<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.(A)
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>k88674exv23wxay.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF CROWE CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLC
<TEXT>
<PAGE>



                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)

             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated January 22, 2004 which appears in
Mercantile Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003.

                                            /s/ Crowe Chizek and Company LLC



Grand Rapids, Michigan
October 14, 2004


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
