Commerce Bank donated north St. Louis bank building to Urban League
Former Commerce Bank branch will house the Urban League’s Women’s Business Center
ST. LOUIS – Commerce Bank donated its former drive through branch located at 4401 Natural Bridge Avenue to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. The building will become the home of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center. It will provide technical assistance, strategic planning, customized workshops, access to funding, and other support for business owners whether they are just starting out or seeking to expand.
Commerce Bank’s involvement extends beyond the real estate transaction. Bankers from the full-service branch across the street and other Commerce team members plan to support the Women’s Business Center and its clients through financial education courses designed for small business owners. The bank’s relationship with the Urban League furthers its commitment to diversity, sustainability and strong communities. It also highlights the two organizations’ shared goals.
“The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ mission to empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance aligns with Commerce Bank’s commitment to empower individuals, to strengthen communities and to support our strong region,” said John Kemper, president and chief executive officer, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. “Commerce believes small businesses are the heart of a thriving community. They help owners build wealth, create jobs for our neighbors and contribute to economic growth across the region. We are pleased to assist the Urban League in bringing the Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center to Natural Bridge. Commerce has been rooted in the neighborhood for nearly 50 years, and we are honored to continue to serve its residents.”
Commerce chose the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to collaborate with because of the St. Louis affiliate’s record of positive impact on the community and five-star rating from the National Urban League. The St. Louis affiliate was recently declared a National Urban League Entrepreneurship Center, one of 14 across the country in the signature program.
“The Urban League is incredibly grateful to Commerce Bank for the donation of this historic location in north St. Louis for the benefit of women entrepreneurs throughout the region,” said Michael McMillan, president and chief executive officer, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis said. “We are also extremely grateful to our National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial for coming to St. Louis and designating this as an official entrepreneurship center to advance the cause of black and brown entrepreneurs.”
A grand opening will take place later this year.
About Commerce Bank
With $35 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.
Disclosures:
1As of March 31, 2022
