Innovation and community involvement are part of Commerce Bank legacy

Did you know?

In 1928, Commerce Bank started the first 24-hour transit department in the banking industry.

Commerce Bank may be rich in history, but it is anything but stuck in the past.

Commerce's roots go back to 1865 when the company began as Kansas City Savings Association. By 1890, renamed the National Bank of Commerce, the organization had become the country's largest bank west of Chicago. One of its employees near the turn of the century was a young Harry Truman, future president of the United States.

In 1928, Commerce Bank started the first 24-hour transit department in the banking industry. That innovation helped speed the transportation of checks between banks.

Today, the commitment to innovation is still there.

One new initiative to begin in 2010 is the ability to issue credit and debit cards from any of the bank's four local branches. Customers can begin to use those cards immediately rather than having to wait the usual seven to 10 days to receive the card in the mail.

Commerce Southeast Missouri Region president Roger Tolliver said there is a connection between the strength of a community and the strength of its banks.

"As a customer-driven company, we go beyond offering financial advice and services to our customers," Tolliver said. "Commerce prides itself on attracting experienced bankers who not only have technical competence but are also active volunteers in the community. Our employees support countless organizations and initiatives in an effort to give back to Cape Girardeau. We understand that the vitality of Cape Girardeau and the vitality of our banking business go hand in hand."