SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 September 3, 2003 (Date of earliest event reported) Commission file number: 0-20167 NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MICHIGAN 38-2062816 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No) 130 SOUTH CEDAR STREET, MANISTIQUE, MI 49854 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (800) 200-7032 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE On September 9, 2003, North Country Financial Corporation, and its primary subsidiary, North Country Bank and Trust, issued a press release announcing the hiring of Kelly W. George as Senior Vice President/Chief Lending Officer of the bank. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS (C) EXHIBITS. Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press Release, dated September 9, 2003 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION Date: September 9, 2003 By: /s/ William T. Fitzgerald, Jr. --------------------------------------- William T. Fitzgerald, Jr., Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Exhibit Description 99.1 Press Release, dated September 9, 2003