Premier Banks celebrates 20+ years as a Bridging Partner!
An incredible community partner supports Bridging’s mission, banks on Bedrace fun!
Premier Banks is celebrating 20+ years as a Bridging partner! Their team is also gearing up for the winter festivities and unforgettable fun at the 2025 Bedrace for Bridging!
Marriah Anderson, Branch Operations Supervisor of Premier Banks’ Bloomington location, is passionate about Bridging’s mission and coordinates many of the bank’s engagement activities with Bridging.
“We love how much Bridging is involved in their community and help people in need. Premier Banks aligns with Bridging’s values and wants to give back,” she says. “The community partnership is important because Premier Banks treats people as individuals, not just a number or another customer, and Bridging values that dignity too.”
Marriah and the Premier Banks team look forward to the Bedrace as an opportunity to bring the community together.
“I think the Bedrace is most enjoyable knowing that the proceeds go to a good cause. It’s a way to celebrate, coming together with our team
and attending the event. Racing down the hill and dressing up as a theme adds more excitement to the event! To see everyone who attends from the community and how much they enjoy it is very inspiring!
The team brims with enthusiasm and creativity as they decide on a theme for their Bedrace costumes. They tie in the bank theme and add a fun twist. Last year their team was called Premier Banks Monopoly, Marriah’s favorite!
“We were able to collect our win after we passed go! We were voted third place in the costume contest in 2024!” she says.
This year the team will race down the Buck Hill slopes decked out as the Premier Banks Lucky Leprechauns.
Premier Banks’ long-time and multi-faceted partnership with Bridging extends beyond their incredible 15-year sponsorship of the Bedrace. 
For 20 years, Bridging has conducted its banking needs through Premier Banks. The team has sponsored and attended the Gala for Bridging for 10 years. They have also sponsored essential household item drives and annual community service projects that benefit Bridging.
Generous year-end donations, sponsorships, and other financial gifts from Premier Banks help ensure Bridging’s operations and growth.
Premier Banks’ President and CEO Jeff Hatton served on Bridging’s board of directors from 2011 – 2020. His leadership in this volunteer role helped advance Bridging’s mission and cultivate the Premier Banks-Bridging partnership.
On behalf of the Bridging team, Executive Director Mark Wilkening expresses gratitude for Premier Banks’ community partnership;
“We are truly grateful for the wonderful, long-time partnership we have with Premier Banks. For over 20 years now, not only have we received exceptional service in our banking relationship. Premier has also been an amazing partner in helping Bridging furnish homes with hope through their generous financial support, volunteer assistance, and advocacy for our important mission.”
Marriah and the Premier Banks team are true Bridging champions. They believe in Bridging’s work alongside individuals and families who are furnishing their homes at Bridging and transitioning to housing stability.
Marriah hopes that more companies and organizations in the community will learn more about Bridging and consider different ways to engage as a community partner:
“Whenever we are presented the opportunity to share our involvement with Bridging and our community, we do!” she says. “The strategy is to share from your personal experience: ‘WHY you do it. WHO you do it for, and what is the important cause?’ It’s all about sharing and supporting Bridging’s mission.”
Thank you, Premier Banks Minnesota! We are grateful for your partnership.