-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
Originator-Key-Asymmetric:
 MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen
 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
 MO6T+Fz6ThPodHJhVmLUd82o9j7u/Gfw3jzPMJXGlaI8rLiLcUtFE5Jb1mr3/5wH
 Ux2I0M9Mcwoe+EOq3U6r5A==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000950123-10-094201.txt : 20101019
<SEC-HEADER>0000950123-10-094201.hdr.sgml : 20101019
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20101019165422
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000950123-10-094201
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	S-8
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
FILED AS OF DATE:		20101019
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20101019
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20101019

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MERCANTILE BANK CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001042729
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022]
		IRS NUMBER:				383360865
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MI
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		S-8
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-170026
		FILM NUMBER:		101130850

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		310 LEONARD STREET NW
		CITY:			GRAND RAPIDS
		STATE:			MI
		ZIP:			49504
		BUSINESS PHONE:		616 406-3000

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		310 LEONARD STREET NW
		CITY:			GRAND RAPIDS
		STATE:			MI
		ZIP:			49504
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>k49709sv8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM S-8
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>sv8</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October&nbsp;19, 2010</div>

<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Registration No.&nbsp;333-<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U>
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt margin-top: 2pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>




<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 18pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B><DIV align="center"><DIV style="FONT-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 24pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Mercantile Bank Corporation</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR></TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Michigan</B><BR>
(State or other jurisdiction of <BR>
incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">3<B>8-3360865</B><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>310 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504</B><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Mercantile Bank of Michigan 401(k) Plan</B><BR>
(Full title of the plan)</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Charles E. Christmas<BR>
Mercantile Bank Corporation<BR>
310 Leonard Street NW,<BR>
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>(616)&nbsp;406-3000</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Copies of Communications to:<BR>
<B>Jerome M. Schwartz<BR>
Dickinson Wright PLLC<BR>
500 Woodward Avenue, Suite&nbsp;4000<BR>
Detroit, Michigan 48226</B></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of &#147;large accelerated
filer,&#148; &#147;accelerated filer&#148; and &#147;smaller reporting company&#148; in Rule&nbsp;12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
</DIV>



<TABLE width="100%" style="FONT-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt">
<TR><TD valign="top">Large accelerated filer&nbsp;<FONT style="font-family: Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="top" align="center">Accelerated filer&nbsp;<FONT style="font-family: Wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD align="center">Non-accelerated filer&nbsp;<FONT style="font-family: Wingdings">&#111;</FONT><BR>(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)</TD>
<TD valign="top" align="right">Smaller reporting company&nbsp;<FONT style="font-family: Wingdings">&#254;</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR style="font-size: 0pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="54%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-bottom: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="left">Title of securities</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Amount to be</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Proposed maximum</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Proposed maximum aggregate</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Amount of</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="left">to be registered</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">registered (1)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">offering price per share(2)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">offering price (2)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">registration fee</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD colspan="3" align="center" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">500,000 Shares</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">4.37</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">2,185,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">156</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-top: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 6pt; width: 18%; border-top: 0px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration
statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the
employee benefit plan described herein.</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 3pt"><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Estimated pursuant to rule 457(h) and (c)&nbsp;solely for purposes of calculating the registration
fee, based upon the average of the high and low prices of the common stock on October&nbsp;13, 2010, as
reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>



<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; margin-top: 10pt; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>







<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">










<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Explanatory Note</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This registration statement on Form S-8 is filed by Mercantile Bank Corporation
(&#147;Mercantile&#148;) and the Mercantile Bank of Michigan 401(k) Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;), and relates to 500,000
shares of Mercantile common stock that may be purchased by participants pursuant to the Plan.
These 500,000 shares are in addition to shares of common stock previously registered for purchase
pursuant to the Plan, including those shares previously registered pursuant to Mercantile&#146;s
registration statements on Form S-8 that were filed with the SEC (Commission file numbers
333-117763 and 333-152254) on July&nbsp;29, 2004 and July&nbsp;10, 2008 (the &#147;Prior Registration
Statements&#148;).
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This registration statement relates to additional securities of the same class as those to
which the Prior Registration Statements relate, and is submitted in accordance with General
Instruction E to Form S-8 regarding Registration of Additional Securities. Pursuant to Instruction
E of Form S-8, the contents of the Prior Registration Statements are incorporated here by reference
and made a part of this registration statement, except as amended by this registration statement.
</DIV>

<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

<P><CENTER>
<TABLE border="0" width="90%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="76%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART I</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001">Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#002">Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">Part II</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#009">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#010">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#012">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="k49709exv5.htm">EX-5</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="k49709exv23.htm">EX-23</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<!-- /TOC -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>



<!-- link1 "PART I" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART I</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS</B>
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not filed as part of this registration statement pursuant to Note to Part&nbsp;I of Form S-8.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not filed as part of this registration statement pursuant to Note to Part&nbsp;I of Form S-8.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Part II" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Part II</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mercantile and the Plan incorporate by reference in this registration statement the following
documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;):
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Mercantile&#146;s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2009.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">2.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Plan&#146;s annual report on Form 11-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2009.</TD>
</TR>




</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->1<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">



</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;All other reports filed by Mercantile or the Plan pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the annual reports referred to in
paragraphs 1 and 2 above.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;The description of Mercantile&#146;s common stock in Item&nbsp;1 of Mercantile&#146;s amended Form 8-A
registration statement dated November&nbsp;23, 2005, filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act on
November&nbsp;23, 2005, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating the
description.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All documents subsequently filed with the Commission by Mercantile or the Plan pursuant to
Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters
all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated in this registration
statement by reference and to be a part of this registration statement from the date of filing of
such documents.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any statements contained in this registration statement or in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement
contained in this registration statement or in any other subsequently filed document which also is
or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement modifies or supersedes
such earlier statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of October&nbsp;14, 2010, members of Dickinson Wright PLLC who perform services for Mercantile
owned approximately 14,000 shares of common stock of Mercantile.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Indemnification</I>

</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sections&nbsp;561-571 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended, grant Mercantile broad
powers to indemnify any person in connection with legal proceedings brought against that person by
reason of their present or past status as an officer or director of Mercantile, provided that the
person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
Mercantile&#146;s best interests, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The Michigan Business Corporation Act
also gives Mercantile broad powers to indemnify defined persons against expenses and reasonable
settlement payments in connection with any action by or in the
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->2<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">right of Mercantile, provided the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to Mercantile&#146;s best interests, except that no indemnification may
be made if that person is adjudged to be liable to Mercantile unless and only to the extent the
court in which that action was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication,
but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for reasonable expenses as the court deems proper. In addition, to the extent that any
specified person is successful in the defense of any defined legal proceeding, Mercantile is
required by the Michigan Business Corporation Act to indemnify him or her against expenses,
including attorneys&#146; fees, that are actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the
proceeding.
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mercantile&#146;s Articles of Incorporation provide that it shall indemnify its present and past
directors, officers, and such other persons as the Board of Directors may authorize to the full
extent permitted by law.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mercantile&#146;s Bylaws contain indemnification provisions concerning third party actions as well
as actions in the right of Mercantile. The Bylaws provide that Mercantile shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of Mercantile) by reason of the fact that he or she is or
was a director or officer of Mercantile or while serving as such a director or officer, is or was
serving at the request of Mercantile as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of
another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
whether for profit or not, against expenses (including attorney&#146;s fees), judgments, penalties, fees
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Mercantile or its shareholders
and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or
her conduct was unlawful.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations impose limitations on indemnification
payments which could restrict, in certain circumstances, payments by Mercantile or its subsidiary,
Mercantile Bank of Michigan, to their respective directors or officers otherwise permitted under
the Michigan Business Corporation Act or the Michigan Banking Code.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With respect to derivative actions, the Bylaws provide that Mercantile shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party to or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of Mercantile to procure a judgment in its favor by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of Mercantile, or while serving
as such a director or officer, is or was serving at the request of Mercantile as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, against expenses
(including attorney&#146;s fees) and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him
or her in connection with the action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or
she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Mercantile or its
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->3<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">shareholders. No indemnification is provided in the Bylaws in respect of any claim, issue or
matter in which such person has been found liable to Mercantile except to the extent that a court
of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability
but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Mercantile pursuant to the provisions
discussed above or otherwise, Mercantile has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Michigan Business Corporation Act permits Mercantile to purchase insurance on behalf of
its directors and officers against liability arising out of their positions with Mercantile (or
positions held with another entity at the request of Mercantile), whether or not the liabilities
would be within the indemnification provisions described above. Under an insurance policy
maintained by Mercantile, its directors and officers are insured within the limits and subject to
the limitations of the policy, against specified expenses in connection with the defense of
specified claims, actions, suits or proceedings, and specified liabilities which might be imposed
as a result of claims, actions, suits or proceedings, which may be brought against them by reason
of being or having been directors and officers of Mercantile.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><I>Limitation of Director Liability</I>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;209(1)(c) of the Michigan Business Corporation Act permits corporations to limit the
personal liability of their directors in certain circumstances. However, under the Michigan
Business Corporation Act, a corporation may not eliminate or limit a director&#146;s liability to the
corporation or its shareholders for money damages for any action taken or any failure to take any
action as a director for any of the following: (1)&nbsp;the amount of a financial benefit received by a
director to which he or she is not entitled; (2)&nbsp;intentional infliction of harm on the corporation
or its shareholders; (3)&nbsp;a violation of Section&nbsp;551 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act; and
(4)&nbsp;an intentional criminal act.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mercantile&#146;s Articles of Incorporation provide that its directors shall not be personally
liable to it or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty, except for
liability (1)&nbsp;for any breach of the director&#146;s duty of loyalty to Mercantile or its shareholders;
(2)&nbsp;for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; (3)&nbsp;for a violation of Section&nbsp;551(1) of the Michigan Business Corporation Act;
or (4)&nbsp;for any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal benefit. Under
the Michigan Business Corporation Act, if prior to October&nbsp;24, 1997 the articles of incorporation
of a corporation contained a provision which, subject to exceptions, eliminated liability of a
director as Mercantile&#146;s does, that provision is considered to eliminate liability of a director to
the extent permitted in Section&nbsp;209(1)(c) of the Michigan Business Corporation Act.
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->4<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to Mercantile&#146;s Articles of Incorporation, if the Michigan Business Corporation Act
is amended after the date of the Articles of Incorporation to authorize corporate action
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of
Mercantile shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Michigan Business
Corporation Act, as so amended.
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable
</DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following exhibits are filed with this registration statement:
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="90%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left">Exhibit</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Number</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Exhibit</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Article&nbsp;III of the Articles of Incorporation of Mercantile, is incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of Mercantile&#146;s Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended June&nbsp;30, 2009.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Internal Revenue Service (&#147;IRS&#148;) determination letter dated
August&nbsp;20, 2010, including a favorable determination relating to the Plan&#146;s
qualification under Section&nbsp;401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The addendum
referred to in the determination letter is IRS Publication 794 (Rev. April&nbsp;2009)
labeled &#147;Favorable Determination Letter.&#148;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of BDO USA, LLP.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney is included on the signature pages of the
registration statement.</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement:
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the
registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->5<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">the registration statement, provided that any increase or decrease in volume of securities
offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may
be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b), if in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the &#147;Calculation of Registration Fee&#148; table in the effective
registration statement;
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in
the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs
is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by
reference in the registration statement.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant, in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->6<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>The Registrant. </B>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan on
October&nbsp;14, 2010.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">Mercantile Bank Corporation<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Charles E. Christmas
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Charles E. Christmas, Senior Vice President,&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>



<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael H. Price, Robert B.
Kaminski, Jr. and Charles E. Christmas, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, severally, for him or her, and in
his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and
about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on October&nbsp;14, 2010.
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="55%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR></TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ David M. Cassard
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">/s/ Michael H. Price</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">David M. Cassard, Director
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Michael H. Price, Chairman of the
Board, <BR>
President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(principal executive officer)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Edward J. Clark
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">/s/ Merle J. Prins</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Edward J. Clark, Director
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Merle J. Prins, Director</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Doyle A. Hayes
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Doyle A. Hayes, Director
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Timothy O. Schad, Director</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Susan K. Jones
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Susan K. Jones, Director
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Dale J. Visser, Director</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->7<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="55%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR></TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Lawrence W. Larsen
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">/s/ Donald Williams, Sr.</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Lawrence W. Larsen, Director
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Donald Williams, Sr., Director</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Calvin D. Murdock
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">/s/ Charles E. Christmas</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Calvin D. Murdock, Director
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Charles E. Christmas, Senior Vice
President,<BR>
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer<BR>
(principal financial and accounting officer)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><B>The Plan. </B>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the trustees (or other
persons who administer the employee benefit plan) have duly caused this registration statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids,
State of Michigan, on October&nbsp;14, 2010.
</DIV>


<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">Mercantile Bank of Michigan 401(k) Plan<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Lonna L. Wiersma
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Lonna L. Wiersma, Trustee&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->8<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<!-- link1 "EXHIBIT INDEX" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="012"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="90%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left">Exhibit</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Number</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">Exhibit</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Article&nbsp;III of the Articles of Incorporation of Mercantile, is
incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of Mercantile&#146;s Form&nbsp;10-Q for the
quarter ended June&nbsp;30, 2009</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Internal Revenue Service (&#147;IRS&#148;) determination letter dated
August&nbsp;20, 2010, including a favorable determination relating to the Plan&#146;s
qualification under Section&nbsp;401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The addendum
referred to in the determination letter is IRS Publication 794 (Rev. April&nbsp;2009)
labeled &#147;Favorable Determination Letter.&#148;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of BDO USA, LLP</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney is included on the signature pages of the
registration statement</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

</BODY>
</HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>k49709exv5.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-5
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>exv5</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Exhibit&nbsp;5
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="MARGIN-TOP: 6PT">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="47%"></TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" valign="top">INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE <BR>
P. O. BOX 2508<BR>
CINCINNATI, OH 45201
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="60%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR></TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>Date: AUG 20 2010</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Employer Identification Number:</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">38-3360868<BR>
DLN: 17007030120039</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN <BR>
C/O DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC <BR>
CYNTHIA A MOORE <BR>
38525 WOODWARD AVE STE 2000<BR>
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Person to Contact:<br>
MUKAI MAKAMURE ID# 31305<br>
Contact Telephone Number: (513)&nbsp;263-4609 <br>
Plan Name:<br>
MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN 401K
PLAN <br>
Plan Number: 001</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Dear Applicant:
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have made a favorable determination on the plan identified above based on the information
you have supplied. Please keep this letter, the application forms submitted to request this letter
and all correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service regarding your application for a
determination letter in your permanent records. You must retain this information to preserve your
reliance on this letter.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continued qualification of the plan under its present form will depend on its effect in
operation. See section 1.401-1(b)(3) of the Income Tax Regulations. We will review the status of
the plan in operation periodically.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The enclosed Publication 794 explains the significance and the scope of this favorable
determination letter based on the determination requests selected on your application forms.
Publication 794 describes the information that must be retained to have reliance on this favorable
determination letter. The publication also provides examples of the effect of a plan&#146;s operation
on its qualified status and discusses the reporting requirements for qualified plans. Please read
Publication 794.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This letter relates only to the status of your plan under the Internal Revenue Code. It is
not a determination regarding the effect of other federal or local statutes.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This determination letter gives no reliance for any qualification change that becomes
effective, any guidance published, or any statutes enacted, after the issuance of the Cumulative
List (unless the item has been identified in the Cumulative List) for the cycle under which this
application was submitted.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This letter may not be relied on after the end of the plan&#146;s first five-year remedial
amendment cycle that ends more than 12&nbsp;months after the application was received. This letter
expires on January&nbsp;31, 2014. This letter considered the 2007 Cumulative List of Changes in Plan
Qualification Requirements.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This determination letter is applicable for the amendment(s) executed
</DIV>

<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Letter
2002 (DC/CG)</div>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">-2-
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">on 01-22-09 &#038; 10-25-07.
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This determination letter is also applicable for the amendment(s) dated
on 10-26-06 &#038; 03-23-06.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This determination letter is also applicable for the amendment(s) dated on
08-11-05 &#038; 03-01-05.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The information on the enclosed addendum is an integral part of this determination. Please be
sure to read and keep it with this letter.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have sent a copy of this letter to your representative as indicated in the Form&nbsp;2848 Power
of Attorney or appointee as indicated by the Form&nbsp;8821 Tax Information Authorization.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have questions concerning this matter, please contact the person whose name and
telephone number are shown above.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">Sincerely,<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Andrew E. Zuckerman
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">Andrew E. Zuckerman&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">Director, EP Rulings &#038; Agreements&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Enclosures:<br>
Publication 794<br>
Addendum
</DIV>

<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Letter
2002 (DC/CG)</div>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>




</BODY>
</HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>k49709exv23.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-23
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>exv23</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;23</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Mercantile Bank Corporation<br>
Grand Rapids, Michigan
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8
of our reports dated March&nbsp;15, 2010, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the
effectiveness of Mercantile Bank Corporation&#146;s internal control over financial reporting, appearing
in Mercantile Bank Corporation&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2009,
and our report dated June&nbsp;28, 2010, relating to the financial statements and supplemental schedule
of the Mercantile Bank of Michigan 401(k) Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;) appearing in the Annual Report of the
Plan on Form 11-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2009.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
 <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
   </TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
 <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
   </TR><TR>
    <TD colspan="3" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ BDO USA, LLP
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
 <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
   </TR><TR>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">BDO USA, LLP&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
 <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
   </TR><TR>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
 <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
   </TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Grand Rapids, Michigan<br>
October&nbsp;18, 2010
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>



</BODY>
</HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
