Commerce Bank Earns High Marks in Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index
St. Louis, MO – Commerce Bank announced today that it has received a score of 90 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Commerce joins the ranks of 767 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
Commerce Bank believes our bank is made stronger by employing people who represent diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. From how we recruit team members to how we engage with them, we have programs dedicated to increasing representation at all levels of our bank and fostering an inclusive environment for all perspectives. Speaking to this recognition, Sara Foster, executive vice president, talent and corporate administration, said, “Diversity, equity and inclusion is more than a department at Commerce. It represents our commitment to celebrating the unique differences that make each team member who they are. It also represents our commitment to appreciating the commonalities that bring us together in ways that allow every team member to bring their authentic selves to work and feel support at every level of the organization. On behalf of the leaders and teams who have made this commitment a reality, I am honored to receive this recognition and look forward to our continued focus and work in this area.”
The results of the 2021 CEI showcase how 1,142 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million abroad. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and, corporate social responsibility.
“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”
The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.
About Commerce Bank
With $32.9 billion in assets1, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of banking services, including payment solutions, investment management and securities brokerage. Commerce Bank, a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., leverages more than 150 years of proven strength and experience to help individuals and businesses solve financial challenges. In addition to offering payment solutions across the U.S., Commerce Bank currently operates full-service banking facilities across the Midwest including the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas, Springfield, Central Missouri, Central Illinois, Wichita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Denver. It also maintains commercial offices in Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids. Commerce delivers high-touch service and sophisticated financial solutions at regional branches, commercial offices, ATMs, online, mobile and through a 24/7 customer service line. Learn more at www.commercebank.com.
1. As of December 31, 2020
