throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan.

PAGE 2 of 2

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EX-99.2

PRESS RELEASE

For Release April 18, 2002                                                                     Page 1 of 3
Contact: Ronald G. Ford, Chairman of the Board of Directors - (231) 935-3071, ext.
115. Web site: www.northcountrybank.com

North Country Financial Corporation Elects Littlejohn as New CEO

(Traverse City, Michigan) - Ronald Ford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of North Country Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: NCFC), the holding company for North Country Bank and Trust, announced his intention to retire April 30 as Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. At the Annual Shareholder Meeting held April 16, 2002, the Board of Directors elected Sherry Littlejohn, current President and Chief Operating Officer of each organization, as the new CEO. Ford will remain as Chairman of the Board of both organizations.

      Ford retires after nearly 25 years with North Country Bank and Trust. He joined the bank as a Senior Lender in 1977 after a distinguished career with Household Finance Corporation. He was elected President and CEO of both North Country Financial Corporation and the bank in 1986. Ford's leadership and aggressive marketing strategies were instrumental in increasing the size of the corporation from approximately $40 million to $623.4 million as of March 31, 2002, and expansion of the bank from a single branch to 27 branches. Upon retirement, Ford will assist the corporation in a consulting role.

      "It has been exciting to witness the expansion of the bank over the years," said

Page 1 of 3 (Continues)

Page Two: North Country Financial Corporation Elects Littlejohn New CEO

Ford. "I'm proud of the growth of the corporation and proud of the new management team headed by Sherry Littlejohn, President and CEO. Sherry has been with the corporation since 1984 and has been instrumental to its growth and success. She has been recognized by the Michigan Bankers Association as one of the top female executives in Michigan. She brings with her an intimate knowledge of virtually every aspect of banking and finance and this should ensure the continued success of the organization."

      "I welcome the challenge and appreciate the opportunity," said Littlejohn. I believe the organization of the future requires a different blend of values. Today, our roles are becoming blurred both in the workplace and at home. Many functions commonly performed by only one sex are now done regularly by both. Men and women are expected to be partners at home and teammates on the job. Often, both contribute equally to the family economy. Without sharing strengths, this would be impossible. Changes in values, labor availability, and family roles & lifestyles, have all been factors that have enhanced women's opportunities to compete and survive. Therefore, our challenge in the future should be to respect, encourage, and learn to work with each other as partners."

      Headquartered in Traverse City, North Country Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company providing a full range of commercial, consumer and mortgage banking services to a client base throughout northern

Page 2 of 3 (Continues)

Page Three: North Country Financial Corporation Elects Littlejohn New CEO

Michigan. North Country Bank and Trust, its primary subsidiary, has 27 offices conveniently located throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan.

PAGE 3 of 3

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