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Bremer Bank shows progress toward environmental, social and governance goals

05.13.24

Bremer Bank today furthered its commitment to customers, communities and the planet by releasing its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The third annual report includes a growing list of actionable ways that Bremer continues to align ESG goals with its purpose of cultivating thriving communities.

“Bremer’s purpose, since our founding over 80 years ago, has been to cultivate thriving communities through the work we do every day,” said Bremer President and CEO Jeanne Crain. “We remain focused on furthering this purpose as we expand our ESG efforts, which continue to evolve along with our work as a community bank.”

Bremer’s 2023 ESG report highlights include:

  • Subscribing to a solar farm service for alternative energy at Bremer’s largest location, in addition to eight others.

  • Doubling its commitment to advertising dollar investments in BIPOC-owned outlets and partners.

  • Earning an “Outstanding” rating – the highest rating that can be achieved – on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluation from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

  • Donating a total of $2.7 million to nonprofit organizations that exemplify the bank’s philanthropic pillars of affordable housing, economic empowerment and financial education, including $80,000 to eight nonprofit organizations across its footprint in celebration of its 80th anniversary.

  • Centering and amplifying employee community commitment, including 16,000 employee-volunteer hours throughout 2023 and more than 250 employees serving on nonprofit boards of directors.

Led by a cross-functional ESG Council, Bremer voluntarily publishes its ESG report annually to track its progress and update its goals.

About Bremer Financial Corporation

Bremer Financial Corporation is a privately held, regional financial services company with $16 billion in assets, jointly owned by the Otto Bremer Trust and Bremer employees. Founded in 1943 by Otto Bremer, the company is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and provides a comprehensive range of banking, mortgage, investment, wealth management, and insurance products and services throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Clients include small businesses, mid-sized corporations, agribusinesses, nonprofits, public and government entities, and individuals and families.