National Bank of Commerce Gives Back to the Communities It Serves

National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the area’s largest locally owned, full-service community bank, is proud to announce its Community Champion recognition from the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) for its participation in the organization’s Community Impact Month.

During NBC’s annual Fall Week of Caring, a dedicated week of volunteering held during the MBA’s Community Impact Month, 240 associates came together to make a meaningful impact in the communities NBC serves. Over the course of the week, associates contributed 1,811 volunteer hours across 32 unique projects. From crafting handmade gifts for cancer patients to restoring cemeteries, supporting food shelves, and bringing joy to seniors and children, each project reflected NBC’s shared commitment to compassion, teamwork, and community impact.

Below is an overview of some of the projects and the positive impact of the volunteers’ efforts:

Poplar and Solon Springs, WI – Wisconsin Adopt-A-Highway: 21 volunteers cleaned up Highway 13, removing trash and improving the community.

Superior, WI – Aspirus St. Luke’s Clinic: 9 volunteers created 8 scarves, 15 hats, and 7 lap blankets, while 51 volunteers made 100 fleece tie blankets to donate to cancer patients.

Duluth, MN – Forest Hill Cemetery: 22 volunteers cleaned, shoveled, added pea gravel to enhance 125 grave markers and the labyrinth, and carefully dug up gravestones that had not been visible for years.

Hermantown, MN – Second Harvest Northland: 18 volunteers packed 640 food bags for children and families, including spaghetti dinners and snack backpacks.

Esko, MN – North Country RIDE: 20 volunteers painted fencing, benches, and riding obstacles, and performed other cleanup tasks.

Hibbing, MN – United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Buddy Backpacks Program: 14 volunteers and 7 of their family and friends packed 240 backpacks for children in need.

Big Lake and Monticello, MN – Sherburne County Area United Way: 17 volunteers assembled goodie bags for Community Connect, wrote inspirational notes to include in coat pockets for those in need, and prepared items for event participants.

Benson and Morris, MN – Someplace Safe Thrift Stores: 12 volunteers assisted with checkout, stocked shelves, and organized books, DVDs, and CDs.

Baxter and Crosslake, MN – Camp Knutson: 12 volunteers cleaned and stained three buildings, detailed seven transport vans, and landscaped around the memorial garden.

Bagley, MN – Ties for Troops: 5 volunteers made 20 handmade tie blankets for veterans.

Bemidji, MN – Greenwood Cemetery: 19 volunteers removed debris and restored grounds.

Baudette, MN – Brinks Community Senior Center: 4 volunteers prepared meals and desserts for seniors and completed cleanup.

International Falls, MN – Borderland Humane Society: 1 volunteer spent time with the animals, giving them much-needed attention and care. 4 volunteers collected donations, including cat food, dog treats, and toys.

“As we reflect on the impact of this year’s Fall Week of Caring, we’re filled with gratitude for our associates and the communities we serve,” said Brad Roden, CEO of NBC. “This week of volunteerism is always a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can create meaningful change. Each act of service carried forward our promise to put compassion into action, a commitment that continues to define who we are. We’re honored to be recognized by the MBA as a Community Champion, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of care in the years ahead.”

Headquartered in Superior, Wisconsin, National Bank of Commerce serves communities across Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.