- Proxy Statement (definitive) (DEF 14A)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

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FIRSTBANK CORPORATION

(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

________________________________________________________________________

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

OF SHAREHOLDERS

FIRSTBANK CORPORATION

311 Woodworth Avenue

P.O. Box 1029

Alma, Michigan 48801

Dear Shareholder:

We invite you to attend the 2012 annual meeting of the shareholders of Firstbank Corporation. This year’s meeting will be held at the Heritage Center on the campus of Alma College, West Superior Street, Alma, Michigan 48801, on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. (Alma time) to consider and vote upon:

The election of two directors to hold office for three year terms;

Advisory non-binding approval of Firstbank Corporation’s executive compensation program;

The ratification of the appointment by Firstbank Corporation’s Audit Committee of Plante & Moran, PLLC as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; and

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

Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2012, will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment of the meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Samuel G. Stone, Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer

Alma, Michigan

March 21, 2012

All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND IN PERSON, YOU ARE URGED TO DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. This will assure your representation and a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. If you do attend the meeting in person and if you have submitted a proxy card, it will not be necessary for you to vote in person at the meeting. However, if you attend the meeting and wish to change your proxy vote, you will be given an opportunity to do so.

Important Notice regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 23, 2012:

This proxy statement and the 2011 Annual Report to Shareholders are available for viewing, printing and downloading at www.cfpproxy.com/5235

PROXY STATEMENT

FIRSTBANK CORPORATION

311 Woodworth Avenue

P.O. Box 1029

Alma, Michigan 48801

Telephone: (989) 463-3131

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Firstbank Corporation (we, our or the “Corporation”) to be voted at the annual meeting of our shareholders, to be held at the Heritage Center on the campus of Alma College, West Superior Street, Alma, Michigan 48801, on Monday, April 23, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. (Alma time), and at any adjournment of the meeting for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This proxy statement and form of proxy are first being sent to shareholders on or about March 21, 2012. If you need directions to the location of the meeting or additional information about attending the meeting and voting in person, contact Kim Campbell at 989-466-7328.

If a proxy in the accompanying form is properly executed, duly returned, and not revoked, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted at the annual meeting of our shareholders and at any adjournment of that meeting. Where a shareholder specifies a choice, a proxy will be voted as specified. If no choice is specified, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted for election of all nominees of the Board of Directors. Our management does not know of any other matters to be presented at the annual meeting. If other matters are presented, the shares represented by proxy will be voted at the discretion of the persons designated as proxies who will take into consideration management’s recommendations.

Any shareholder executing a proxy in the enclosed form has the power to revoke it by notifying our Secretary in writing at the address indicated above at any time before it is exercised, or by appearing at the meeting and voting in person.

Solicitation of proxies is being made by mail. Directors, officers, and regular employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries may also solicit proxies in person or by telephone without additional compensation. In addition, banks, brokerage firms, and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries may solicit proxies from the beneficial owners of shares they hold and may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners of our stock. We will pay all expenses of soliciting proxies.

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors has nominated Jeff A. Gardner and Thomas R. Sullivan for election to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting to serve three year terms that will expire in 2015. Messrs. Gardner and Sullivan are incumbents.

The proposed nominees are willing to be elected and to serve. In the event that any nominee is unable to serve or is otherwise unavailable for election, which is not now contemplated the incumbent Board of Directors may or may not select a substitute nominee. If a substitute nominee is selected, all proxies will be voted for the person so selected. If a substitute nominee is not so selected, all proxies will be voted for the election of the remaining nominees. Proxies will not be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named.

An affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast on the election of directors at the meeting is required for nominees to be elected as directors. For the purpose of counting votes on this proposal, withheld, abstained, broker non-votes and other shares not voted are not counted towards a nominee’s total. Additional information about the director nomination process is provided in this Proxy under "Corporate Governance - Director Nominations."

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE

FOR ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS

VOTING SECURITIES

At the close of business on March 1, 2012, the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, we had issued and outstanding 7,898,610 shares of its Common Stock, the only class of voting securities presently outstanding. Each share entitles its holder to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the meeting.

Common Stock Ownership Of Management

The following table shows certain information concerning the shares beneficially owned by each of our directors and nominees for director, by the executive officers named in the summary compensation table below, and by all directors and executive officers as a group as of December 31, 2011.

	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1)
Name of Beneficial Owner	Sole Voting And Investment Power			Shared Voting or Investment Power (2)		Total Beneficial Ownership			Percent of Class

William L. Benear		21,673	(3)(4)		0		21,673	(3)(4)		*

Thomas D. Dickinson		10,445			1,651		12,096			*

David W. Fultz		0			6,744		6,744			*

Jeff A. Gardner		60,550			35,600		96,150			1.2	%

William E. Goggin		39,267			2,390		41,658			*

Edward B. Grant		16,102			0		16,102			*

Douglas J. Ouellette		17,296	(3)(4)		0		17,296	(3)(4)		*

Samuel A. Smith		5,860			26,703		32,563			*

Samuel G. Stone		36,406	(3)(4)		3,345		39,751	(3)(4)		*

Thomas R. Sullivan		100,446	(3)(4)		550		100,996	(3)(4)		1.3	%

James E. Wheeler, II		18,839	(3)(4)		25,412		44,251	(3)(4)		*

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (11 Persons)		326,884			102,395		429,280			5.4	%

*Represents less than 1 percent of the outstanding shares.

(1)

The numbers of shares stated are based on information furnished by each person listed and includes shares personally owned of record by that person and shares which under applicable regulations are deemed to be otherwise beneficially owned by that person. Under these regulations a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to the security. Voting power includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security. Investment power includes the power to dispose or to direct the disposition of the security. A person will also be considered the beneficial owner of a security if the person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership of the security within 60 days.

(2)

Includes shares as to which the indicated person is legally entitled to share voting or investment power by reason of joint ownership, trust, or other contract or property right and shares held by spouses and children over whom the indicated person may have substantial influence by reason of the relationship.

(3)	Includes shares allocated to individual accounts under the Firstbank Corporation employee 401(k) Plan.

(4)

Shares that may be acquired pursuant to stock options that are exercisable within 60 days are included in the table. The number of shares subject to such options for Mr. Benear is 11,557 shares; Mr. Ouellette is 11,222; Mr. Wheeler is 11,557; Mr. Stone is 13,552 shares; and Mr. Sullivan is 18,503 shares.

Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table contains information with respect to ownership of our common stock by persons or entities that are beneficial owners of more than five percent of our voting securities as of December 31, 2011.

Name and Address Of Beneficial Owner	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership	Percent of Class

Wellington Management Company, LLP 280 Congress Street Boston, MA 02210	427,037 shares (1)	5.43%

(1)

This information is based solely upon information as of December 31, 2011 contained in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2012 by Wellington Management Company, LLP, including notice that it has shared power to vote and shared dispositive power as to 427,037 shares.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Articles of Incorporation provide that the Board of Directors will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as practicable, with the term of office of one class expiring each year. The present Board of Directors consists of seven persons who are elected to the Board of Directors for terms of three years each by our shareholders.

Biographical information concerning the current directors and the nominees who are nominated for election to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting is presented below. Except as otherwise indicated, all directors and nominees have had the same principal employment for over five years. With the exception of Mr. Sullivan, our President and Chief Executive Officer, all directors and director nominees have been determined by the Board of Directors to be independent under the NASDAQ Listing Standards.

A.	Nominees for 3-Year Terms Expiring in 2015

Jeff A. Gardner (age 59) has been a director and vice-chairman of Keystone Community Bank since 1997 and a director of the Corporation since October 2005. Mr. Gardner is President of Gardner Group, which he formed in 1980. Gardner Group 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 (CPM).

Thomas R. Sullivan (age 61) became President & Chief Executive Officer of Firstbank Corporation in January, 2000. He served as President, Chief Executive Officer of Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant) from December, 1991 until January, 2007. He has served as a director of Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant) since 1991. He has also served as a director of Firstbank – Alma and Firstbank – West Branch since January, 2000, Keystone Community Bank since October, 2005 and as a director of Firstbank – West Michigan since July, 2007. Mr. Sullivan has also served as an Officer of the Corporation since 1991.

B.	Directors with 3-Year Terms Expiring in 2013

David W. Fultz (age 64) has been a director of Firstbank – West Branch since October, 1994 and of the Corporation since 2004. He is the owner of Fultz Insurance Agency located in St. Helen, Michigan and Kirtland Insurance Agency located in Rose City, Michigan.

William E. Goggin (age 66) has been a director of Firstbank - Alma since February, 1974 and of the Corporation since December, 1985. Mr. Goggin has served as Chairman of the Board of the Corporation since 1986 and Chairman of the Board of Firstbank - Alma since 1974. He is an attorney with the law firm Goggin Law Offices in Alma, Michigan.

C.	Directors with 3-Year Terms Expiring in 2014

Edward B. Grant (age 62) has been a director of Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant) since 1988 and of the Corporation since 1990. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant) since 1989. Mr. Grant is the General Manager of Public Broadcasting at Central Michigan University. Mr. Grant is a Certified Public Accountant, and holds a Ph.D. in accounting from Michigan State University.

Samuel A. Smith (age 59) became a director of Firstbank – St. Johns in June, 2000 and a director of Firstbank – Alma upon the merger of those two banks in September, 2011. Mr. Smith has been a director of Firstbank Corporation since June, 2003. Mr. Smith is the owner of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Inc. headquartered in Elsie, Michigan.

Thomas D. Dickinson (age 53) has been a director of Firstbank – West Michigan (formerly known as Ionia County National Bank) since September, 2003 and of the Corporation since July, 2007. He is a principal in the CPA firm of Biggs, Dickinson & Roberts Wealth Management Services, LLC in Saranac, Michigan. Mr. Dickinson also serves as a Managing Member of Biggs, Dickinson & Roberts Wealth Management Services, LLC and is a member of the Michigan Association of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Independence of Directors and Attendance at Meetings

Our Board of Directors is composed of a majority of independent directors (as independence is defined in the NASDAQ Listing Standards). During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, our board held a total of 12 regular meetings. Various committees of the Board held meetings as needed. Each director attended at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the total meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the committees on which they served. We also encourage all members of the Board to attend our annual meeting of shareholders each year. All members of our Board of Directors of the Corporation attended the Corporation's 2011 annual meeting.

Currently, no outside Director of Firstbank Corporation serves as a director of another publicly traded company, nor have they during the past 5 years. Mr. Sullivan served as an elected director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis from January 1, 2004 thru December 31, 2009 at which time the size of the board was reduced and Mr. Sullivan’s board position was eliminated. During 2010 Mr. Sullivan was re-elected by the Michigan members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis to a four year term on the FHLBI board of directors commencing January 1, 2011. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis has a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Mr. Sullivan’s current term on this board ends December 31, 2014.

During the past 10 years, none of our Directors has reported being subject to any legal proceedings as defined within Item 401 of Regulation S-K.

Director Qualifications and Nominations

Directors and nominees are considered, and must be approved by, the directors on the Board who are independent under SEC and NASDAQ Standards. The Board searches for potential candidates that it identifies by a variety of means as deemed appropriate by the Board.

The Board has not established specific minimum age, education, years of business experience, or specific types of skills for potential candidates, but, in general, expects qualified candidates will have ample experience and a proven record of business success and leadership. In general, the Board requires that each of its members will have the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; will consistently exercise sound and objective business judgment; and will have a comfort with diversity in its broadest sense.

Although the board does not have a specific diversity policy, it is anticipated that the Board as a whole will have individuals with significant appropriate senior management and leadership experience, a comfort with technology, a long-term and strategic perspective, and the ability to advance constructive debate. It will be important for the Board as a whole to operate in an atmosphere where the chemistry of the individuals is a key element.

When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the our business and structure, the Board of Directors and the independent directors considered the information discussed in each director’s biography. The Board of Directors also considered the many years of experience represented by Messrs. Fultz, Goggin, Grant, and Sullivan, each of whom have been involved with Firstbank Corporation or its subsidiary banks for at least fifteen years. Each of our directors also has business and personal relationships with people in their respective communities which provide an important connection to our customers. In addition, the Board of Directors believes that each of the directors has a reputation for honesty, integrity and adherence to high ethical standards.

With regard to Mr. Goggin, an attorney, the board also considered his legal knowledge and experience which is beneficial in the highly regulated financial services industry. With regard to Mr. Fultz the board considered his experience in insurance and his experience owning and operating a business. Mr. Smith also has experience owning and operating a business. Messrs. Dickinson and Grant are each certified public accountants with a thorough knowledge of accounting and financial statements. Mr. Gardner has extensive experience with real estate development, construction, management, brokerage and maintenance, which is valuable for a community banking organization with a number of locations and for which real estate often serves as collateral for loans. Mr. Sullivan is an experienced community banker with knowledge of how to operate and manage community banks.

Shareholder nominations may be made directly by a shareholder or by written notice delivered or mailed to the secretary of the Corporation not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days prior to the annual meeting. However, if a shareholder wishes the Board of Directors to consider a nomination as a part of a slate of nominees approved by the Board of Directors, the nomination process described below must be followed.

The independent directors will consider shareholder nominations for directors submitted in accordance with the following procedure. A notice relating to the nomination must be given in writing to the Corporation not later than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary of the prior year's annual meeting. Such notice must be accompanied by the nominee's written consent, contain information relating to the business experience and background of the nominee and contain information with respect to the nominating shareholder and persons acting in concert with the nominating shareholder. There are no differences in the manner in which the independent directors evaluate a candidate that is recommended for nomination for membership on our Board by a shareholder. As of this time, the Board has not received any recommended nominations from any of our shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting.

Upon receipt of information concerning a shareholder proposed candidate, the Chair of the Board assesses the Board's needs, primarily whether or not there is a current or pending vacancy or a possible need to fulfill by adding or replacing a director, and then develops a director profile by comparing the current state of Board characteristics with the desired state and the candidate's qualifications. The profile and the candidate's submitted information are provided to the Board for discussion. Similarly, if at any time the Board determines there may be a need to add or replace a director, the Chair of the Board develops a Director profile by comparing the current state of Board characteristics with the desired state. If no candidates are apparent from any source, the Board will determine the appropriate method to conduct a search. The Board has, to date, not paid any third party fee to assist in identifying and evaluating nominees.

We have not established a nominating committee because we desire active participation of all Board members in the analysis and process of making nominations. In addition, nominations are approved by directors who are independent, ensuring the integrity of the nomination process in the same manner that establishing a nominating committee would. The Board has not adopted nomination charter provisions but it has adopted a formal written board resolution approving the procedure described above.

In making nominations for election to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors will consider recommendations of shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend nominees should submit their recommendations in writing, delivered or mailed, to the Secretary of the Corporation.

Board of Directors Leadership Structure/Role in Risk Oversight

The Board of Directors has chosen to separate the CEO position from the Chairman position. This separation helps to ensure that control by one person is not achieved. Also the separation between the CEO and Chairman positions ensures that while we achieve the goal of employee retention (CEO), the Chairman position could be rotated throughout the board members. Finally, the separate position of Chairman, allows additional leadership to be present among management, in the absence of the CEO or CFO.

The Board of Directors oversees and monitors our risk management policies and processes both directly and through board committees. Types of risk include credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, reputational risk, and compensation/incentive risk. The board and its committees monitor risk through various reports received from management, internal and external auditors, and regulatory examiners. Our Audit Committee exercises risk oversight by approving the independent auditor and receiving reports from both external and internal auditors. Our compensation committee monitors potential risks related to our compensation plans and practices. Each member of our Board of Directors is also a director of one of our subsidiary banks, and as a result they are familiar with the types of risk relevant to financial institutions.

Shareholder Communication with the Corporation's Board of Directors

Shareholders may communicate with members of our Board by mail addressed to the full Board, a specific member of the Board, or to a particular committee of the Board at 311 Woodworth Avenue, Alma, Michigan 48801.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our executive officers (including our Chief Executive Officer and principal Financial Officer) and all of the directors. Our Code of Ethics is available on our website www.firstbankmi.com under Investor Relations and can be obtained free of charge by sending a request to our corporate secretary at 311 Woodworth Avenue, Alma, Michigan 48801. Any changes or waivers to the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on the website.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting process. For this purpose, the Audit Committee performs several functions. For example, the Audit Committee evaluates the performance of and assesses the qualifications of the independent auditors; appoints and approves the compensation of the independent auditors; determines whether to retain or terminate the existing independent auditors or to appoint and engage new independent auditors; reviews and approves the retention of the auditors to perform the internal audit functions and services which the independent auditors are not permitted to perform; reviews the financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K; and discusses with management and the independent auditors the results of the annual audit and the results of our quarterly financial statements.

The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Dickinson, Fultz, Grant, and Smith. The Audit Committee met 8 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

All members of our Audit Committee are independent (as independence is defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the NASD listing standards and as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission rules). Mr. Grant has been designated by the Board as the Audit Committee's financial expert. Mr. Grant is independent of management, as such term is used in item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have adopted a written Audit Committee Charter which is available at our website www.firstbankmi.com under Investor Relations.

On February 27, 2012, the Audit Committee submitted to the Board the following report.

Audit Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed with management the Corporation’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years for the periods ending December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

We have discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant's communications with the audit committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant's independence.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

	Respectfully submitted,

	Edward B. Grant, CPA, Chairman Thomas D. Dickinson, CPA, CFP David W. Fultz Samuel A. Smith

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

All of the directors of Firstbank Corporation are also Directors of one or more of the subsidiary banks within the holding company. As a result, Directors receive compensation for their duties at both the holding company and bank level. Mr. Sullivan does not receive any Director fees. Outside Directors of the Corporation and of the subsidiary banks have the option of receiving fees in cash, or using the fees to purchase Firstbank Corporation common stock, except when the fee is noted as being paid in shares of common stock.

We purchase compensation data that compares our level of Director Compensation to other banking companies of our size and structure. During 2010, the Compensation Committee determined, through a compensation review done by an independent compensation consulting firm who is experienced in board of director compensation matters, that our director compensation was very low compared to competitive market data.

After careful consideration and review of the market compensation data provided in the review, on January 3 rd , 2011 the Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors approved, increases in annual director fees for 2011 based on our need to attract and retain directors in light of increased regulations, liability and demands on their time.

The new fees reflected a modest increase in our directors’ total compensation with a targeted market position of at least the 25 th percentile of the peer group data. The Compensation Committee determined to use additional equity compensation to more closely align director compensation with shareholder interests. The increase to the cash portion took effect January 1, 2011 and the increase to the equity portion took effect after the 2011 annual shareholder meeting.

The Compensation Committee determined at its January 24, 2012 meeting that the 2011 fee schedule still achieved the targeted competitive position compared to market and that no changes would be made for 2012. During 2011, and going forward for 2012, Firstbank Corporation, and its affiliate banks, will pay outside Directors as follows:

	Annual Retainer			Meeting Fee per Meeting Attended
Corporate Board of Directors	FBMI Stock	Cash		Cash
Chairman of the Board	2,300 shares	$	5,000
Chairman of the Audit Committee	2,200 shares	$	3,000
Chairman of the Compensation Committee	2,200 shares	$	3,000
All Other Independent Board Members	2,200 shares	$	0
Regular Board Meeting Attended				$	700
Teleconference Meeting Attended				$	250
Full Day Special Meeting Attended				$	1,250
Half Day Special Meeting Attended				$	1,000
Committee Meeting Attended				$	250

	Annual Retainer			Meeting Fee per Meeting Attended
Affiliate Bank Board of Directors (includes all affiliate banks unless otherwise noted)	FBMI Stock	Cash		Cash
Chairman of the Board	400 shares	$	0
All Other Independent Board Members	300 shares	$	0
Regular Board Meeting Attended				$	500
Full Day Special Meeting Attended				$	900
Half Day Special Meeting Attended				$	600
Executive Committee Meeting Attended				$	200
Committee Meeting Attended				$	100

Director Compensation Philosophy

Because of the critical role the board of directors fulfill in leading the company through the current economic conditions and the importance of attracting and retaining directors in light of increased regulations, liability and demands on their time, the Compensation Committee has adopted the following philosophy for director compensation.

Create a “pay for service” approach with approximately 70% of compensation paid for corporate duties and 30% of compensation paid for affiliate bank duties with an approximate 60%/40% split between cash and equity to help create long-term shareholder value.

The Compensation Committee will continue to review director compensation trends and market data as well as benchmark our director compensation to director compensation at similar banking companies. The Compensation Committee did not conduct a formal market review of director compensation during 2011, since one was conducted in 2010 and it is the Compensation Committee’s understanding that director compensation has not seen significant increases or decreases in recent years. The Compensation Committee will continue to assess what the appropriate benchmark percentile to peer group is, and may adjust director compensation when appropriate in future years.

Director Compensation Table

Name	Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)		Stock Awards ($)		Option Awards ($)		All Other Compensation ($)		Total ($)
	(1)		(2)(3)		(3)
William Goggin Chairman	$	21,100	$	15,795	$	0	$	0	$	36,895
Thomas Dickinson Director	$	17,150	$	14,616	$	0	$	0	$	31,766
David Fultz Director	$	17,550	$	14,625	$	0	$	0	$	32,175
Jeff Gardner Director and Compensation Chair	$	19,400	$	14,616	$	0	$	0	$	34,016
Edward Grant Director and Audit Chair	$	21,550	$	15,126	$	0	$	0	$	36,676
David Roslund (4) Director	$	6,950	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	6,950
Samuel Smith Director	$	16,650	$	14,625	$	0	$	0	$	31,275

(1)	Cash fees includes earnings for both the corporate board and bank board, as well as any committees the director serves on.

(2)	Represents shares provided as retainers for both corporate and bank board service. The grants are unrestricted shares of common stock valued at the market price on the grant date that vest immediately.

(3)	There are no outstanding equity awards.

(4)	Director Roslund retired effective April 25, 2011.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following narrative section discusses and analyzes Firstbank Corporation’s compensation policies, programs and practices for the named executive officers. This narrative section also includes an overview of our semi-annual risk assessment of the senior executive officer compensation plans and the employee compensation plans. The risk assessments are conducted to analyze, identify and mitigate any material risks associated with these compensation plans.

With our participation in the Capital Purchase Program (CPP), the Compensation Committee has reviewed the required compensation standards, and will continue to assess what changes to our compensation practices, if any, are required within the prescribed time-frames.

Restrictions on Executive Compensation Under Federal Law

On January 30, 2009, we sold $33 million of preferred stock and warrants to the U.S. Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program of the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP"). Participants in CPP are subject to a number of limitations and restrictions on executive compensation, including certain provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA"). Under the ARRA, the Department of Treasury established standards regarding executive compensation relative to the requirements listed below. These standards have clarified the restrictions and conditions on executive compensation. The substance of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis takes into consideration and incorporates the guidance issued by the Treasury Department as well as our understanding of the substance of ARRA.

As a general matter, until such time that we are no longer a CPP participant, we were subject to the following requirements:

Maintain a compensation committee to evaluate and limit the potential that the compensation plans would encourage excessive risk or manipulation of earnings, by conducting semi-annual risk assessments, and providing a narrative description of the risk assessment in the annual proxy statement.

Provide for a claw-back (recovery) provision of compensation paid based on materially inaccurate information, to the named executive officers and the 20 next most highly compensated employees.

Golden parachute payments are prohibited during the CPP period to the named executive officers and the next five most highly compensated employees. This includes payment for the departure for any reason or any payment due to a change in control. Exceptions include payments for services performed, or benefits accrued and payments made on account of death or disability.

Cannot pay, or accrue, any bonus or incentive compensation – except for restricted stock that is limited to 1/3 of annual compensation – for the five most highly compensated employees of the Corporation.

The Board of Directors must adopt and maintain an Excessive/Luxury Expenditures policy.

Perquisites greater than $25,000 for employees that are subject to bonus limitations must be disclosed.

The use of a compensation consultant and their engagement scope must be disclosed.

Tax gross-ups on any payment to the named executive officers and the 20 next most highly compensated employees are prohibited.

A separate, non-binding, shareholder vote to approve the compensation of executives must be held on an annual basis.

The CEO and CFO must certify annually that all compensation standards are being adhered to and completed.

Compensation Consultant Disclosure

In 2009, the Compensation Committee decided that additional outside compensation consulting expertise was needed to ensure compliance with all the regulatory standards, including CPP and ARRA, and also to have a broader view of the compensation landscape to help us with the retention of our top management. The Committee contacted several firms that had specific CPP experience and a national client base, interviewed four of the top firms, and ultimately selected a consultant in early 2010.

During 2010, the independent consulting engagement included a compensation review of Executive and Board of Director compensation, support and review of the CD&A and annual Proxy statement, an assessment of overall compliance with CPP restrictions, assistance with the semi-annual Risk Review, and providing general consulting advice to the Committee over the course of the year. The fees associated with the 2010 engagement did not exceed the disclosure requirements of Item 407 of Regulation S-K.

At the end of 2010, the Committee concluded that 2011 would not require the same level of consulting, since the Committee completed extensive work during 2010 and a large portion of the information gathered would remain applicable in 2011. At the same time, the Committee felt some level of independent consulting was appropriate and requested new bids for 2011 from the top 2 companies that were reviewed the prior year.

At the committee’s November 22, 2010 meeting, the Compensation Committee approved engaging Blanchard Consulting Group (“Blanchard”) as the Committee’s independent compensation consultant for 2011. At the committee’s February 27, 2012 meeting, the Compensation Committee, again, approved engaging Blanchard as the Committee’s consultant for 2012. The engagement for both 2011 and 2012 includes a review of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and annual Proxy statement and a review of the semi-annual Risk Review. Blanchard Consulting Group is an independent third-party consulting firm that is exclusively focused on the banking marketplace.

Compensation Program Details

The foregoing discussion provides background and context for the information that follows regarding our existing compensation programs to those persons who served as our named executive officers during 2011 and to assist in understanding the information in the executive compensation tables included later in our proxy statement. Named executive officers are determined using current year compensation for the year being disclosed. The named executive officers then become the senior executive officers subject to certain CPP restrictions the following year.

The 2011 named executive officers, based on their 2011 compensation, are subject to the CPP restrictions described above and are restricted from receiving any cash incentive compensation during 2012. 2011 NEO’s are:

Thomas R. Sullivan, President & CEO. Mr. Sullivan has been with the company for 20 years.

Samuel G. Stone, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Stone has been with the company for 11 years.

William L. Benear, Vice President and President/CEO of Firstbank – West Michigan. Mr. Benear has been with the company for 17 years.

James E. Wheeler, II, Vice President and President/CEO of Firstbank – Alma. Mr. Wheeler has been with the company for 22 years.

Douglas J. Ouellette, Vice President and President/CEO of Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant). Mr. Ouellette has been with the company for 10 years.

Certain areas of this proxy statement may still refer to the 2010 named executive officers for comparative purposes. The 2010 named executive officers, based on their 2010 compensation, were subject to the CPP restrictions in 2011 and were restricted from receiving any cash incentive compensation during 2011 as 2011 Senior Executive Officers. The 2010 named executive officers were:

Thomas R. Sullivan, President & CEO.

Samuel G. Stone, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.

Douglas J. Ouellette, Vice President and President/CEO of Firstbank (Mt. Pleasant).

Daniel H. Grenier, Vice President and President/CEO of Firstbank – West Branch.

William L. Benear, Vice President and President/CEO of Firstbank – West Michigan.

Compensation Philosophy

We have adopted, and operate under, a written Compensation Committee Charter which is available at the Corporation's website www.firstbankmi.com under Investor Relations. The Compensation Committee is guided by the following key principles in determining the compensation of our senior executives:

Total compensation opportunities must be competitive. The Committee believes that compensation should reflect the competitive marketplace, which will enable us to attract, retain and motivate talented executives. The total compensation package will be based on the pay opportunities of comparable financial institutions and will be targeted at levels that enable us to compete with other employers. The comparable market will include comparable financial institutions with positions of similar scope.

A portion of compensation should be performance based. A portion of each executive’s compensation should be tied to financial and individual performance, in order to hold executives accountable for the business results of their areas of responsibility, and to encourage and reflect individual contributions to our performance in achieving company goals.

Compensation should be aligned with stockholder interests. We believe that aligning the compensation of bank executives with the interests of stockholders encourages them to focus on shareholder returns. To this end the compensation package should include reward opportunities that reflect the returns to our shareholders, which will provide motivation for enhancing shareholder value.

We use a variety of compensation elements to achieve our compensation philosophy and goals, including:

Base salaries which are designed to provide executives with a reasonable current income that is sufficiently competitive to attract and retain high quality leadership.

Annual cash incentives which are used to motivate, recognize and reward the achievement of operational, financial and/or strategic goals.

Long-term incentives which are provided for the dual purpose of: 1) aligning executives’ interests with stockholders’ long-term interests; and 2) promoting retention and enhancing the benefit to those executives that remain with us for extended periods.

We have established salary ranges with a goal to have our named executive officers at or near the mid-point (50 th percentile) of their range. However, for those who are still mastering their role, developing their skills or have relatively limited experience in their position, we typically set their base salary between the minimum of the range and the 25 th percentile. Our “at or near” mid-point (40 th – 60 th percentile) goal is for those who are fully proficient in their role, and who consistently perform up to expectations. We reserve above the 75 th percentile positioning for the top performing and highly-experienced individuals.

However, while our company is subject to CPP restrictions, and our senior executive officers are restricted from receiving any cash incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee has determined that our “at or near” mid-point goal for an incumbent who is fully proficient in their role should be within a range of the 60 th – 90 th percentile of the individual’s salary range. This decision has been made to ensure that our senior executive officers have an appropriate and competitive cash compensation package despite their inability to receive any cash incentives due to CPP restrictions. The Compensation Committee will review this policy annually in conjunction with its independent compensation consultant.

Benchmarking

During 2010 we began utilizing executive compensation information from a peer group of banks to benchmark our compensation levels. The peer group contained 20 publicly traded banks located in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. These banking companies were selected based on a recommendation from our compensation consultant and then adjusted by the Compensation Committee to include more Michigan banking companies. The peer group companies were comparable to Firstbank Corporation in total assets and regional location. The peer group was mixed surrounding financial performance, whether they had the same multi-charter structure as Firstbank, and whether they participated in CPP or not.

The following table identifies the specific banking companies that were used in the 2010 benchmarking process and were selected as our compensation peer group:

Company Name	Ticker Symbol	City	State
Independent Bank Corporation	IBCP	Ionia	Michigan
Lakeland Financial Corporation	LKFN	Warsaw	Indiana
First Financial Corporation	THFF	Terre Haute	Indiana
First Defiance Financial Corp	FDEF	Defiance	Ohio
Peoples Bancorp Inc	PEBO	Marietta	Ohio
Mercantile Bank Corporation	MBWM	Grand Rapids	Michigan
Macatawa Bank Corporation	MCBC	Holland	Michigan
QCR Holdings, Inc	QCRH	Moline	Illinois
Horizon Bancorp	HBNC	Michigan City	Indiana
MBT Financial Corp	MBTF	Monroe	Michigan
Princeton Nation Bancorp, Inc	PNBC	Princeton	Illinois
German American Bancorp, Inc	GABC	Jasper	Indiana
LNB Bancorp, Inc	LNBB	Lorain	Ohio
Isabella Bank Corporation	ISBA	Mt. Pleasant	Michigan
First Business Financial Services, Inc	FBIZ	Madison	Wisconsin
First Citizens Banc Corp	FCZA	Sandusky	Ohio
First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc	FMBH	Mattoon	Illinois
Baylake Corp	BYLK	Sturgeon Bay	Wisconsin
Farmers National Banc Corp	FMNB	Canfield	Ohio
Indiana Community Bancorp	INCB	Columbus	Indiana

Compensation benchmarking is a common practice used to ensure that we are paying our executives competitively. The compensation information we reviewed included base salary, equity and non-equity incentive compensation, and total compensation. We focused on our executive’s total compensation versus the total compensation packages of executives in the peer group, purely for comparative purposes. We used the data to determine, on an individual basis, where each individual should be in their salary range. In addition to this public bank peer group, we also used supplemental cash compensation benchmarking information provided by industry surveys during 2010.

In 2011, we did not conduct a detailed executive compensation benchmarking review. The Compensation Committee felt this was not necessary due to the detailed review conducted in 2010. During 2011, we did review general market data to ensure our compensation data remained competitive.

Primary Components of Compensation Plans

Base Salary – The goal of establishing fair and competitive base salaries for the named executive officers is to attract and retain top talent. We believe that our people make a difference in how successful we are as an organization. The base salary ranges for the named executive officers have been determined using multiple methods. First, we purchase and review survey salary data to ensure our base salaries are competitive. Second, during 2010 the Compensation Committee engaged an independent third party consultant to conduct an executive compensation review. This review included the creation of, and an analysis of, a peer group as previously mentioned.

During our 2011 engagement with Blanchard Consulting Group, the Compensation Committee has continued discussions with the consultant to ensure our base salaries continue to be competitive. For 2012, the salary ranges for our named executive officers will be rolled forward by 3% vs. a full market study. This 3% value was based on various industry trend data that was provided by surveys, compensation experts, and Blanchard.

It has been the practice of the company to establish individual base salaries at or near the mid-point of the appropriate salary range taking into consideration overall individual performance, an individual’s time and experience in the position, and market forces within the various communities in which we operate. Base salaries of all the corporate officers were frozen at their July 2008 levels, and continued at those levels until July 2010.

Based upon the work completed during 2010, and continued work with Blanchard, we determined that several of the named executive officers were well below the mid-point of the proxy data from the peer group, and well below the mid-point as indicated by various salary survey data. As a group, our executives were being paid at a rate below the 50 th percentile. As a result, on January 3, 2011, the Compensation Committee recommended, and the board approved, increases to the base salaries of the 2010 named executive officers, effective January 1, 2011.

At the Compensation Committee’s January 24, 2012 meeting where annual base salaries are determined, it was noted that all named executive officers are now at or near their mid-point, which had been the committee’s goal. For 2012, the named executive officers received a nominal merit increase representing a cost of living adjustment, except for Mr. Sullivan, who based on his own recommendation, did not receive an increase for 2012. The Compensation Committee will continue to work closely with its independent consultant, when necessary, in the updating and establishment of salary ranges for our executives.

Annual Short Term Incentive Compensation – Annual short term incentive compensation is the second component of total cash compensation and is also used to attract and retain top talent. Annual short term cash incentive compensation is paid through the board approved Firstbank Corporation Management Incentive Plan for the corporation’s officers. During 2011, the 2010 named executive officers were restricted from participating in this plan. The 2011 named executive officers that were not 2010 named executive officers were able to participate in the Management Incentive Plan during 2011; however, 2011 named executive officers will not be able to participate in this plan during 2012. This is due to the fact that the named executive officers in each year are also the most-highly compensated officers for that year and are prohibited from receiving cash incentives as part of the CPP restrictions.

The Management Incentive Plan’s threshold, target and maximum award levels have historically been determined based on competitive market information supplied to the Compensation Committee. However, going forward, and after work performed by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, the plan structure has been changed to ensure that it continues to meet our long-term needs and is considered regulatory compliant and sound. On January 3, 2011 the Compensation Committee recommended and the board approved the addition of non-financial and discretionary components to the plan, in addition to the current performance measures.

The amounts an individual can earn are highlighted in the table below. The Management Incentive Plan’s performance measures include a minimum earnings hurdle that must be achieved to activate that portion of the plan. If the earnings hurdle is exceeded, the incentive potential can range from 10 – 50% of the individual’s base salary, calculated by measuring the level of performance achieved. The amounts that can be earned are based on different levels of performance: “threshold” – is the minimum level of performance; “target” – is the planned level of performance; and, “maximum” – is the highest level of performance.

The objective of the Management Incentive Plan is to reward high levels of performance by the corporation and/or the individual business units for which the named executives have responsibility, and secondly, to assure that the executive’s total cash compensation is appropriate considering the company’s performance relative to other banking companies. The addition of the non-financial and discretionary components is intended to provide the corporation with additional tools to manage and balance risk vs. reward.

The Management Incentive Plan’s target goal is 100% of plan earnings. The threshold goal is set at 85% of target, while the maximum goal is set at 125% of target.

If the Management Incentive Plan is activated by achieving the earnings hurdle, risk features have been limited for our named executive officers by including additional triggers for non-financial performance measures. These items include: acceptable audit and examination results, acceptable asset quality measures and acceptable implementation of strategic objectives helping to ensure that the named executive officers are reviewing more than earnings.

2011 Management Incentive Plan

	Payout Levels (% of Salaries)									Goal Weighting
	Threshold			Target			Maximum			Corporate Net Income			Business Unit			Individual
Thomas R. Sullivan President & Chief Executive Officer		15	%		40	%		50	%		70	%		n/a			30	%
Samuel G. Stone EVP & Chief Financial Officer		10	%		30	%		50	%		60	%		n/a			40	%
William L. Benear Vice President		10	%		30	%		50	%		50	%		20	%		30	%
James E. Wheeler, II Vice President		10	%		30	%		50	%		50	%		30	%		20	%
Douglas J. Ouellette Vice President		10	%		30	%		50	%		50	%		25	%		25	%

The Management Incentive Plan fits within the company’s compensation objectives by achieving an overall competitive compensation package that includes performance-based compensation. The “corporate net income” component of this short-term incentive compensation will only be paid when the financial performance of the company exceeds a pre-set, minimally acceptable level of net income, as determined by the board of directors. No payments were made under this plan for the years 2007, 2008 or 2009, due to the failure to achieve the earnings threshold.

During 2011 as discretionary components were added, payments could be made under the “business unit” and/or the “individual” discretionary components, as the Compensation Committee and board deemed appropriate. During 2010 and 2011, no cash payments were made to the Named Executive Officers under either the objective or discretionary components of this plan, even though the earnings threshold may have been achieved. The CPP restrictions prohibit us from paying cash incentives to the five most highly compensated employees (MHCE). We have determined that after a Named Executive Officer becomes restricted as a MHCE, we will continue to treat them as a MHCE even if they are not one of the top five MHCE’s in a succeeding year.

All of the 2011 named executive officers will be subject to the compensation restrictions under CPP as 2012 senior executive officers. During 2012, the named executive officers will not be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation under this plan.

2011 Management Incentive Plan Goals and Performance

Thomas R. Sullivan (1) – 2011 MIP Goals
Goal	Weight			Actual Performance			$ Payout
Corporate Net Income		70	%		70	%	$	0
Individual Discretionary Performance		30	%		100	%	$	0

Samuel G. Stone (1) – 2011 MIP Goals
Goal	Weight			Actual Performance			$ Payout
Corporate Net Income		60	%		70	%	$	0
Individual Discretionary Performance		40	%		100	%	$	0

William L. Benear (1) – 2011 MIP Goals
Goal	Weight			Actual Performance			$ Payout
Corporate Net Income		50	%		70	%	$	0
Business Unit Discretionary Performance		20	%		177	%	$	0
Individual Discretionary Performance		30	%		100	%	$	0

James E. Wheeler, II (2) – 2011 MIP Goals
Goal	Weight			Actual Performance			$ Payout
Corporate Net Income		50	%		70	%	$	0
Business Unit Discretionary Performance		30	%		85	%	$	0
Individual Discretionary Performance		20	%		100	%	$	0

Douglas J. Ouellette (1) – 2011 MIP Goals
Goal	Weight			Actual Performance			$ Payout
Corporate Net Income		50	%		70	%	$	0
Business Unit Discretionary Performance		25	%		103	%	$	0
Individual Discretionary Performance		25	%		100	%	$	0

(1)	These 2011 named executive officers were also 2010 named executive officers and pursuant to the compensation restrictions under CPP were restricted from receiving any cash incentive compensation during 2011, even if the individual achieved their performance measures.

(2)	This 2011 named executive officer was not a named executive officer in 2010, and was not subject to the compensation restrictions under CPP during 2011.

Stock Option Grants – Our shareholders approved the establishment of a stock option program in 1993, which was supplemented in 1997, and again in 2006.

Based upon a recommendation from the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors approves the amount and terms of each stock option grant on a discretionary basis. Our practice is to award the options and set the option price at the closing price on the date of the board meeting in which the options are approved. We have never back-dated options, have never granted options at a price lower than the value on the date of the grant, and have not provided special treatment or favorable pricing to any employee including the named executive officers.

During 2011, the 2010 named executive officers did not receive Stock Option awards pursuant to the compensation restrictions under CPP. The 2011 named executive officers will not receive Stock Option awards during 2012 pursuant to the compensation restrictions as a CPP participant.

Restricted Stock Grants – We have restricted stock available to grant under the same shareholder approved plan that allows stock option grants. Restricted stock has been primarily used as an executive recruitment tool, and secondarily to address individual compensation or performance. Normally, restricted stock awards vest over a five year period, vest upon achievement of certain predetermined goals, or vest upon some combination of time and goal achievement. The largest grant that has been awarded is 4,000 shares. Grants of restricted stock provide executives with an ownership stake in the company, focusing them on shareholder return. We do not have formal holding requirements in place for executive officers.

We are beginning to use Restricted Stock as a retention and reward tool in an effort to encourage the executive officers to own and maintain a certain level of our shares to continue to keep their interests aligned with the interest of the shareholders.

During 2011, the Corporate Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors approved changing our practice from granting Stock Options to granting Restricted Stock. We feel Restricted Stock provides a better tool for delivering value to the plan’s participants in today’s compensation environment. Also Restricted Stock is considered a long-term compensation tool and has a strong link to the long-term performance of the company. In changing from Stock Options to awards of Restricted Stock, the number of shares awarded was reduced to correlate with the industry standard and our Black Sholes model. In November, 2011 Restricted Stock grants were granted to various management employees of the subsidiary banks as well as corporate officers that are not subject to CPP restrictions. During 2011, no grants of restricted stock were made to any of the 2011 named executive officers. All Restricted Stock grants are made on a discretionary basis, taking into consideration such areas as the person’s job duties and responsibilities.

401(k) Savings Plan – The Firstbank Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan, which complies with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service and allows a variety of investment options, including our stock. We contribute a company “match” that encourages all of our employees to save for their retirement, including the named executive officers. The amount of the Safe Harbor Match is formula driven at 100% of the first 3% contributed by the employee, and 60% of the next 2% contributed by the employee, for a total of 4.2% of compensation, assuming the employee contributes 5% of their compensation. The Safe Harbor match is immediately vested to the employee.

The 401(k) Savings Plan is the only company sponsored retirement vehicle for our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee will continue to work with their independent compensation consultant to maintain the competitiveness of the company’s retirement benefits as part of the overall compensation plan.

Perquisites – Each of the named executives has business development responsibilities and is required to travel from time to time in the normal performance of their duties.

To facilitate the conduct of the company’s business in an appropriate environment, and for entertainment of existing and potential customers, the company maintains memberships in a variety of clubs and organizations. Each of the named executive officers may be provided membership in one or more civic and social organizations or clubs. The executive is responsible for maintaining records of the personal use of such clubs, and personal use is reported as compensation.

Company owned automobiles are made available for the use of each of the named executives, and each executive is responsible to record the level of business and personal use of the vehicle assigned. Personal use of the automobile is reported as compensation to the executive in accordance with IRS regulations.

We maintain a modest level of perquisites for executives, and the amounts reported as perquisites consist primarily of personal use of automobiles and clubs. Also, the Board of Directors has adopted an Excessive and Luxury Expenditure Policy which can be found on the company’s web-site at www.firstbankmi.com under Investor Relations.

Deferred Compensation Plan – We provided a non-qualified Deferred Compensation plan for senior executives and directors, including the named executive officers, from 1992 until 2004. The plan was frozen on December 31, 2004 with no additional contributions allowed. Through the ICNB acquisition, Firstbank Corporation started administering the ICNB Deferred Compensation plan, which was also funded exclusively by the officer’s salary deferrals.

During 2009, it was determined that neither the Firstbank Corporation Deferred Compensation plan, which has been frozen since 2004, nor the ICNB Deferred Compensation plan, which had no active participants, was delivering the value they were originally intended to, and to help ease administrative burdens, and lower the overall operating costs, the plans would be terminated. The assets of the plan were paid out in accordance with the plan’s documents to minimize the costs to the company.

Executive Agreements – We have entered into change-in-control agreements, referred to as Management Continuity Agreements, with our named executive officers. These agreements provide certain protections in the event of a change of control of Firstbank Corporation. The protections provided by the Management Continuity Agreements include lump-sum severance payments and other benefits, as further described under “Executive Compensation - Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below. Severance benefits for the named executive officers are subject to significant limitations due to our participation in CPP. Other than the Management Continuity Agreements, we do not have employment agreements with our named executive officers.

Non-binding Advisory Shareholder Vote “Say on Pay”

The past two years shareholders have been asked to cast an advisory, non-binding vote approving Firstbank Corporation’s executive compensation programs. At the most recent shareholder’s meeting, held on April 25, 2011, 2,788,367 votes were cast in favor of the company’s executive compensation programs, which represented an 88% approval rating. The Compensation Committee considered this information as they continued to make decisions during 2011.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal Position	Year	Salary ($)	Bonus ($)	Stock Awards ($)	Option Awards ($)	Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)	All Other Compensation ($)	Total ($)
				(1)	(1)		(2)
Thomas R. Sullivan President & Chief Executive Officer	2011 2010 2009	$335,404 $297,327 $290,000	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $11,520	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $0	$16,989 $17,461 $17,961	$352,393 $314,788 $319,481
Samuel G. Stone EVP & Chief Financial Officer	2011 2010 2009	$244,231 $197,327 $190,000	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $7,680	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $0	$20,152 $19,556 $20,542	$264,383 $216,883 $218,222
William L. Benear Vice President	2011 2010 2009	$189,616 $164,885 $160,000	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $4,608	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $0	$21,380 $22,924 $21,363	$210,996 $187,809 $185,971
James E. Wheeler, II Vice President	2011 2010 2009	$189,616 $165,908 $162,000	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $4,608	$0 $0 $0	$0 $0 $0	$12,070 $13,771 $15,481	$201,686 $179,679 $182,089
Douglas J. Ouellette Vice President	2011 2010	$174,904 $160,409	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $7,159	$0 $24,225	$14,905 $16,507	$189,809 $208,300

(1)	Amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (formerly FAS123R). Amounts for 2009 have been recalculated using the same methodology in accordance with SEC rules.

(2)	All other compensation includes: 401(k) match, group-term life insurance premiums, the value of perquisites, restricted stock dividends and “opt-out” payments to employees who decline our group health insurance. The individual amounts are as follows:

	401(k) Match		Life Insurance Premiums		Cars		Dues		Restricted Stock Dividends		“Opt-out”
Mr. Sullivan	$	10,290	$	3,564	$	3,051	$	0	$	84	$	0
Mr. Stone	$	10,259	$	6,659	$	3,210	$	0	$	24	$	0
Mr. Benear	$	7,965	$	5,006	$	6,514	$	1,857	$	38	$	0
Mr. Wheeler	$	7,965	$	907	$	3,162	$	0	$	36	$	0
Mr. Ouellette	$	8,364	$	540	$	3,602	$	1,575	$	24	$	800

Grants of Plan-Based Award Table

		Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan						Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan			All Other Stock	All Other Option Awards # of Securities Underlying	Exercise or Base Price of Option	Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option
Name	Grant Date	Thres hold ($)		Target ($)		Maxi mum ($)		Threshold ($)	Target ($)	Maxi mum ($)	Award (#)	Options (#)	Award ($/Sh)	Awards ($)
Thomas R. Sullivan (1)	1/24/2011 11/28/2011	$	50,400	$	134,400	$	168,000	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
Samuel G. Stone (1)	1/24/2011 11/28/2011	$	24,500	$	73,500	$	122,500	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
William L. Benear (1)	1/24/2011 11/28/2011	$	19,000	$	57,000	$	95,000	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
James E. Wheeler, II (2)	1/24/2011 11/28/2011	$	19,000	$	57,000	$	95,000	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
Douglas J. Ouellette (1)	1/24/2011 11/28/2011	$	17,500	$	52,500	$	87,500	--	--	--	--	--	--	--

(1)	These 2011 named executive officers were also 2010 named executive officers and pursuant to the compensation restrictions under CPP were restricted from receiving any cash incentive compensation or stock options during 2011, even if the individual achieved their performance measures.

(2)	This 2011 named executive officer, was not a named executive officer in 2010, and was not subject to the compensation restrictions under CPP during 2011.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

	Option Awards					Stock Awards
Name	# Securities Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable	# Securities Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable	Equity Award # of Securities Unexercised Unearned Options (#)	Option Exercise Price ($)	Option Expiration Date	# of Shares of Stock that Have not Vested (#)	Market Value of Shares that have not vested ($)	Equity Awards: # of Unearned Share that have not vested (#)	Equity Awards: Market Value
	(1)						(4)
Thomas R. Sullivan	1,914.32 1,823.26 1,736.44 1,653.75 1,575.00 5,600.00 4,200.00	0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,400.00 2,800.00	0 0 0 0 0 0 0	19.19 26.17 24.46 22.86 22.00 16.00 7.80	11/25/2012 11/24/2013 11/22/2014 11/28/2015 11/27/2016 12/03/2017 11/24/2018	900 (2) 800 (3)	$4,617 $4,104	n/a n/a	n/a n/a
Samuel G. Stone	1,595.35 1,519.38 1,447.03 1,378.13 1,312.50 3,600.00 2,700.00	0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 900.00 1,800.00	0 0 0 0 0 0 0	19.19 26.17 24.46 22.86 22.00 16.00 7.80	11/25/2012 11/24/2013 11/22/2014 11/28/2015 11/27/2016 12/03/2017 11/24/2018	600 (2)	$3,078	n/a	n/a
William L. Benear	1,595.35 1,519.38 1,447.03 1,378.13 1,312.50 2,460.00 1,845.00	0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 615.00 1,230.00	0 0 0 0 0 0 0	19.19 26.17 24.46 22.86 22.00 16.00 7.80	11/25/2012 11/24/2013 11/22/2014 11/28/2015 11/27/2016 12/03/2017 11/24/2018	360 (2) 400 (3)	$1,847 $2,052	n/a n/a	n/a n/a
James E. Wheeler II	1,595.35 1,519.38 1,447.03 1,378.13 1,312.50 2,460.00 1,845.00	0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 615.00 1,230.00	0 0 0 0 0 0 0	19.19 26.17 24.46 22.86 22.00 16.00 7.80	11/25/2012 11/24/2013 11/22/2014 11/28/2015 11/27/2016 12/03/2017 11/24/2018	360 (2) 440 (3)	$1,847 $2,257	n/a n/a	n/a n/a
Douglas J. Ouellette	1,021.03 972.41 926.10 1,102.50 1,050.00 2,460.00 1,845.00 1,230.00 615.00	0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 615.00 1,230.00 1,845.00 2,460.00	0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0	19.19 26.17 24.46 22.86 22.00 16.00 7.80 8.60 5.19	11/25/2012 11/24/2013 11/22/2014 11/28/2015 11/27/2016 12/03/2017 11/24/2018 11/23/2019 11/22/2020	600 (2)	$3,078	n/a	n/a

(1)	The stock option awards have a 10 year life and a 5 year vesting schedule with 20% of the award vesting each anniversary date.

(2)	These restricted stock awards were granted on January 26, 2009 and have a 5 year vesting schedule, with 20% of the award vesting each anniversary date. The first anniversary was January 26, 2010 and the remaining shares will vest in equal annual amounts.

(3)	These restricted stock awards were granted on July 28, 2008 and have a 5 year vesting schedule, with 20% of the award vesting each anniversary date. The first anniversary was July 28, 2009 and the remaining shares will vest in equal annual amounts.

(4)	Market value based on stock price of $5.13 on 12/31/2011.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

	Option Awards			Stock Awards
Name	Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)	Value Realized on Exercise ($)		Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)	Value Realized on Vesting ($)
	(1)			(2)	(2)
Thomas R. Sullivan	n/a	$	0.00	700	$	4,314
Samuel G. Stone	n/a	$	0.00	200	$	1,324
William L. Benear	n/a	$	0.00	320	$	1,958
James E. Wheeler, II	n/a	$	0.00	340	$	2,075
Douglas J. Ouellette	n/a	$	0.00	200	$	1,324

(1)	No stock options were exercised during 2011.

(2)

The restricted shares acquired on vesting were from both the July 28, 2008 grant and the January 26, 2009 grant, which both have a 5 year vesting schedule, with 20% of the award vesting each anniversary date. The value realized on vesting was determined by using the closing prices of $6.62 per share on January 26, 2011 and $5.82 per share on July 28, 2011.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

We terminated our deferred compensation plan in 2009 and paid out the balances pursuant to the terms of the plan document. As a result, there were no contributions, earnings or any balances to report for 2011.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

We have entered into certain agreements and maintain certain plans that will require us to provide compensation to our named executive officers in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control of Firstbank Corporation. The estimated payouts under a variety of termination scenarios for the named executive officers are shown in a table later in this section. All scenarios assume the named executive officer's date of termination is December 31, 2011 (the last business day of the last completed fiscal year) and that the price per share of the Corporation's stock on the date of termination is $5.13 per share (the closing market price as of that day).

In addition, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above under the heading "Restrictions on Executive Compensation Under Federal Law”, on January 30, 2009, we became a participant in the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program ("CPP") created under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ("EESA"). As a result of this transaction, we became subject to certain executive compensation restrictions that were in effect on December 31, 2011, as described in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section. The following descriptions are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by, these restrictions. The restrictions prohibit us from paying the named executive officers any severance payments, outside of vested benefits, in the case of a termination as a result of a change of control.

Voluntary Retirement – As of December 31, 2011, of the named executive officers, Messrs. Stone and Benear met the eligibility for normal retirement (at least 62 years of age with at least five years of service). Upon normal retirement, the outstanding stock options held by a named executive officer become fully vested and are exercisable for a period of 15 months following termination of employment. Also upon normal retirement, unvested grants of restricted stock held by the named executive officer become fully vested.

As of December 31, 2011, of the named executive officers, Mr. Sullivan was eligible for early retirement (at least 55 years of age with at least 10 years of service). If a named executive officer were to terminate employment at a time when he was eligible for early retirement, his outstanding stock options would become fully vested and exercisable for a period of 15 months following termination of employment. Unvested grants of restricted stock are forfeited upon early retirement, although the Compensation Committee may approve acceleration of the vesting of those awards. Such acceleration would typically only be considered in limited retirement situations.

Voluntary or Involuntary Termination – Other than the arrangements detailed below under "Change of Control Agreements", the Corporation does not have contracts with its named executive officers that would require cash severance payments upon voluntary or involuntary termination of employment.

Disability – We offer the same long-term disability insurance to all benefit eligible employees, including the named executive officers. The plan offers coverage of 50% of base salary up to a limit set by the Corporation's disability carrier. The amounts for disability payments in the case of termination due to disability in the tables shown later in this section reflect the monthly benefit the executive would receive until age 65 from this fully insured plan.

If an executive's employment terminated due to disability, the executive's stock options become fully vested and continue to be exercisable for one year after the termination of employment due to disability. Restricted stock awards also vest upon termination due to disability.

Death – In the event of the death of a named executive officer, stock options and restricted stock granted under our stock plans become fully vested. The stock options would continue to be exercisable for one year after death. We offer life insurance to all benefit eligible employees, including the named executive officers as described under the "All Other Compensation" column of the 2011 Summary Compensation Table. The amounts for life insurance in the case of termination due to death in the table shown later in this section reflect the amount of life insurance the executive would receive from this fully insured plan.

Change in Control Agreements – We have entered into Management Continuity Agreements (the "Continuity Agreements") with each of the named executive officers. These agreements provide the individual a severance benefit only if a “change of control” event and a corresponding termination occur during the time the agreement remains in effect. The Continuity Agreements are for an initial three-year period and on each three year anniversary are extended automatically for an additional three year term unless we deliver written notice to the named executive officer, at least six months prior to the renewal date, that the Continuity Agreement will not be extended.

If a “change of control” occurs and the executive’s employment is either involuntary terminated other than for cause, or is voluntarily terminated due to a substantial change in duties, then the affected named executive is entitled to 150% of their highest rate of annual base salary during the 12 months prior to the date of termination, 150% of any incentive bonus that may have been earned through the date of termination, plus continued health insurance, life insurance and disability insurance benefits for two years. The severance benefit formula is the same for each of the named executive officers, regardless of position. The salary and benefit continuation payments are guaranteed to the individual if the termination of employment occurs within six months before or two years after the date of the change in control event. "Cause" for a termination without severance would include willful commission of a felony or other criminal act likely to harm the Corporation, an act of fraud, or a continued willful failure to perform duties. A substantial change in duties giving the executive the right to terminate employment and collect the benefit would include diminished responsibilities or authority, reduced compensation, reduced benefits or a requirement to relocate.

If any payments or benefits to the executive under the agreement or otherwise would constitute a "parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, then the aggregate present value of such payments and benefits is limited to a maximum of 2.99 times the executive's "base amount" calculated as described in the Continuity Agreements and under the Internal Revenue Code.

In exchange for the right to the severance benefits under certain circumstances as provided for in the Continuity Agreements, the Continuity Agreements contain a non-competition covenant that limits the executive’s ability to compete if he or she is no longer employed by Firstbank Corporation. The non-competition covenant covers a geographical area within 25 miles of any of our bank’s main offices and is for a period of two years from the date of termination. The non-competition covenant is an important protection for us. The non-competition covenant is effective upon execution of the agreement, and is enforceable regardless of whether a “change of control” occurs.

We believe that the Continuity Agreements can help in attracting and retaining executives by reducing the personal uncertainty that arises from the possibility of a future business combination. Moreover, the Continuity Agreements are designed to offset the uncertainty of executives as to their own futures if a change in control occurs, and make the executives neutral to change in control transactions that are in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders, thereby increasing shareholder value.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, as required by the ARRA, adopted compensation standards for CPP participants including a prohibition on severance payments, based on a “change in control”, unless for services rendered. As a result, these new legislative and regulatory restrictions preclude any payment in connection with the severance of a named executive officer, until we are no longer a CPP participant.

Vesting Upon Change in Control – Our restricted stock awards vest upon a change of control. No other incentive compensation plan vests upon a change in control.

Termination Scenarios – If we are no longer a CPP participant, the severance benefits that would be paid to the named executive officers, assuming an event that triggered payments as of December 31, 2011, would be as follows:

Termination Scenarios as of December 31, 2011

Named Executive Officer	Voluntary or Involuntary Termination Absent a Change in Control		Change in Control Without a Qualifying Termination ($)		Qualifying Termination in Connection with Change in Control ($)		Termination in the Event of Retirement ($)		Termination in the Event of Disability ($)		Termination in the Event of Death ($)
	(1)		(2)		(3)		(4)		(5)		(6)
Thomas R. Sullivan	$	0	$	8,721	$	530,437	$	0	$	458,721	$	508,721
Samuel G. Stone	$	0	$	3,078	$	388,294	$	3,078	$	3,078	$	321,578
William L. Benear	$	0	$	3,899	$	306,615	$	3,899	$	3,899	$	250,899
James E. Wheeler, II	$	0	$	4,104	$	306,820	$	0	$	1,175,820	$	384,104
Douglas J. Ouellette	$	0	$	3,078	$	280,694	$	0	$	1,694,822	$	353,078

(1)	This column represents voluntary or involuntary termination absent change in control, retirement, disability or death. The named executive officers do not have employment agreements entitling them to compensation upon termination of employment absent a change of control.

(2)	The amounts shown in this column reflect the value of restricted stock with respect to which transferability restrictions would have lapsed if a change of control had occurred on December 31, 2011.

(3)

The amounts shown in this column reflect the value of compensation and benefits payable under the Continuity Agreements, including a lump sum cash payment equal to 1.5 times the executive's base salary and two years of benefits continuation. The value of 2 years benefit continuation included in this column is $17,716 for each named executive officer that is covered by our medical plan and $15,116 for each named executive officer that opts out of our medical plan, which is an estimate based on current premium expenditures. This column also includes the value of restricted stock that would automatically vest upon a change of control (the dollar amount shown separately in column 2 titled "Change in Control Without a Qualifying Termination").

(4)

Represents the value of accelerated vesting of stock options upon normal retirement. As of December 31, 2011, only Mr. Stone and Mr. Benear were eligible for normal retirement and the amount shown represents no value with respect to the shares of unvested stock options since the December 31, 2011 closing price was less than all of the individual exercise prices. This column also includes the value of restricted stock that would automatically vest upon a change of control (the dollar amount shown separately in column 2 titled "Change in Control Without a Qualifying Termination") because Restricted Stock vests upon normal retirement as well.

(5)

Disability termination amounts include the value of restricted shares with respect to which restrictions would have lapsed had the executive become disabled as of December 31, 2011 (the dollar amount shown separately in column 2 titled "Change in Control Without a Qualifying Termination") because Restricted Stock vests upon disability as well. The amounts shown also include the amount of monthly disability benefits payable until age 65 from a fully insured disability benefit plan offered to all of the corporation’s benefit eligible employees.

(6)

Death termination amounts include the value of restricted shares with respect to which restrictions would have lapsed upon death (the dollar amount shown separately in column 2 titled "Change in Control Without a Qualifying Termination") because Restricted Stock vests upon death as well. The amounts shown also include the total death benefit from a fully insured life insurance benefit plan offered to all of the corporation’s benefit eligible employees. This benefit reduces 35% at age 65, which applies to Mr. Stone and Mr. Benear.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

The Firstbank Corporation Compensation Committee, which met 5 times throughout 2011, has reached the conclusion, through a comprehensive risk assessment, that the compensation programs and practices at Firstbank Corporation do not encourage employees, including the named executive officers, to take unnecessary and/or excessive risk that would threaten the value of the corporation. The risk assessment included various discussions, review, and evaluation of the corporation’s compensation plans and practices. The most recent risk assessment was completed and approved by the Compensation Committee on February 27, 2012. Certification of the completion of the risk assessment has been filed with the Chief Compliance Officer of the Office of Financial Stability at the Department of Treasury as required.

The risk assessment reviewed approximately twenty different risk related criteria including the following: the mix of base salary and incentive compensation to determine that the ratio was appropriate; the performance metrics used in various incentive plans to ensure that they did not focus solely on short-term results; the performance goals and payout curves in the incentive plans to ensure that they were in line with industry standards; the type and amount of equity incentives that are utilized to ensure they are promoting the right behaviors; the usefulness of stock ownership requirements to help the participants of these plans to think long-term: and the performance appraisal process to ensure the system doesn’t solely focus on quantitative achievements.

Risk features have been limited in the compensation plans for our named executive officers by the additions of non-financial performance measures and discretionary components. Items such as acceptable audit and examination results, acceptable asset quality measures and acceptable implementation of strategic objectives help to ensure that the named executive officers have a long-term view and that manipulation of earnings would not enhance their compensation.

The Firstbank Corporation Compensation Committee hereby certifies:

It has reviewed with the senior risk officer all SEO compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that these plans do not encourage SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of Firstbank Corporation;

It has reviewed with the senior risk officer the employee compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to limit any unnecessary risks these plans pose to Firstbank Corporation; and

It has reviewed the employee compensation plans to eliminate the features of these plans that would encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of Firstbank Corporation to enhance the compensation of any employee.

	Respectfully submitted,

	Jeff A. Gardner, Chairman David W. Fultz William E. Goggin Samuel A. Smith

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

The Compensation Committee is comprised of outside members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Mr. Sullivan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, has served on the Board of Directors and participated in deliberations concerning compensation of other executive officers. Mr. Sullivan, however, has been excused from meetings at which decisions with respect to his own compensation have been discussed and made.

PROPOSAL 2:

ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE ON FIRSTBANK CORPORATION’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

This proxy statement includes our Compensation Discussion and Analysis describing our compensation policies and practices and also includes additional compensation information under Executive Compensation. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis summarizes certain compensation restrictions and requirements that apply to us as a result of our sale of preferred stock to the United States Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program. One of those requirements is that our shareholders be given the opportunity to express their approval of the compensation of our executives as disclosed in this proxy statement. Under the federal legislation that requires this vote, the shareholder vote is not binding on our Board of Directors or Firstbank Corporation and may not be construed as overruling any decision made by our Board of Directors or by Firstbank Corporation.

Therefore at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders our shareholders will be given the opportunity to vote on an advisory (non-binding) resolution to approve the compensation of our executives. This vote proposal is commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal and gives our shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program. You are encouraged to read about our compensation program in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis and in the information included under Executive Compensation.

Our shareholders will be asked to approve the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED , that the holders of Firstbank Corporation common stock approve the compensation of Firstbank Corporation's named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and any related information disclosed in Firstbank Corporation’s proxy statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

This is an advisory vote only and neither Firstbank Corporation nor its Board of Directors will be bound to take any action based on the outcome of this vote. The compensation committee of our Board of Directors will consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS

THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

The Exchange Act requires our directors, officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). SEC regulations require such reporting persons to furnish us with copies of all such reports they file. Based solely on our review of the forms we received, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no filings were required for those persons. We believe that from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, our directors, officers and greater than 10% shareholders complied with all applicable filing requirements.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Our directors and officers and their associates were customers of, and had transactions with, our subsidiary banks in the ordinary course of business between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. All loans and commitments included in such transactions were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons not related to the lender and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. All loans to directors, officers and their associates were current as of December 31, 2011.

We and our subsidiary banks are subject to Federal Reserve Board Regulation O which governs extensions of credit by our banks to any executive officer, Director or principal shareholder of the Corporation or its banks. We have established processes for reviewing and approving related party transactions. Related party transactions are approved by the Board of Directors of the appropriate entity. The related parties do not participate in the deliberations or voting regarding the approval or ratification of the related party transaction. We disclose related party transactions in our proxy statement to the extent required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PROPOSAL 3:

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Audit Committee has selected Plante & Moran, PLLC (“Plante”), as independent auditors for the Company, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. The services provided to us and our subsidiaries by Plante for 2011 and 2010 are described below, under the caption “Relationship with Independent Certified Public Accountants.”

We are asking shareholders to ratify the selection of Plante as our independent auditors. Although ratification is not legally required, the Board is submitting the selection of Plante to our shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. Representatives of Plante are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make such statements as they may desire.

The affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on this item will be required for approval. All broker non-votes will be treated as votes cast on this matter; shares voted as abstentions will be counted as votes cast and therefore will have the effect of a negative vote.

If our shareholders do not ratify the appointment, the appointment will be reconsidered by the audit committee and the Board. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the Corporation and our shareholders.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS

THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, have been examined by Plante & Moran, PLLC, certified public accountants, as independent auditors of the Corporation for the 2011 fiscal year. A representative of Plante & Moran, PLLC will be at the annual meeting of shareholders and will have an opportunity to make a statement and be available to answer appropriate questions.

Audit Fees. The following table shows the fees for professional services paid to Plante & Moran, PLLC, for audit and other services they provided to us for 2011 and 2010:

	2011		2010
Audit Fees (1)	$	207,500	$	207,500
Tax Fees (2)		35,000		35,500
All Other Fees (3)		37,000		15,161

(1)	Includes the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Plante & Moran, PLLC for the audit of Firstbank’s annual financial statements, and review of financial statements included in Firstbank’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

(2)	Principally tax compliance services (including U.S. federal and state tax returns), review of quarterly tax computations and consultations regarding various tax strategies.

(3)	All Other Fees are charges associated with review of SEC documents and the audit of FBMI Risk Management Services, Inc. and consultations on various accounting projects.

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit services and non-audit services that are to be performed for Firstbank by its independent auditors. Under the Audit Committee’s policy, authority to pre-approve permitted services has been delegated to the Audit Committee chairman who can act alone for circumstances when pre-approval is not obtained from the full Audit Committee. Any pre-approval by the delegated authority is required to be reported to the Audit Committee at its next meeting. For 2011 and 2010, all of the services described in the table above were approved by the Audit Committee.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the 2013 annual meeting must be received by the Corporation for inclusion in its proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting by November 16, 2012. Shareholder proposals should be made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and should be addressed to Samuel G. Stone, Secretary, Firstbank Corporation, 311 Woodworth Avenue, Alma, Michigan 48801.

MISCELLANEOUS

We will furnish to any shareholder (without charge) a copy of our Annual Report and Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except for exhibits, upon written or oral request to Firstbank Corporation, Attention: Samuel G. Stone, Secretary, 311 Woodworth Avenue, Alma, Michigan, 48801; telephone: 989-466-7328.

The Board of Directors does not know of any other business to be presented to the Annual Meeting and does not intend to bring other matters before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the Proxy will vote thereon according to their best judgment and interest of the company.

Proxies to be solicited by us to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2013 may confer discretionary authority on the persons named as proxies to vote on any matter if the Corporation does not have notice of the matter by February 1, 2013. No shareholder has informed us of any intention to propose any other matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the persons named in the accompanying Proxy are allowed to exercise their discretionary authority to vote upon any such proposal without the matter having been discussed in this Proxy Statement.

x PLEASE MARK VOTES

AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

REVOCABLE PROXY

FIRSTBANK CORPORATION

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS For Annual Meeting of Shareholders On April 23, 2012	1.	IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (except as marked to the contrary below):	For With- For All Hold Except o o o
The undersigned, a shareholder of FIRSTBANK CORPORATION, hereby appoints THOMAS R. SULLIVAN and SAMUEL G. STONE as proxies, each with full power to act without the other and to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated hereon, all shares of Firstbank Corporation that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders of Firstbank Corporation to be held April 23, 2012 and at any adjournment thereof.		Jeff A. Gardner Thomas R. Sullivan INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark “For All Except” and write that nominee’s name in the space provided below: ________________________________________________
	2.	To provide advisory approval of Firstbank’s executive compensation program.	For Against Abstain o o o
	3.	To ratify the appointment of Plante & Moran, PLLC as independent auditors for 2012.	For Against Abstain o o o
	At their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote for all matters which may properly come before the meeting, including matters incident to the conduct of the meeting or any adjournments therof.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN A MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE BELOW SIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” ALL NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM 1, “FOR” ADVISORY APPROVAL OF FIRSTBANK’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM, "FOR" RATIFICATION OF THE AUDITORS, AND IN THE PROXIES’ DISCRETION ON OTHER MATTERS WHICH PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.

Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership or limited liability company, please sign in partnership or company name by authorized person.

Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy in the box below.	Date: , 2012

---------------------------Shareholder sign above ---------------------------Co-holder (if any) sign above--------------------------------

Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.

FIRSTBANK CORPORATION

PLEASE MARK/SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY

PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

___________________________________________________________________________

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