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Built on Solid Ground

Sterling Bank cultivates community and relationships one branch at a time

Today’s consumers must keep track of a seemingly endless list of account numbers, PINs and passwords. That is why it’s so refreshing to walk into Sterling Bank and be greeted like an old friend, not a number.

“We pride ourselves on being a community bank,” said Shannon Roher, president of the Country Club Plaza branch. “We are friendly to our customers and remember their names and faces. If you call Sterling Bank, you are going to get a person, not a computer or a machine.”

There is a good reason Sterling Bank has a small-town feel. Headquartered in Poplar Bluff, MO, with several locations in smaller communities throughout Southeast Missouri, they sought to maintain their focus on developing personal relationships and community presence as they’ve grown into larger markets such as Kansas City, St. Louis and the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, IL,.  Sterling Bank continues to provide high-tech service with a personal touch; in each community where they establish a presence, they seek to create a space that reflects the culture and values of the area.

“Regardless of where we are located, cities or small towns, we believe in the specialty of community banking,” she said. “We offer the conveniences of larger banks, of course -- the full array of products and services you would find at any national bank -- but take pride in offering personalized service. 

“Our customers, whom we consider friends, tell us so many things they love about Sterling: A friendly voice picking up the phone when they call, a warm greeting when you enter our lobby that feels like home, and knowledgeable, friendly staff ready to assist the moment you need it and who know you by name.”

Small-town does not mean small-time, however. Sterling Bank offers the full range of products and services that customers would expect from large regional or national banks. For example, they can access their accounts anytime, anywhere. There is never a fee for using another bank’s ATM. 

“Our mobile banking app is topnotch for those who like to bank on the go,” Roher said. “You also can make check deposits via your mobile device with our mobile deposit capability, which is helpful when you can’t make it to the bank during banking hours or when traveling. Mobile banking is a free service for personal and business accounts. All of these remote banking options are on par with national banks but with Sterling, you also have all the direct and personal service of a local community bank.”

Lending for the affordable housing industry is also a priority.

“We help finance new construction and rehabilitation of quality homes, from single-family to large apartment complexes across the country for families and seniors,” she said. “A place to call home and building the community that surrounds it is central to Sterling Bank’s mission. Affordable housing is a passion of many of our employees, including the friendly faces at the Kansas City Branch.”

The local branch opened at 300 Ward Parkway during the pandemic in August 2020. Because every customer is different, they were given expanded options for remote banking and enhanced safety if they preferred to bank in person.

“We started opening accounts online during the pandemic for customers who didn’t feel comfortable coming in,” Roher said. “If they don’t want to come in, we find other ways to provide great service. We find the most convenient ways for customers to handle their banking needs.”

Although the bank is physically located on the Plaza, its staff has strong connections to Lee’s Summit. Roher lives in Lee’s Summit, where she is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and coaches the Lee’s Summit Legends soccer club. Additionally, prior to shifting to the Plaza location, Vice President Nicole Ervin worked in the banking industry in Lee’s Summit for two decades, and LIHTC Specialist Matt Egerstrom was born, raised and still lives in Lee’s Summit. 

The branch’s experienced staff also includes Customer Service Representative, Sonnie Underwood; members of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) lending department: Patrick Blassie – Vice President - LIHTC Specialist, and Nichole Shippee – LIHTC Associate.

With its many customer-friendly services, Sterling Bank can take care of their customers’ financial needs remotely or in person, regardless of where they live and work, and they hope to grow relationships with clients in Lee’s Summit. 

“We are here to build a long-term relationship with you,” Ervin said. “We want you to keep coming back to us for all of your banking needs. It’s an experience to come bank with us. You’re not an account number; you’re a real person with real needs. We want to understand what those are and really get to know you so we can provide the service you need.”

For more information, visit www.sterbank.bank

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