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This week, Sterling State Bank is partnering with Steve’s Pizza of Austin to say “thank you” to the First Responders in Austin.

“Responding to the current pandemic has made a difficult job even more challenging for our First Responders,” said Sterling State Bank President Justin McNeilus. “We could not be more grateful to them. That’s why Tuesday April 28th, Sterling State Bank is ordering pizza for every single police/sheriff employee, fire department volunteer/staff and all Mayo Ambulance employees serving the City of Austin and Mower County.”

McNeilus praised Steve’s Pizza for their vital role in baking and distributing the pizzas.

“I want to thank Steve’s Pizza, a local favorite in Austin, for filling these orders and working with us on the logistics of delivering these free pizzas to all first responders across multiple locations and shifts,” he said. “We are grateful for them and proud that they are partnering with us on this wonderful project.”

Sterling State Bank started their giving back campaign by first providing lunch for their employees from local restaurants or food vendors who are also their customers. It was a simple way to support business affected by state closures and to show solidarity during this uncertain time.

They then piggy backed on that idea and decided to not only support small businesses, but to show appreciation for those working diligently to keep us safe during this pandemic. Last week Sterling State Bank thanked all 1,300 Olmsted Medical Center employees by providing lunch for them at all 20 of their clinic/hospital locations in southeastern Minnesota.

“Austin is where our bank was founded and the Austin community has supported us for over 60 years,” said Sterling State Bank Austin Branch President Barry Irish. “We value our friends and neighbors in this wonderful market and want to take this chance to give back just a little to a community that means so much to us. I believe it is our responsibility to support the residents, first responders, and the small businesses who have all been there for us throughout the years, especially during this difficult time.”

As the covid-19 crisis started, the call to support local businesses and their employees has grown. Like so many businesses in Minnesota, Sterling State Bank has been doing what they can to help send business to our community partners.

Besides buying lunch for hospital staff and first responders, the bank has made securing vital Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) emergency funding to small businesses a top priority. Since the program started the Bank has processed over 450 loan applications and secured over $30 million in funding for small employers.