This weekend, the winner of the Minnesota’s Best competition was announced, and in the banking category, two of the top three spots went to banks with roots in central Minnesota. Both Stearns Bank and Farmers and Merchants State Bank were named gold and bronze winners of Minnesota’s Best.

Minnesota’s Best is a contest in which the Star Tribune accepts nominations for businesses in several categories and you vote for your favorites. After the voting period closes, the votes are tallied and the winners are announced in August.

The winners this year were:

Gold went to Stearns Bank, silver went to South Central-based First Farmers and Merchants Bank, and bronze went to Farmers and Merchants State Bank.

Stearns Bank, is described online as “It has been serving farmers, businesses and individuals in Minnesota since 1964 and is committed to being a modern bank with traditional roots.” Stearns Bank has 11 locations in central Minnesota and Florida.

Farmers and Merchants State Bank according to their website “has been locally owned and operated in our community since 1908. As a local bank, we strive to provide the friendly service and respect you expect from a small-town bank, while giving you the modern banking services you need at every stage of life.” The bank has locations in Pierz, Sauk Rapids and Eden Valley.

Congratulations to both banks on their Minnesota’s Best awards. See more Minnesota’s Best winners here.

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