EXHIBIT 99



                      REPUBLIC BANCORP ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR
                     THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL


ANN ARBOR, Michigan--October 5, 2000--Republic Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: RBNC), one
of the nation's fastest growing regional bank holding companies specializing in
personalized service and commercial, consumer and mortgage lending, today
announced that it will host a conference call for investors to discuss its third
quarter results on Friday, October 13, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Jerry D. Campbell, Chairman of the Board, Dana M. Cluckey, President and Chief
Executive Officer, and Thomas F. Menacher, Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer, will provide an overview of the third quarter
financial performance and business highlights.

To participate in the conference, please dial 877-679-9054 at least 5 minutes
before start time. No passcode is necessary. If you are unable to participate on
the call, a replay will be available through October 20, 2000 by dialing
800-615-3210, code 4646046. The conference call will also be simulcast live on
the Internet at www.republicbancorp.com or vcall.com. The web-cast will be
archived on these sites for 90 days.

Republic Bancorp Inc., with $4.6 billion in assets, is the fourth largest bank
holding company in Michigan and is one of the top 100 banks in the country. The
Company is the #1 Small Business Administration lender in Michigan for the 6th
consecutive year, the 22nd largest retail mortgage lender in the country and
ranked 25th on Fortune's "100 Best Places to Work in America". Information about
Republic Bancorp Inc.'s financial results and its products and services can be
accessed at www.republicbancorp.com.

The Company provides electronic banking, bill paying and cash management
services to retail and commercial customers through ExpressNet, an internet
banking system. ExpressNet is available at www.republicbancorp.com. The Company
accepts on-line mortgage applications at www.buyersdirectmortgage.com and at
                                         ----------------------------
www.republicbancorp.com.


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