DETROIT/Jan. 20, 2012 – At the Detroit Tigers caravan stop at Comerica Bank’s new Michigan market headquarters today, Comerica announced it will expand its Grand Slam Grant program for 2012 to include Central and West Michigan. Last year, the inaugural program offered a $10,000 grant to create, expand or improve a metro Detroit high school’s baseball or softball program. This year, Comerica will award two $10,000 grants – one in metro Detroit and one in the Central/West Michigan region. 

“As many school districts continue to face budget cuts, the Grand Slam Grant helps ensure our future all-stars have the resources they need to experience the game of baseball,” said Thomas D. Ogden, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan. “After 162 years in Michigan, Comerica remains committed to supporting its hometown teams.” 

The grant recipients will be recognized on the field during the Detroit Tigers 2012 opening weekend game on April 7. In addition to the grant, each winning school will also receive 60 tickets to the opening weekend game.

Public high schools in Comerica’s markets of Southeast Michigan and Central and West Michigan are eligible to apply for the Grand Slam Grant. One grant recipient will be chosen from each region. The funds can be used for field improvements, equipment, training camps, or other baseball or softball-related expenses. 

Grant applications will be reviewed for a variety of criteria including overall need, creativity, and school and community impact. The grant recipient will be selected by the Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant Selection Committee, consisting of representatives from Comerica Bank and Detroit Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch.

Eligible schools can complete the grant application online at www.comerica.com/grandslamgrant. Once complete, the application, along with supporting materials such as photos or videos must be submitted via email to grandslamgrant@comerica.com by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012. 

Last year, the baseball team at Renaissance High School in Detroit was awarded Comerica Bank’s inaugural Grand Slam Grant and used the funds for equipment, a new scoreboard and a travel showcase youth clinic.

Comerica Bank, with 217 banking centers in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated. Comerica made a $17 million investment in Detroit with the renovation of its building at 411 W. Lafayette, which has been renamed Comerica Bank Center and is now the bank’s Michigan Market headquarters. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. To receive e-mail alerts of breaking Comerica news, go to http://www.comerica.com/newsalerts.

Comerica Media Contact:                                                         
Kathleen Pitton                                                                           
(313) 584-4523                                                                           
kapitton@comerica.com 

Franco Media Contact:
Angela Hernandez
(313) 567-5008
hernandez@franco.com