MIB NEWS Opportunity Bank has been named the 2021 Business of the Year by the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s 15th Annual Awards luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. In recognizing Opportunity Bank, Chamber Board Chair Bob Heberly noted, “There were many keynotes of why they are the top nomination.” He called out the bank’s work with businesses for PPP loans, support of employees during the pandemic, and the number of volunteer hours contributed by Helena employees to local organizations. The award was accepted by Bank President and CEO Pete Johnson. “We’re very proud of what we do. As a community bank, we take that term very seriously. We’re committed to our community, and Helena is our home,” said Pete. “It is certainly a group effort … it’s a big operation, and I have a fabulous team.” The Big 100 2021 was a year with a positive focus. In August, Opportunity Bank kicked off a year-long observance of the 100th year in business. This milestone is one to be celebrated in a big way. Opportunity Bank is calling the celebration The Big 100, leading up to the anniversary of the bank’s founding on Aug. 16, 1922. During this anniversary year, the bank will give 100 gifts, tell 100 stories and share 100 lessons learned in 100 years of banking. These stories and lessons are provided by bank employees past and present, business customers who turned to Opportunity bank to help their businesses thrive, and customers who count on Opportunity Bank for sound financial products, services and relationships. Pandemic Response Opportunity Bank met the challenges of the ongoing pandemic head-on. Programs that began in 2020 carried through and evolved throughout 2021 to meet changing needs. The commercial lending team provided swift access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that helped businesses, self-employed workers, sole proprietors, and non-profit organizations continue paying their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opportunity Bank also worked to ease the financial impact of COVID-19 for homeowners with proactive communication and engagement with Montana Housing for the CARES Act emergency housing assistance program. Throughout 2021, Opportunity Bank continued programs to help employees with pandemic-related Helena Area Chamber Names Opportunity Bank 2021 Business of the Year We’re very proud of what we do. As a community bank, we take that term very seriously. We’re committed to our community, and Helena is our home ... The Community Banker 21
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