Dear Customers & Stockholders:

With recent turmoil in the markets and the challenges facing the financial industry, we want to reassure you that TCF remains a safe and sound bank. TCF is in a financially strong position to weather this storm.

As a customer, you should be aware TCF has not had any involvement in the activities that have contributed to the recent crisis. TCF has not participated in any subprime lending programs, teaser rate adjustable-rate mortgages, or any of the Wall Street products such as junk bonds, collateralized debt obligations, structured investment vehicles, credit derivatives, and other off-balance-sheet programs. We have no write-downs in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock and no investments in Lehman Brothers or any other major investment bank.

TCF's financial strength is built on a sound business strategy of conservative banking. We focus on our core businesses of offering convenient products and services to our customers while following prudent lending practices. TCF is primarily a secured lender and we emphasize credit quality over asset growth. As a result, TCF remains a profitable bank, and our net worth continues to grow.

All financial institutions have been affected by the recent crisis, including TCF — despite not engaging in questionable practices. But rest assured, TCF is a solidly capitalized bank and we have ample liquidity to conduct business. TCF's strength has been affirmed by major credit agencies with long-term deposit ratings of "A1" from Moody's and "A-" from both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's.

Deposits in TCF are FDIC-insured and effective October 3, 2008, each depositor is insured up to $250,000*. TCF has a 90-year track record of safely and securely handling customers' deposits with due care.

TCF continues to stand strong despite an extremely challenging environment, with the weakening economy and housing market, and increased competition. Our conservative philosophy of banking has been the foundation to our growth and success, and continues to serve us well.

Sincerely,

William A. Cooper
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

*FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009.