Commerce Bank is Honored by Give Black KC with Thought Partner Award
Kansas City, MO – Commerce Bank was recognized by the organizers of Give Black KC, an annual fundraiser that focuses on providing funds for high impact, Black-led nonprofit organizations. The Give Black KC 2022 campaign is being led by Kansas City Generating Income For Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.) and local nonprofit BeGreat Together who have partnered with the United Way of Greater Kansas City to reach their goal of raising $500,000 to directly serve Black communities.
Commerce Bank received the Thought Partner award from Give Black KC for their collaboration with G.I.F.T. and BeGreat Together on a series of financial literacy and technical assistance modules that help serve and further educate Black-owned business owners and nonprofit leaders.
“Our goal is to create a clear path to economic prosperity and wealth for the African American community in Kansas City,” said Brandon Calloway, co-founder and chief executive officer of G.I.F.T. “We do this by supporting Black owned businesses in Kansas City because we know that this creates more jobs and potentially converts an economically disadvantaged area into an area of economic opportunity. We could not do this work without corporate leaders like Commerce Bank.”
Representatives from Give Black KC, led by Avrell Stokes, G.I.F.T. and BeGreat Together surprised Commerce team members with the award presentation. Felecia Hogan, senior vice president and director of diversity, equity and inclusion accepted the award on behalf of the bank. Hogan said, “This award is an example of what a true collaboration looks like. We are working with these local organizations to create resources, tools and education for Black-owned small businesses in our Kansas City community - because we know that thriving entrepreneurs help build communities through job creation and reinvestment.”
Through Give Black KC’s dedication to empowering Black-led, Black-serving organizations and Commerce Bank’s motivation to help customers focus on what matters most, this effort addresses two areas of focus for the campaign – income and employment.
“The work G.I.F.T. and BeGreat Together do to build a better future for all of Kansas City aligns with our goals of empowering individuals, strengthening communities and supporting a strong region,” said Kevin Barth, chairman and chief executive officer, Commerce Bank Kansas City. “We are grateful for their innovative leadership in this space.”
Business owners can access the financial literacy video series Fall 2022.
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 155 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.
1As of March 31, 2022
