The Best Credit Unions to Work For

September 21, 2018 8:00 AM

Want to be the best? Then learn from the best.

With unemployment low, proven executives and promising new blood have lots of opportunities. Attracting and retaining the top talent in this increasingly competitive environment will take more than just a good salary and a competitive benefits program. To successfully recruit, develop and keep great employees means offering them opportunities to grow both professionally and personally, tools that help them maintain a healthy work-life balance – and even have some on-the-job fun.

Credit Union Journal's Best Credit Unions To Work For rankings give you the opportunity to learn from some of the most innovative credit unions out there. From enhanced family medical leave options, paid time off for volunteering in the community, special recognition programs that go beyond a plaque and a handshake and more, these credit unions have found creative ways to make people want to do their best work.

Read on for the full rankings of all 50 of this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For, and be sure to check out the rankings broken down by asset sise.

The Best Credit Unions to Work For under $200M
The Best Credit Unions to Work For from $200M to $500M
The Best Credit Unions to Work For from $500M to $1B
The Best Credit Unions to Work For with assets over $1B

During a picnic in 2018, Consumers CU’s 300 employees, including senior management, gather for a photo celebrating the credit union surpassing the $1 billion-asset mark.

Consumers Credit Union

Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Assets: $1.1 billion*
Overall rank: 1
Asset category rank: 1
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Employees are encouraged to take breaks and use on-site walking trails throughout the day
· Multiple annual networking events, as well as holiday parties, monthly company-wide birthday celebrations and bi-monthly office-level outings with staff teams
· The credit union subsidizes employees’ entry fees for races, walks, fitness classes or sports club fees, and also has a champion softball team staffers can join.

Pictured above: During a picnic in 2018, Consumers CU’s 300 employees, including senior management, gather for a photo celebrating the credit union surpassing the $1 billion-asset mark.

*Credit union was under $1 billion in assets at time of application.

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Location: North Charleston, S.C.
Assets: $1.7 billion
Overall rank: 2
Asset category rank: 1
Reasons employees like to work here:
· 401(k) contributions are matched up to 10 percent
· The credit union contributes up to $1,500 per year to employees' HSAs
· Career development, including coaching, mentoring, seminars and internal promotions

Pictured above: CEO Scott Woods celebrates with South Carolina Federal’s Service and Support Managers after learning that the credit union’s performance management model would shift to one of continuous feedback, rather than formal, semi-annual performance reviews.

InFirst Federal Credit Union

Location: Alexandria, Va.
Assets: $170 million
Overall rank: 3
Asset category rank: 1
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Member First Committee encourages new ideas from employees to be submitted to HR. Many ideas are implemented and awarded
· Employees have job shadowing opportunities so they can understand the full operations of the credit union
· FitBit Wellness Program for staff competitions.

Pictured above: InFirst Federal Credit Union employees gather for a photo at the CU’s Marlow Heights branch location.

For more on InFirst FCU, click here.

Texas Tech FCU’s board and executive team pose with mascot, Raider Red

Texas Tech Credit Union

Location: Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $179 million
Overall rank: 4
Asset category rank: 2
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Annual stress-management training sessions delivered by licensed professional counselors
· The credit union holds events such as holiday parties, potlucks and company picnics throughout the year where employees are encouraged to bring their families
· Every Friday is jeans day and staff are encouraged to dress up for Halloween and participate in a costume contest. The CU also participates in “spirit days” to show support for local universities.

Pictured above: Texas Tech FCU’s board and executive team pose with mascot, "Raider Red."

Northern Credit Union

Location: Watertown, N.Y.
Assets: $250 million
Overall rank: 5
Asset category rank: 1
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Paid time off to volunteer for local organizations
· Staff dresses down and goes “casual for a cause” once a month to raise money for local charities
· Pot luck lunches for holidays and just because

Pictured above: Northern Credit Union’s senior management and staff enjoy a summer boat cruise.

One Nevada Credit Union

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Assets: $856 million
Overall rank: 6
Asset category rank: 2
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Monthly “calendar of fun” highlights team-building exercise, contests and other ways the credit union works to engage staff and create a fun work environment
· Comfortable business casual dress code, including “One Wear” logo shirts that can be worn with jeans
· Staff can relax and unwind at the credit union’s corporate park, complete with our Core Values putting green, barbecue grills, misting system and comfortable outdoor couches and chairs.

Pictured above: One Nevada Credit Union’s senior management poses for a photo during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the CU’s N. Decatur branch in Las Vegas.

Michigan First CU senior management and employees donated collected and donated holiday gifts to kids through “Goodfellows” program in December 2017.

Michigan First Credit Union

Location: Lathrup Village, Mich.
Assets: $920 million
Overall rank: 7
Asset category rank: 3
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Full-time staff members can receive up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement
· Team members receive loan discounts and free checks
· Staffers who refer a new employee receive a $200 bonus after the new team member reaches 90 days on the job.

Pictured above: Michigan First CU senior management and employees donated collected and donated holiday gifts to kids through “Goodfellows” program in December 2017.

Fairwinds CU leaders celebrating a combined 100 years of service. From left to right: Larry Tobin (president/CEO), Kathy Chonody (CFO) and Phil Tischer (COO).

Kate McLean

Fairwinds Credit Union

Location: Orlando, Fla.
Assets: $2.2 billion
Overall rank: 8
Asset category rank: 2
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union sponsors summer events for employees’ families such as picnics, an afternoon at the movies, trips to see Major League Soccer’s Orlando City team and more
· On crew member appreciation days staff are allowed to wear jeans and get a special treat of their choice
· The credit union promotes a family environment for all employees

Pictured above: Fairwinds CU leaders celebrating a combined 100 years of service. From left to right: Larry Tobin (President/CEO), Kathy Chonody (CFO) and Phil Tischer (COO).

Veridian Credit Union

Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Assets: $3.9 billion
Overall rank: 9
Asset category rank: 3
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Management will have food and snacks catered in during large-scale projects and other various busy times throughout the year
· Dress-up days: Employees are allowed to wear costumes for Halloween, wear their favorite college team apparel on College Colors Day and participate in Ugly Sweater Day around the holidays
· Staff are allowed 12 hours of paid volunteer time per year. This gives employees the chance to spend part of their workdays giving back to the community in various ways.

Veridian’s chief officers pictured at the credit union’s 2018 Annual Meeting. From left to right: Chief Financial Officer Keith Mesch, Chief Administration Officer Renee Christoffer, President and CEO Monte Berg and Chief Operations Officer Doug Gilbertson.

Access Community Credit Union

Location: Amarillo, Texas
Assets: $122 million
Overall rank: 10
Asset category rank: 3
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Casual Fridays when employewes can wear jeans, sneakers and even occasionally fun, seasonal t-shirts
· All staff get their birthday off or a day off during the week if the CU is closed on their birthday
· The credit union covers lunch and dinner for staff volunteering at local community events.

Pictured above from left to right: Vaden Carthel (business development/marketing officer), John Hays (president and CEO), Briana Dominguez (service center lead), Christina Browder (cash department supervisor), Lindsay Edwards (VP of lending), Brad Dewey (EVP/CFO), Breanna Long (Tascosa branch manager), Krista Hays (Paramount branch manager), Deanna Holcomb (senior mortgage officer), Terri Van Doran (manager of systems operations), Mary Forslund (AVP of HR), Vanessa Rodriquez (manager of member service), Sherri Alexander (manager of asset protection) and Keith Hubbard (AVP of service and sales).

Altura Credit Union's senior staff and employees pose for a group picture.

Altua Credit Union

Location: Riverside, Calif.
Assets: $1.3 billion
Overall rank: 11
Asset category rank: 4
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Free on-site fitness classes are held at the corporate office three nights per week
· Free Spanish-language training
· Full-time and part-time employees become eligible for the annual sick leave payout provided their accrued and unused sick time hours fall above the 160-hour cap.

Pictured above: Altura CU senior staff and employees pose for a group picture.

Coastal Federal Credit Union CEO Chuck Purvis addresses employees during an all-staff town hall meeting in early 2018.

Coastal Credit Union

Location: Raleigh, N.C.
Assets: $3 billion
Overall rank: 12
Asset category rank: 5
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Recognizing staff through events, engagement activities, communication and flexible work environments
· Coastal is focused on keeping employees and their families healthy and happy by providing activities and information on wellness
· Employees who provide excellent service are eligible for the gain share bonus program

Pictured above: Coastal CEO Chuck Purvis addresses employees at an all-staff town hall meeting in early 2018.

Bay Federal Credit Union

Location: Capitola, Calif.
Assets: $970 million
Overall rank: 13
Asset category rank: 4
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Pulse Wellness program promotes physical, emotional and financial well-being
· Special dress code days with silly themes and styles
· Company-wide Halloween costume and decoration contests

Pictured above: Bay Federal Credit Union’s CEO Carrie Birkhofer (top row, far right) poses with employees at a United Way “Stuff the Bus” back to school backpack drive for homeless youth.

Avadian Credit Union Executive Team pictured during the 2018 Employee Delight Week.

Avidian Credit Union

Location: Birmingham, Ala.
Assets: $785 million
Overall rank: 14
Asset category rank: 5
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Exceptional paid time off and company-paid holidays
· Tuition reimbursement
· Promotions from within.

Pictured above: Avadian Credit Union's executive team during the 2018 Employee Delight Week.

Idaho State University Federal Credit Union

Location: Pocatello, Idaho
Assets: $238 million
Overall rank: 15
Asset category rank: 2
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Massage chairs are available for employee use during the work day
· Annual Halloween costume/decoration contest between departments/branches with monetary awards top winners
· Occasional silly contests to improve employee morale and create a culture that enhances the workplace experience.

Pictured above: ISU Credit Union employee “voluntealers” celebrate "Costco Shop Night" welcoming back Idaho State University students.

Riverfront Federal Credit Union

Location: Wyomissing, Pa.
Assets: $174 million
Overall rank: 16
Asset category rank: 4
Reasons employees like to work here:
· “Burgers With Bosses” cookouts where executive management cooks for the staff
· Holiday parties
· Pop-up recognition.

Pictured above: Some of the staff at Riverfront Federal Credit Union. From top left: Richard Schlamowitz (lending manager), Tim McLeod (president and CEO), Ebony McNeil (branch manager, Reading), Donna Smart (human resources specialist). Bottom, from left: Stephanie Capes (financial services representative), Cindy Troche (branch manager, Wyomissing).

For more on Riverfront FCU, click here.

Nusenda Credit Union

Location: Albuquerque, NM
Assets: $2.2 billion
Overall rank: 17
Asset category rank: 6
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Staff can take part in the CU’s Wellness Celebration/Fair, which includes demos, massages, foods and prizes. Top participants of the wellness program are recognized with gift cards and wellness items
· The credit union-sponsored year-end celebration includes dinner and features a “game show” hosted by the leadership team. Prizes include a spa package, Segway, Play Station 4, TV, vacation package (hotel and airfare) and all employees receive their yearly bonus
· Employees can enjoy lunch with a senior leader to learn about their philosophy and leadership journey.

Pictured above: Nusenda’s “Community Day” is held in every October and provides employees the opportunity to volunteer with one of the CU’s community partners. Pictured are employees supporting New Mexico Wilderness Alliance where they built a retaining wall, restored a rock house, picked up 620 pounds of trash and surveyed picnic areas for record-keeping and future maintenance at two popular trails located in Albuquerque.

ALICE WILSON

Alabama Credit Union

Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Assets: $877 million
Overall rank: 18
Asset category rank: 6
Reasons employees like to work here:
· During periods of high workloads, employees enjoy “Margarita Mondays” after work.
· Employees are paid to work 15 hours for a community involvement cause of their choice.
· All staff have the option to participate in an annual Halloween costume contest.

Pictured above: During the annual all-staff meeting, team members hold up a house built using limited supplies. The idea was to explain how technology has improved and changed over the years providing the ability to better serve members with additional products, services and expertise.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Assets: $4 billion
Overall rank: 19
Asset category rank: 7
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union provides wellness rooms at each building where mothers can breastfeed their babies. The rooms are also available for employees who may need to take a break or make a personal call. Employees can use these room for 30 minutes at a time.
· Full-time staff receive eight hours of volunteer time off annually, while part-time staff get five hours.
· Every year MSUFCU hosts a “Health and Wellness” fair. Employees are able to get their blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked and visit with health care providers.

Pictured above: MSUFCU recently partnered with the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) to plant 13 new trees at Evergreen Cemetery. During the event, eight MSUFCU volunteers planted a variety of trees that will help provide much needed shade for the cemetery.

OMNI's Community CU's 2017 Developing Leaders Class proudly displays their certificates of accomplishment.

OMNI Community Credit Union

Location: Battle Creek, Mich.
Assets: $400 million
Overall rank: 20
Asset category rank: 3
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Team Member Bonus program shares the CU’s earnings with staff. In the last 10 years the credit union has returned more than $20,000 to full-time employees and more than $10,000 to part-time staff
· Weekly pay days
· Jeans days are used as rewards and encouragement, while food days give staff the opportunity to break bread together, share recipes and spend time with one another

Pictured above: OMNI's Community CU's 2017 Developing Leaders Class proudly displays their certificates of accomplishment.

Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union

Location: Denver, Col.
Assets: $222 million
Overall rank: 21
Asset category rank: 4
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Annual bonuses
· Holiday parties
· Internal social media for constant communication among staff at all levels

Pictured above: Front row, from left: Ashly Torres (branch manager), Judy Yodonise (branch manager), Beckie Gibson (business development manager), Lauren Lawrence (branch supervisor), Melinda Mayotte (CFO), Jessica Smedes (COO) and Christine Wiley (president and CEO). Back row: Derek Horton (systems and applications engineer), Angel Diaz (branch manager), Cary Karcher (VP of branch performance) and Jill Lopez (branch manager).

Simplicity Credit Union

Location: Marshfield, Wis.
Assets: $249 million
Overall rank: 22
Asset category rank: 5
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Community event sponsorships, with attendance and volunteer opportunities open and encouraged for all Simplicity team members
· Family atmosphere
· Credit union hosted an "Eclipse Party" for last year's solar eclipse, providing snacks and eclipse viewing glasses for staff, members and the community.

Pictured above: Simplicity Credit Union's management team.

Town and Country Credit Union

Location: Scarborough, Maine
Assets: $372 million
Overall rank: 23
Asset category rank: 6
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union offers free pizza to staff on snow days
· The credit union has a craft beer brew club with samplings, tastings and grilled foods
· The credit union supports themed work days, such as Star Trek Day and Patriots Day.

Pictured above: Senior management and employees gather during volunteer day at a Habitat for Humanity home. In addition to volunteering to help build several of the houses in this 13-home development in the local community, the credit union has also provided financing for seven of these homes.

America First Credit Union

Location: Riverdale, Utah
Assets: $10 million
Overall rank: 24
Asset category rank: 8
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Every year at the Annual Summer Social, employees and their families can choose from one of three activities: exclusive rental of local amusement park, dinner and a show in Las Vegas or a dinner and a show in St. George, Utah
· The HR department hosts an annual employee basketball tournament, employee volleyball tournament, employee ping pong tournament and annual golf tournament
· The credit union offers the “Care-A-Lot Fund” where employees can donate or leave money to this program, which assists fellow employees who are experiencing catastrophic events in their lives.

Pictured above: America First Credit Union’s Annual Award Meeting, May 2018.

Atomic Credit Union

Location: Piketon, Ohio
Assets: $325 million
Overall rank: 25
Asset category rank: 7
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Every year Atomic hosts the “Ugliest Christmas Sweater” contest
· Each year the credit union closes its doors to hold “Training Symposium Day” for one day, allowing staff from 13 locations congregate for a fun day of training
· Atomic CU’s retirement plan contributes 10 percent of the employee’s annual salary divided on a quarterly basis.

Pictured above: Administration employees at the CU’s Piketon, Ohio headquarters celebrate Halloween Costume Day.

Landings Credit Union

Location: Tempe, Ariz.
Assets: $167 million
Overall rank: 26
Asset cateogry rank: 5
Reasons employees love to work here:
· Off-site breakfast with the CEO once per quarter for non-management employees
· Spirit week in October
· Discounted and interest-free loans for staff.

Pictured above: Landings Credit Union staff (from left): Adrianne Rexius (chief HR officer), Karen Barton (chief administrative officer), Margaret Hunnicutt (CEO), Brian Lee (CFO), Cecilia Ashe (chief business development and lending officer) and Bill Conti (COO).

Colorado Credit Union

Location: Littleton, Colo.
Assets: $181 million
Overall rank: 27
Asset category rank: 6
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union offers 100 percent coverage for employees on health, dental, vision, LTD, health advocate and life insurance
· The credit union’s employee assistance program (EAP) includes travel assistance as well as free will preparation
· At each home Colorado Rockies home game, four employees enjoy a break from the normal workday and head to the ballpark for a fun and relaxing day with their co-workers, all courtesy of the credit union.

Pictured above: Colorado Credit Union employees are treated to a day “out of the office” to attend a Colorado Rockies baseball game with their coworkers.

St. Mary's Bank

Location: Manchester, NH
Assets: $996 million
Overall rank: 28
Asset category rank: 7
Reasons Employees Like To Work Here:
· Employees enjoy “wear your favorite sports jersey to work” day.
· Management provides biannual “family fun days” for staff, with past events including activities such as hiking, skiing and visiting amusement parks.
· The credit union offers a flextime policy that includes alternative work schedules to meet family needs and personal obligations.

Pictured above: St. Mary’s Bank employees gathered at the credit union’s operations center to celebrate Flag Day 2018. The festivities included a cookout, a departmental flag-making contest, prizes and a team photo around the La Caisse Populaire sign at the CU’s operations center.

Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Assets: $825 million
Overall rank: 29
Asset category rank: 8
Reasons employees like to work here:
· During movie nights on the lawn, Employees and their families enjoy free with meals and popcorn
· Employees have yogurt or ice cream products delivered to their desk during summer months
· Employees receive paid time off to work at local charities.

Pictured above: The Neighbors FCU Team Impact Committee celebrates a successful night at the Neighbors FCU 2018 Mardi Gras Ball.

Red Crown Credit Union

Location: Tulsa, Okla.
Assets: $204 million*
Overall rank: 30
Asset category rank: 7
Reasons employees like to work here:
· After 90 days on the job, staff can contribute to their retirement fund
· Once a month, senior management publicly shares a story of a staff member who went above and beyond for another staff person or member
· The credit union provides $100 per employee to perform a random act of kindness for a person or organization.

Pictured above: Red Crown Credit Union raised funds for a local high school’s choir program. From left: Roy Kerns (assistant branch manager), Mayes High School choir teacher, and Tara Stubblefield and Bailey Gayer (member services representatives).

*Credit union was under $200 million at time of application.

Infinity Credit Union

Location: Westbrook, Maine
Assets: $348 million
Overall rank: 31
Asset category rank: 8
Reasons employees like to work here:
· During employee appreciation week, the credit union hires a massage therapist onsite to provide free massages
· Employees who work 37.5 hours per week are paid weekly
· On an employee’s five year work anniversary, he or she is awarded five “sabbatical” days off.

Pictured above: Infinity FCU employees volunteered at The Boys & Girls Club of Riverton for their Random Act of Kindness. They joined the kids in relay racing, checkers, face painting and served ice cream as a surprise! They all enjoyed some fun in the sun and making a difference in the community.

Orange County's Credit Union

Location: Santa Ana, Calif.
Assets: $1.6 billion
Overall rank: 32
Asset category rank: 9
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Employees enjoy team building activities and games periodically through the CU’s “LIFE Program.” Here they make spring baskets for donation, holiday cards and ornaments, among other items.
· CEO Shruti Miyashiro regularly holds “listening sessions” with staff members
· The credit union supports an “Active Life Reimbursement” program where employees get an annual refund for the purchase of items that promote activity.

Pictured above: Over 200 Orange County’s Credit Union associates participated in the 2018 CHOC Walk in the Park.

HAPO Community Credit Union

Location: Richland, Wash.
Assets: $1.6 billion
Overall rank: 33
Asset category rank: 10
Reasons employees like to work here:
· In 2017, 264 employees volunteered for events in Washington State.
· Staff have monthly “lunch and learn” opportunities with the CEO.
· The credit union’s “dress for success” program provides employees with a $500, no-interest loan to purchase work clothes.

Pictured above: HAPO employees volunteering during a “Community Service Day” in Pasco, Wash.

First Alliance Credit Union

Location: Rochester, Minn.
Assets: $181 million
Overall rank: 34
Asset category rank: 8
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Staff can wear jeans to work every Friday and Saturday, which promotes a fun and relaxed atmosphere
· During the holidays, senior management coordinates a fun event where staff fill stockings with trinkets and treats, which are anonymously exchanged among participants
· The CEO has an open-door policy where employees are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas or concerns.

Pictured above: First Alliance CU employees having fun on jeans day Friday.

St. Paul Federal Credit Union

Location: St. Paul, Minn.
Assets: $172 million
Overall rank: 35
Asset category rank: 9
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union gives gift cards to every employee to buy their Thanksgiving turkey
· The credit union encourages staff to participate in volunteer activities with charitable and civic organizations within the community. Each employee receives eight hours per year to volunteer during regular work hours
· St. Paul FCU offers employees free Minnesota State Fair tickets.

Pictured above: St. Paul Federal CU’s “National Night Out Celebration – It’s All About Service.” Member Service Representative Daniella Tirado (left) and Teller Anthony Gonzales help a future member with refreshments.

Los Angeles Federal Credit Union

Location: Glendale, Calif.
Assets: $964 million
Overall rank: 36
Asset category rank: 9
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union provides paid quarterly lunches to celebrate good financial results, as well as hosting bowling nights, holiday breakfasts and events at the local theme parks
· LAFCU supports employee cultural diversity by celebrating December holidays, black history month, an Asian heritage lunch and Hispanic cultural month, among others
· Employees can take part in “Bring Your Child to Work Day.”

Pictured above: The children of LAFCU employees spent the day at our corporate office learning how the credit union operated

Deseret First Credit Union

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Assets: $684 million
Overall rank: 37
Asset category rank: 10
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union hosts annual holiday dinners, Halloween dress up and Easter egg hunts for staff
· A wellness program awards employees additional PTO and gift cards when milestones are met
· A doctor-on-call program is provided at no cost to employees.

Pictured above: The first graduating class of the Deseret First Leadership Institute. These employees spent over a year studying topics and completing projects in regards to coaching, creating a vision, mentoring, and many other important leadership topics.

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Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union

Location: Van Nuys, Calif.
Assets: $936 million
Overall rank: 38
Asset category rank: 11
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Employees play on co-ed softball and golf teams
· The credit union offers a wellness program complete with a quiet room for power naps, comfy recliners and soothing music
· Staff receive 12 holiday days off each year.

Pictured above: Los Angeles FCU’s Spirit Team, comprised of cross-functional employees, is charged with the goal of increasing morale and associate satisfaction by planning and executing activities that contribute to the overall spirit and well being of associates.

Verve, a credit union

Location: Oshkosh, Wis.
Assets: $900 million
Overall rank: 39
Asset category rank: 12
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union invites employees to take part in a daily stretching break at 8:30 a.m.
· Employees receive playful visits from Beau, the credit union’s therapy dog
· All staffers receive a paid day off on their birthday.

Pictured above: Verve team members hosting an after-hours business event for the local chamber of commerce designed to promote enhanced digital banking options and improve face-to-face banking.

Listerhill Credit Union

Location: Muscle Shoals, Ala
Assets: $778 million
Overall rank: 40
Asset category rank: 13
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union sponsors a quiet room complete with complementary snacks, a zero-gravity massage chair and a sound machine
· Management regularly holds breakfasts and barbecues to cook and serve food to staff
· Listerhill CU’s “Ambassadors” program offers employees paid time for volunteering at community-sponsored events.

Pictured above: Listerhill CU employees participate in the Muscle Shoals Dragon Boat Festival.

My Community Credit Union

Location: Midland, Texas
Assets: $380 million
Overall rank: 41
Asset category rank: 9
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Every year the credit union sponsors a toy drive for local children
· Staff awards for excellence are presented on a quarterly and annual basis
· The credit union matches five percent of 401(k) contributions.

Pictured above: My Community CU employees (from left to right) Briana, Skye, Selena, Amaranda and Megan dressed as pirates for Halloween.

Power Financial Credit Union

Location: Pembroke Pines, Fla
Assets: $674 million
Overall rank: 42
Asset category rank: 14
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union supports “Wacky Wednesdays” during February where all employees can dress up in crazy clothing.
· A quarterly gain-sharing program rewards staff with a variable compensation bonus dependent on company scorecard results.
· The bulk of healthcare costs for employees and their families are subsidized by the CU.

Pictured above: Power Financial CU’s Special Anniversary Breakfast Celebration acknowledges milestone work anniversaries, including everything from five years to 25 yearsat the credit union.

Xceed Financial Credit Union

Location: El Segundo, Calif.
Assets: $915 million
Overall rank: 43
Asset category rank: 15
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union’s “Monday Fun Day” provides free lunches sponsored by its Culture & Talent Development department
· Each year on Pi Day (March 14) Xceed hosts a pie-eating contest to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
· “Family Day” is an additional PTO day every associate receives to spend time with family (however the associate defines it) and includes a $100 stipend.

Pictured above: Xceed Financial staffers celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4 at Xceed’s Main St. Financial Center .

TransWest Credit Union

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Assets: $138 million
Overall rank: 44
Asset category rank: 10
Reasons employees like to work here:
• The credit union celebrates quirky holidays like the Star Wars themed “May the Fourth.” Employees are encouraged to dress accordingly.
• Staff can take part in FitBit challenges, with the team that walks the most mileage receiving cash rewards.
• TransWest’s “Wow Project” encourages employees to combine their personal career path with the credit union’s strategic plan. If deemed successful, they can earn an extra $1,000.

Pictured above: During the 2018 TransWest Golf tournament, the credit union raised almost $7000 for the charity: www.donorschoose.org.

Arkansas Federal Credit Union

Location: Jacksonville, Ark.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Overall rank: 45
Asset category rank: 11
Reasons employees like to work here:
· The credit union’s annual Christmas Party is a night in downtown Little Rock full of food, fun and entertainment
· Staff receive tuition reimbursement, on-site trainings, conferences, leadership courses, trainings through Dale Carnegie and job-shadowing opportunities
· Frontline employees can take advantage of a mentor program.

Pictured above: Arkansas Federal proudly presented a check for $4,089.21 to Ronald McDonald House as part of its employee giving program.

Mountain America Credit Union

Location: West Jordan, Utah
Assets: $7.8 billion
Overall rank: 46
Asset category rank: 12
Reasons employees like to work here:
· On a weekly basis, the credit union provides free on-site yoga classes.
· A fresh food market full of reasonably priced, healthy meals is available at the CU’s corporate office
· Employees have the option of using sit-to-stand desks.

Pictured above: Mountain America employee, Brandon Erickson, helps install a new backyard for an injured military veteran as part of a Dream Team project. The Dream Team and other charitable programs offer employees a way to give back to the community, while living the Mountain America value of quality service.

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Southwest Financial Federal Credit Union

Location: Dallas, Texas
Assets: $62 million
Overall rank: 47
Asset category rank: 11
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Employees birthdays and work anniversaries are recognized by senior management
· Employees are eligible for fully or partially paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child
· Employees are eligible to receive a “Token Recognition” award that is given for going above and beyond, and can be given by any employee.

Pictured here: The Southwest Financial Team sporting summer attire while raising funds for the North Texas Food Bank. As a special thank you, the “Fun Committee” surprised the team with popsicles.

Park Side Credit Union

Location: Whitefish, Mont.
Assets: $234 million
Overall rank: 48
Asset category rank: 10
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Park Side supports employees wearing jeans on Fridays and Saturdays.
· Management works with staff who are parents so they can attend children’s school and sporting events
· The credit union sponsors “Active Life Reimbursement,” an annual refund for purchase of items that promote activity.

Pictured above: Serving up Sweet Peaks Ice Cream on a hot summer day for Kalispell Parks & Rec, one the CU’s 2017 Park Side Partner recipients.

TruStone Financial Credit Union

Location: Plymouth, Minn.
Assets: $1.3 billion
Overall rank: 49
Asset category rank: 13
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Employees enjoy “Grill and Chill” events that are hosted by senior management, along with plays games like bean bag toss and watching movies
· Staff can participate in the annual Halloween costume contest.
· The credit union hosts an end-of-the-year company dinner for all employees and their guests with food, entertainment and prizes provided.

Pictured above: TruStone Financial's Lyn-Lake Branch pays it forward with a day of highway cleanup at CU Forward Day 2017.

Ascend Federal Credit Union

Location: Tullahoma, Tenn.
Assets: $2.3 billion
Overall rank: 50
Asset category rank: 14
Reasons employees like to work here:
· Employees enjoy holiday potluck dinners designed to promote fellowship and themed dress-down days encourage wearing fun, seasonal attire
· The credit union’s headquarters maintains lush grounds, including a fountain and pond for staff to enjoy and an outdoor seating area/patio where families are welcome. Facilities also include a pool table in the employee lounge and a fitness center
· The annual employee picnic allows staff and families to share time outside of work. Carnival-style events include food booths, train rides, caricature artists, face painting, rock climbing wall, inflatables, bingo and cash door prizes.

Pictured above: Ascend employees celebrate their personal and/or family affiliations with Middle Tennessee State University while hosting University President Sidney McPhee at the CU's corporate headquarters.

W.B. King

This article originally appeared in Credit Union Journal.

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