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Environmental, Social & Governance

Our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Commitment

At Bridgewater, we are committed to establishing and advancing impactful initiatives that support our corporate responsibility as a growing local bank in the Twin Cities, while regularly sharing our progress with our stakeholders.

“After formally launching our ESG program in 2021, Bridgewater is focused on making incremental progress on our ESG Priorities going forward. Our progress in 2022 included expanding our DE&I initiatives, making further investments in enhancing cybersecurity, earning ENERGY STAR® certification for our corporate center and engaging more formally with stakeholders regarding ESG. With board oversight and integration into our business more broadly, we are well-positioned to do our part to make a positive impact both within our organization and across our communities.”

Our ESG Priorities

Team Members, Clients & Communities

Leverage our unconventional corporate culture to leave a positive lasting impact on our team members, clients and communities.
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Create a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment and community.
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Corporate Governance

Ensure strong corporate governance oversight including an effective risk management framework to support a growing organization.
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Environmental Impact

Contribute to a healthier natural environment in the communities in which we live and work.
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ESG Oversight

In October 2021, the Bridgewater Bancshares Board of Directors changed the name of the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” to “Nominating and ESG Committee” to emphasize its commitment to and oversight of ESG. The committee's responsibilities have expanded to take on the role of overseeing Bridgewater’s strategy and practices related to environmental, social and governance issues. The charter for the Nominating and ESG Committee can be found here.

In addition to board-level oversight, a management-level ESG Committee was formed in 2021 with the role of developing, implementing and growing a formal ESG program at Bridgewater. This cross-functional committee regularly conducts peer gap analyses and engages with stakeholders to help identify the aspects of ESG with the most impact on our business and assist the Nominating and ESG Committee of the Board in developing a formal ESG strategy. The ESG Committee is focused on emphasizing current ESG initiatives at Bridgewater, implementing future ESG initiatives, and monitoring and communicating progress on ESG to stakeholders.

Recent ESG News

— September 26, 2023

Bridgewater’s Shaundra Lex Recognized by Finance & Commerce as “Top Women in Finance”

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— September 13, 2023

Bridgewater Corporate Center Earns Second Consecutive ENERGY STAR Certification

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— April 3, 2023

Bridgewater Bank Receives Esteemed ‘Outstanding’ FDIC Rating for Community Reinvestment Act Performance

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— February 8, 2023

Bridgewater Corporate Center earns ENERGY STAR certification, outperforming similar U.S. buildings on measure of energy efficiency

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— November 15, 2022

Best Banks to Work For 2022

American Banker

— September 28, 2022

Bridgewater’s Katie Klug Recognized by Finance & Commerce as a “Top Women in Finance” Honoree

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— August 19, 2022

2022 Best of Business

Twin Cities Business

— June 21, 2022

2022’s Finance & Commerce Reader Rankings Final Winners

Finance & Commerce

— June 15, 2022

Bridgewater Bank Named a Top 200 Workplace for 2022

Star Tribune

— September 28, 2021

Bridgewater Named a Top 175 Workplace for 2021

Star Tribune

— July 13, 2021

Locally Led Bridgewater Bank Raises Minimum Wage to $20 Per Hour

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— June 28, 2021

Bridgewater Bank Welcomes Joseph Birkholz as Chief Risk Officer

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