The Best Credit Unions to Work For

September 22, 2019 9:05 PM

These credit unions make being the best look easy.

This year 50 institutions made Credit Union Journal’s annual ranking of the Best Credit Unions to Work For, a project done in partnership with Best Companies Group. Credit unions on the list range in size from just 31 staff members and under $200 million in assets all the way up to institutions with billions in assets and thousands of employees.

But all of them go out of their way to take care of their workers. Many offer additional healthcare options, such as annual biometric screenings, access to physicians’ services over the phone and regular wellness fairs.

Other management teams focus on communication with open door policies and biweekly conference calls to keep staff informed. One credit union even hosted an event modeled after the television show “Shark Tank,” where employees could pitch ideas to the leadership team.

And some institutions focus on fun with perks such as ice cream socials, granting the holiday wishes of their coworkers and celebrating National Cookie Day with free treats.

An explanation of how each year's winners are selected can be found here.

To see this year's Best CUs ranked by asset size, follow the links below:
The Best Credit Unions to Work For under $200M
The Best Credit Unions to Work For from $200M - $500M
The Best Credit Unions to Work For from $500M - $1B
The Best Credit Unions to Work For $1B and above

Read on for highlights from the full ranking of this year’s Best Credit Unions to Work For.

Note: All institutions are listed by their chartered name as listed by the National Credit Union Administration.

Bay Federal Credit Union

Location: Capitola, Calif.
Assets: $1.05 billion
Overall rank: 1
Asset category rank: 1

Reasons employees like working here:
· In an effort to relieve stress and promote exercise, the credit union offers “walking meetings” for employees.
· Employees on the CU’s “fun squad” organize entertaining events throughout the year.
· During public, company-wide events, eligible staffers are awarded milestone anniversary gifts.

Pictured above: Bay Federal Credit Union fosters community engagement through volunteer programs, which allows employees to stand out as “heroes.”

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South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Location: North Charleston, S.C.
Assets: $1.85 billion
Overall rank: 2
Asset category rank: 2

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union offers a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 10% of employees’ salaries.
· An in-house career development team provides personalized career coaching services, job shadowing, mentoring opportunities and leadership coaching.
· Employees receive a day off for their birthday and work anniversary.

Pictured above (left to right): Andrew Hall, financial center manager; Meggan Corbin, human resources manager; Courtney Johnson, financial sales representative; Zoe Watkins, human resources representative; Kelly Franceschi, financial service representative; Tab Hibbard, financial service representative; and Ke’Aira Primes, financial service representative.

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Consumers Credit Union

Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Assets: $1.16 billion
Overall rank: 3
Asset category rank: 3

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union provides annual biometric screening for all staff members and their spouses.
· Free telephone physician services are available to all employees and their families.
· Food trucks visit the credit union on-site every week.

Pictured above: Consumers Credit Union team members celebrate after a successful “Purple Community 5K” race. Each year Consumers gives over $200,000 and donates more than 30,000 hours to 300-plus community groups, events and causes, including this one that supports the Van Andel Institute and its fight against cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases.

Providence Federal Credit Union

Location: Milwaukie, Ore.
Assets: $140 million
Overall rank: 4
Asset category rank: 1

Reasons employees like working here:
· Senior management has an open-door policy for employees to voice thoughts and concerns.
· Staff are eligible for interest-free lines of credit.
· The credit union hosts monthly movie nights.

Pictured above: Providence Federal Credit Union employees wait to be judged during the annual ugly Christmas sweater contest.

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Robin Mackey Photograhy

Truity Federal Credit Union

Location: Bartlesville, Okla.
Assets: $830 million
Overall rank: 5
Asset category rank: 1

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union hosts a biannual employee wellness fair to promote healthy lifestyles.
· Employees can take part in team building and social events, such as ice cream socials and departmental holiday gatherings.
· Staff can use flex time to take time off for personal or family events without cutting into vacation or sick days.

Pictured above: Truity’s annual “All Staff Reunion” brings together staff who work remotely in various states for a day of excitement, learning and networking.

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Infinity Federal Credit Union

Location: Westbrook, Maine
Assets: $333 million
Overall rank: 6
Asset category rank: 1

Reasons employees like working here:
· A “fun committee” plans monthly ice cream socials for staff, along with branch-decorating and ugly sweater contests at Christmas, among other initiatives.
· The credit union provides free medical insurance for employees and free dental coverage for employees and their families
· A $400 monthly insurance opt-out is available to employees who don’t utilize the CU’s benefits program.

Pictured above: Employee volunteers from Infinity FCU gear up to play with kids at Deering Oaks Park in Portland, Maine, in cooperation with United Way’s Portland Summer Meals Program, which provides children with free lunch each day during the summer.

One Nevada Credit Union

Location: Las Vegas
Assets: $937 million
Overall rank: 7
Asset category rank: 2

Reasons employees like working here:
· Every six months, the corporate office and branch administration hold celebrations with food, fun and prizes to celebrate achieving the credit union’s goals and accomplishments.
· “One wear” logo attire promotes a fun but professional work environment, and each new employee receives a “One wear” shirt that can be worn with jeans on Fridays.
· Staff can transfer paid time off to the CU’s extended illness bank (paid at twice the normal amount) so that in the event of an illness employees can secure up to 320 hours of paid time off.

Pictured above: Employees take part in “TOPS,” One Nevada Credit Union’s annual employee awards celebration. The name is an acronym for Teamwork, Opportunity, Progress and Service.

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Northern Credit Union

Location: Watertown, N.Y.
Assets: $272 million
Overall rank: 8
Asset category rank: 2

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees receive paid time off to volunteer at local charities.
· The credit union provides discounted gym memberships for staff.
· Employees enjoy potluck meals during the holidays.

Pictured above: Employees enjoy a boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River during Northern Credit Union’s annual summer company party.

FAIRWINDS

Fairwinds Credit Union

Location: Orlando, Fla.
Assets: $2.44 billion
Overall rank: 9
Asset category rank: 4

Reasons employees like working here:
· Call center workers can utilize standing desks. Other departments have massage days where crew members can enjoy a 15-minute chair massage.
· Unused sick hours can be reimbursed to pay for personal and dependent health and wellness expenses.
· Each December, employees submit holiday wishes for themselves or loved ones that are granted by fellow crew members and management.

Pictured above: Fairwinds Credit Union Executive Club winners enjoy dinner and a private fireworks viewing at Disney World with members of the credit union’s executive team. Winners also are awarded a three-night Caribbean cruise package.

Rocky Mountain Credit Union

Location: Helena, Mont.
Assets: $252 million
Overall rank: 10
Asset category rank: 3

Reasons employees like working here:
· Birthday and/or work anniversaries are celebrated with dessert and festivities.
· The credit union hosts holiday dress-up days, along with wearing school colors for college and high school game days.
· Employees enjoy different themed lunches throughout the year.

Pictured above: Rocky Mountain Credit Union employees volunteer at Helena Food Share for their Thanksgiving distribution day. Helena Food Share is part of the Montana Food Bank Network, whose mission is to end hunger in Montana.

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Mobiloil Federal Credit Union

Location: Beaumont, Texas
Assets: $817 million
Overall rank: 11
Asset category rank: 3

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees enjoy themed events throughout the year, including Easter egg hunts, gift exchanges, potluck meals and cook-off contests.
· Staff can use the CU’s “Social Corner” intranet to post personal items, events and news.
· The credit union holds a professional-development day off site that includes motivational speakers and information about new initiatives for the upcoming year.

Pictured above: Motivational speaker Jake French, center, poses with staff who attended the credit union's company-wide professional-development day.

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America's First Federal Credit Union

Location: Birmingham, Ala.
Assets: $1.64 billion
Overall rank: 12
Asset category rank: 5

Reasons employees like working here:
· America’s First Federal hosts an employee-engagement conference each year on President’s Day. The credit union is closed for business that day, but staffers gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and discuss upcoming initiatives.
· The credit union celebrates various holidays – such as National Cookie Day and Milkshake Day – by providing cookies and milkshakes for all employees.
· All staff members’ immediate families are invited to attend corporate events.

Pictured above: America’s First Federal Credit Union’s HR and training department dress as Barbie Dolls for the CU's annual Halloween costume contest.

Texas Tech Federal Credit Union

Location: Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $195 million
Overall rank: 13
Asset category rank: 2

Reasons employees like working here:
· Every year the credit union provides employees with stress-management training delivered by a licensed professional counselor.
· Texas Tech FCU encourages employees to bring their families to yearly events, such as company picnics, potlucks, holiday parties and a fall chili cook off.
· Employees receive a paid day off on their birthday.

Pictured above: Texas Tech Federal Credit Union’s mortgage team (from left to right): Averi Lewis, Crystal Barrett, Susan Daniel, Tom Couture, Alex Ramirez, Jay Herrin, Bridget Robison, Rhonda Bloodworth, Amanda Barnett, Lori Hill, Karen Wallin and Kelly Prayor.

More information on Texas Tech and it's winning history with the Best Credit Unions to Work For program can be found here.

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Colorado Credit Union

Location: Littleton, Colo.
Assets: $207 million
Overall rank: 14
Asset category rank: 4

Reasons employees like working here:
· Staff have access to discounted loan rates.
· Employees receive paid time off to volunteer.
· The credit union sponsors departmental lunches and happy hours.

Pictured above: Colorado Credit Union staff spent a day volunteering at Food Bank of the Rockies as part of a team-building event to assist needy Coloradans in the community.

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Access Community Credit Union

Location: Amarillo, Texas
Assets: $130 million
Overall rank: 15
Asset category rank: 3

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union has casual-dress days for March Madness and the NFL draft.
· Employees have access to paid adoption assistance, such as reimbursement of agency fees, travel fees, legal assistance and paid time off before or after an adoption.
· Vacant staff positions are filled first by searching from within the credit union before posting the job externally.

Pictured above: Access Community Credit Union holds its annual Halloween costume contest.

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Arkansas Federal Credit Union

Location: Jacksonville, Ark.
Assets: $1.23 billion
Overall rank: 16
Asset category rank: 6

Reasons employees like working here:
· Groups of employees hold events off-site throughout the year to develop a team atmosphere outside of work. Examples include escape rooms, a day at the horse races, bowling and game nights.
· Last year, during a credit union-sponsored charity event, employees got to see three executives receive a pie in the face from the top fundraisers in a benefit for the American Cancer Society.
· The credit union participates in the Blue & You Fitness Challenge through Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield. Participating staff members receive points in the credit union’s reward and recognition platform each week for completing that week's challenge.

Pictured above: Arkansas Federal employees enjoying a sweet treat on “food truck Friday” from Loblolly Creamery, a local business partner.

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Infirst Federal Credit Union

Location: Alexandria, Va.
Assets: $175 million
Overall rank: 17
Asset category rank: 4

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees enjoy bring your dog to work days.
· All back-office employees have their own office.
· Summer activities include barbecues and spirit week for staff.

Pictured above: Infirst FCU’s Alexandria branch team members show their support for breast cancer awareness. From left to right: Ivan Paul, member processing specialist; Tameka Murphy, vice president of human resources; Kristina Johnson, internal auditor; Rebeca Mason, Alexandria branch manager; Nicole Todd, home equity and consumer loan officer; and Steve Davitt, vice president of strategic development. Front row: Vivian Truong, financial analyst.

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Leaders Credit Union

Location: Jackson, Tenn.
Assets: $409 million
Overall rank: 18
Asset category rank: 5

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union hosts quarterly meetings where employees have the opportunity to discuss successes from the previous three months.
· Employees can utilize a public web forum to leave positive feedback and recognition for their colleagues.
· Full and partial-paid parental leave are available following the birth or adoption of a child.

Pictured above: Leaders Credit Union hosts Leaders Shark Tank, an employee event designed to pitch ideas and solutions to the leadership team. Finalists receive cash prizes as well as the implementation of their idea or strategy.

Veridian Credit Union

Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Assets: $4.27 billion
Overall rank: 19
Asset category rank: 7

Reasons employees like working here:
· Management provides food and snacks during large-scale projects and other busy times throughout the year.
· Employees are allowed 12 hours of paid volunteer time per year.
· Veridian’s health care benefits include covering infertility treatments for part-time and full-time employees.

Pictured above: Veridian Credit Union employees partner with the United Way of East Central Iowa to help a local youth camp get ready for thousands of summer campers.

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Deseret First Credit Union

Location: Salt Lake City
Assets: $694 million
Overall rank: 20
Asset category rank: 4

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union sponsors monthly events for employees to socialize, eat and get to know each other better.
· New mothers and fathers can bring their babies to work for the first five months of the baby’s life.
· Employees are eligible for significant discounts on rental cars for personal or business use.

Pictured above: Taylor Sanderson, AVP of business intelligence, and Gary Bingham, manager of enterprise risk management, provide drinks and snacks to over 200 golfers taking part in an event to benefit the Deseret First Foundation, which supports missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

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Michigan First Credit Union

Location: Lathrup Village, Mich.
Assets: $974 million
Overall rank: 21
Asset category rank: 5

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union provides tuition assistance for approved degree programs that are directly related to an employee’s position.
· An on-site concierge assists employees in car services, dry cleaning, shopping, research and errand running.
· Employees have free access to a fully equipped, on-site fitness facility. Staff can use the state-of-the-art gym 24/7, which includes locker rooms and an eight-lane bowling center.

Pictured above: Michigan First's call center team enjoys a Detroit Tigers Opening Day celebration as part of the CU's team-appreciation initiatives.

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Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Assets: $4.5 billion
Overall rank: 22
Asset category rank: 8

Reasons employees like working here:
· Each summer, the credit union offers a dog-walking program in association with the Capital Area Humane Society. Employees can sign up for a 15-minute slot to provide socialization for a local shelter animal and take a break away from their desk to enjoy the weather.
· If an employee refers a candidate who is hired, the referring staffer receives a $400 bonus after the hiring is completed and another $400 after a six-month trial period ends.
· MSUFCU offers a generous paid time off package that includes 26 days of PTO, or eight hours of PTO earned per pay period, within an employee’s first year of employment.

Pictured above: Several MSUFCU employees volunteer at the registration table for a race benefiting the MSU Safe Place, which supports a nearby domestic violence service center.

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Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Location: Columbia, S.C.
Assets: $884 million
Overall rank: 23
Asset category rank: 6

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union has a recognition program for birthdays, events and an annual awards day when multiple staff members are honored for their good works.
· PCFCU sponsors monthly events with free dinner and drinks for employees to network.
· Each new staff member has lunch with the president to learn about the credit union’s values and his commitment to helping them achieve their potential.

Pictured above: Palmetto Citizens staff members participate in an interactive Reality of Money event. Teenagers are transformed into wage-earning, bill-paying and financially independent adults. The goal is to show them how financial choices impact their budget and lifestyle.

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Atomic Credit Union

Location: Piketon, Ohio
Assets: $336 million
Overall rank: 24
Asset category rank: 6

Reasons employees like working here:
· The board of directors hand delivers the annual Christmas bonus.
· Every holiday season employees can take part in the “ugly Christmas sweater” contest.
· Staffers who donate to various charities may wear jeans to work for dress-down days.

Pictured above: Atomic Credit Union’s President and CEO Tom Griffiths (standing at podium), along with the credit union’s board of directors, show appreciation for Atomic employees by personally presenting years of service awards at the 2019 Training Symposium.

Vince Elmhorst

Simplicity Credit Union

Location: Marshfield, Wis.
Assets: $264 million
Overall rank: 25
Asset category rank: 7

Reasons employees like working here:
· Credit union-sponsored "yappy hour" events after work encourage employee networking.
· In order to boost retention, Simplicity offers Stay Views, one-on-one sit-downs with a member of the human resources team to identify strengths and opportunities for growth.
· Employees enjoy themed dress-up days on holidays and special occasions.

Pictured above: Members of the Simplicity Credit Union team stand in front of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Garden, which the credit union supports by planting, weeding and harvesting thousands of pounds of food for the local food pantry and community meals.

Town & Country Federal Credit Union

Location: South Portland, Maine
Assets: $394 million
Overall rank: 26
Asset category rank: 8

Reasons employees like working here:
· A monthly coloring contest is open to all staff, with prizes drawn for the best art work.
· The credit union provides a 5% match for employee 401k accounts.
· Staff can use up to 16 hours of paid volunteer time to give back to organizations of their choice.

Pictured above: Town & Country Federal Credit Union’s staff participate in the annual Tri for A Cure fundraiser for the Maine Cancer Foundation. Employee participants collectively raised nearly $12,000 for the cause.

More informatoin on Town & Country FCU is available here.

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Red Crown Federal Credit Union

Location: Tulsa, Okla.
Assets: $219 million
Overall rank: 27
Asset category rank: 9

Reasons employees like working here:
· Each quarter, Red Crown holds a spirit day with catered food, decorations and more.
· Staff can take 10-, 15- or 20-minute breaks at their discretion.
· Employees receive a paid day off for their birthday.

Pictured above: Red Crown FCU employees present a check for nearly $12,000 for the United Way Campaign.

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Coastal Federal Credit Union

Location: Raleigh, N.C.
Assets: $3.25 billion
Overall rank: 28
Asset category rank: 9

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union sponsors ice cream socials and brings food trucks on-site as a way to celebrate company wins.
· Coastal pays for 100% of employees’ healthcare premiums.
· The credit union implemented Standout, a web-based platform that helps employees identify their strengths and enables managers to assign work that matches those strengths. Coastal also utilizes an internal social media platform designed specifically for its employees.

Pictured above: In April, 45 Coastal Federal Credit Union employees attend the annual “camp Coastal” workshop focused on the CU’s principles and philosophy.

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Los Angeles Federal Credit Union

Location: Glendale, Calif.
Assets: $987 million
Overall rank: 29
Asset category rank: 7

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union pays for lunch once each quarter to celebrate good financial results. It also pays for activities such as bowling nights, holiday breakfasts and events at the local theme parks.
· LAFCU makes an effort to celebrate its cultural diversity, including December holidays for various religious traditions, Black History Month, an Asian heritage lunch and more.
· The annual health fair offers stress-relieving activities for staff including massages.

Pictured above: Los Angeles Federal Credit Union employees volunteer with friends and family in February. The group donated a $5,000 check to Habitat for Humanity, then spent the day helping build homes for six deserving families in Glendale, Calif.

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University of Illinois Community Credit Union

Location: Champaign, Ill.
Assets: $354 million
Overall rank: 30
Asset category rank: 10

Reasons employees like working here:
· Managers cook food for employees to enjoy while watching the Super Bowl.
· The credit union offers tuition reimbursement for staff who want to complete a degree.
· After one year, all employees receive 15 days of PTO.

Pictured above: University of Illinois Community Credit Union sponsors Power of the Purse, a celebration of the positive impact women make in the community. The event provides a chance for women to give back and support other women. In 2019, the event also served as a fundraiser for the United Way.

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Southland Credit Union

Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Assets: $810 million
Overall rank: 31
Asset category rank: 8

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union sponsors “step into summer” competitions in which associates track how many steps they take each day using a Fitbit or smartphone. Prizes are given to the top three winners.
· The annual associate appreciation party, hosted by CEO Tom Lent, is held at a local country club where all staff are invited to attend along with a guest.
· All full-time employees on the job for at least six months can apply for the associate personal computer loan program, which provides loans of up to $3,000 at 0% APR to help staff afford their own personal computers.

Pictured above: A Southland Credit Union employee team volunteers during a beach cleanup day at Seal Beach, Calif., in May.

St. Mary's Bank

Location: Manchester, N.H.
Assets: $1.04 billion
Overall rank: 32
Asset category rank: 10

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union’s spirit team hosts events such as trivia games and an annual off-site “winter social” where donations are collected for a local food bank.
· Staff have access to a pair of full-service fitness centers.
· Employees and their families can participate in wellness activities throughout the year including everything from theater and sporting events to apple picking, skiing, hiking and indoor rock climbing.

Pictured above: Employees at St. Mary's Bank, the nation's first credit union, take part in a team costume contest.

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Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union

Location: Lone Tree, Colo.
Assets: $238 million
Overall rank: 33
Asset category rank: 11

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees and their families were recently treated to a round of golf.
· On extra busy days, the credit union provides free lunches for staff.
· Management hosts a variety of activities for staff throughout the year, including holiday parties, summer picnics and barbecues.

Pictured above: Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union employees attend an all-staff core-conversion kickoff meeting.

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Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Assets: $944 million
Overall rank: 34
Asset category rank: 9

Reasons employees like working here:
· Staff can take part in sponsored events such as mini-golf and potluck meals.
· The credit union offers employees access to quiet spaces equipped with massage chairs, mood lighting and beverages.
· Grant funds are available for employees facing financial hardships.

Pictured above: The entire staff of Neighbors FCU gives back to the community during the annual Neighbors Day. This particular team prepares food sufficient to make 3,480 meals for families in need in the greater Baton Rouge area.

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Idaho State University Federal Credit Union

Location: Pocatello, Idaho
Assets: $239 million
Overall rank: 35
Asset category rank: 12

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees can take part in annual activities such as a summer picnic and an employee-appreciation event each December.
· The credit union offers flexible hours to accommodate school events or doctor appointments.
· Staff can receive an annual reimbursement of up to $300 for gym memberships or fitness equiment as part of the credit union's commitment to employee wellness.

Pictured above: Members of ISU CU’s service squad take part in a “socks for seniors” community service drive.

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Arbor Financial Credit Union

Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Assets: $652 million
Overall rank: 36
Asset category rank: 10

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union sponsors four optional “5:31 after-work parties” per year that run for two hours. Food, beverages and activities are provided.
· Full-time employees work 38 hours each week and get two hours for flex-time.
· CEO Julie Blitchok hosts “Arbor connect,” a biweekly 10-minute call to all staff that helps keep employees informed about what’s happening across the organization.

Pictured above: Heroic staff and family members represent Arbor Financial Credit Union at the Three Rivers Water Festival Parade. Employees gave out hugs, high fives and provided superhero smiles.

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Innovations Federal Credit Union

Location: Panama City, Fla.
Assets: $268 million
Overall rank: 37
Asset category rank: 13

Reasons employees like working here:
· Staff can take part in dress-down Fridays.
· Cell phones and paid cell phone plans are available to all mid-level managers and above.
· Employees can get creative by making videos about the credit union for YouTube

Pictured above: Innovations Federal Credit Union employees take part in the annual Heart Walk, a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the American Heart Association.

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America First Credit Union

Location: Ogden, Utah
Assets: $11 billion
Overall rank: 38
Asset category rank: 11

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees have access to a basketball court, pickleball court and ping pong tables.
· Staff can receive free or discounted tickets to area events.
· The credit union offers Fit First, a web-based wellness program that allows employees to compete and earn rewards in company-sponsored challenges.

Pictured above: America First employees deliver turkeys to the local food bank for Thanksgiving.

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Listerhill Credit Union

Location: Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Assets: $842 million
Overall rank: 39
Asset category rank: 11

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union routinely hires licensed massage therapists for the staff, followed by a healthy tropical smoothie.
· Employees can wear jeans on Fridays.
· College tuition reimbursement is available to staff who return to school to obtain advanced degrees.

Pictured above: A group of Listerhill employees visit the corporate headquarters of Chick-fil-A as part of a team-building event focused on inspiration and company culture initiatives.

More information about Listerhill Credit Union can be found here.

Verve, a Credit Union

Location: Oshkosh, Wis.
Assets: $962 million
Overall rank: 40
Asset category rank: 12

Reasons employees like working here:
· Resident therapy dog Beau makes regular visits to the credit union to spend time with employees.
· Daily stretching break for all staff at 8:30 a.m. each day.
· The credit union offers pay-advance programs for fitness equipment, standing desks, professional attire or technology equipment.

Pictured above: Team members from Verve, a Credit Union, deliver water and snacks to volunteers during the local United Way’s Day of Caring event.

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American Heritage Federal Credit Union

Location: Philadelphia
Assets: $2.5 billion
Overall rank: 41
Asset category rank: 12

Reasons employees like working here:
· For staff members with family in the military, the credit union offers deployment benefits, such as a $750 monthly military stipend and a paid day off when that family member returns home.
· The credit union offers a biannual smoking-cessation program.
· Staff and families covered under the credit union’s benefits program can utilize a telemedicine service to seek medical attention 24/7 for non-emergency situations.

Pictured above: American Heritage employees take part in the Ronald McDonald House Show Your Stripes fundraiser.

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Ascend Federal Credit Union

Location: Tullahoma, Tenn.
Assets: $2.5 billion
Overall rank: 42
Asset category rank: 13

Reasons employees like working here:
· During the holiday season, employees can take part in a workstation decorating contest or wear seasonal attire on themed dress-down days.
· Each year, the credit union purchases an eight-pound honey baked ham for each staff member and delivers it to them prior to the holidays to share with their loved ones.
· Staff are encouraged to wear costumes on Halloween to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Pictured above: In February, Ascend Federal Credit Union employees participate in an organization-wide fundraiser for the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day. Participants donate money for the chance to dress down into blue jeans and their favorite red attire.

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OMNI Community Credit Union

Location: Battle Creek, Mich.
Assets: $419 million
Overall rank: 43
Asset category rank: 14

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union gives out gift cards and certificates each quarter to recognize employee attendance. For those who win in consecutive quarters, the award is doubled.
· When it’s a team member’s “OMNIversary,” the employee is given a monetary award and a shout out on the CU’s internal social network.
· CEO Ted Parsons takes a daily walk through the credit union’s main office to interact with all team members and all departments.

Pictured above: OMNI Community Credit Union employees gather for the annual team enrichment day.

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Partners Federal Credit Union

Location: Burbank, Calif.
Assets: $1.82 billion
Overall rank: 44
Asset category rank: 14

Reasons employees like working here:
· As the official credit union of Disney, Partners employees – or “cast members,” as they are known – can take part in Magic Backstage, a year-round program that offers the chance to gain access to and engage in Disney-exclusive products and services. Prizes include backstage tours, experiences, special events, hotel stays, movie screenings and more.
· Every year a selection committee awards a full scholarship so one employee can attend Western CUNA Management School’s three-year program.
· Staff are eligible for discounts on loans and insurance products.

Pictured above: Partners Federal Credit Union’s bicoastal management team strike superhero poses during a 2019 business partnership workshop. The quarterly forum is a hub for coordination and integration across the organization to advance, align and pivot when necessary on the business plans of the organization, while integrating the overarching mission with divisional responsibilities.

More information about Partners FCU is available here.

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Mountain America Credit Union

Location: Sandy, Utah
Assets: $9 billion
Overall rank: 45
Asset category rank: 15

Reasons employees like working here:
· To help employees reduce stress levels, the credit union offers several spaces for gaming, including an air hockey table, Pac-Man and Asteroids machines.
· MACU offers quarterly well-being challenges to keep healthy habits front and center. These range from participation in laughing yoga to stretching breaks, along with on-site massages several times a week.
· Staff have access to an on-site cafe with subsidized lunches and a variety of healthy options.

Pictured above: Mountain America Credit Union employees donate time and resources to help transform the Young family’s back yard. Nate Young is an injured veteran who works two full-time jobs to allow his wife Darcy to stay home to care for their daughter, Hollis, who has ongoing medical issues.

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Park Side Financial Credit Union

Location: Whitefish, Mont.
Assets: $247 million
Overall rank: 46
Asset category rank: 15

Reasons employees like working here:
· The annual “fun educational day” each fall incorporates a motivational speaker along with team-building activities.
· An internal succession-planning process ensures the credit union encourages growth and promotion from within the organization.
· Park Side Financial management takes an active role in soliciting feedback from employees and works to implement suggestions and solutions.

Pictured above: Volunteers from Park Side Financial Credit Union team work at a Habitat for Humanity site.

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Heritage South Credit Union

Location: Sylacauga, Ala.
Assets: $131 million
Overall rank: 47
Asset category rank: 5

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees are given one week of bonus pay each December along with an annual evaluation and raise, if performance is satisfactory.
· Monday through Thursday are a business-casual dress code, while staff can wear jeans on Fridays along with a CU-branded shirt.
· During the holiday season employees get a paid day off for holiday shopping.

Pictured above: Heritage South Credit Union employees pose with emoji shirts that collectively say, “Whether we are happy, sad, angry or anxious, we are a family and that is what makes working at Heritage South Credit Union the best place to work!”

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Tropical Financial Credit Union

Location: Miramar, Fla.
Assets: $749 million
Overall rank: 48
Asset category rank: 13

Reasons employees like working here:
· The credit union sponsors off-site employee-appreciation events, such as bowling and go-karting.
· Staff have access to a variety of incentive and bonus programs, along with 10 paid holidays for all employees.
· Senior management has an open-door policy and workers are encouraged to communicate from bottom up and top down, regardless of whether it is good or bad information.

Pictured above: Tropical Financial Credit Union staffers gather for the 2019 annual employee-appreciation event.

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Texell Credit Union

Location: Temple, Texas
Assets: $389 million
Overall rank: 49
Asset category rank: 16

Reasons employees like working here:
· Staff can participate in a multi-sport league that competes against other area companies in events such as kickball, volleyball, horseshoes and 5K races.
· Texell caters meals for employees every year during the holiday season.
· The credit union’s 401(k) plan offers a self-directed brokerage option, which enables employees to move their funds into a brokerage account where they can invest in any publicly traded company or ETF.

Pictured above: Through its Texell Serves community outreach program, the credit union supports many local initiatives, including sponsoring the “gallon givers” blood drive.

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Carolina Trust Credit Union

Location: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Assets: $245 million
Overall rank: 50
Asset category rank: 17

Reasons employees like working here:
· Employees can participate in dress-down days for jeans and jerseys, as well as staff potluck meals.
· On Rock Your Socks for Down Syndrome! day, workers are encouraged to wear crazy socks.
· All staffers receive a Christmas bonus.

Pictured above: Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union employee volunteers go shopping before delivering healthy lunch goodies at Horry County Schools. The effort helped teachers and administrators provide students with lunches while schools were closed due to flooding after Hurricane Florence.

Employee communications

Recruiting

Work-life balance

Workplace management

Best Credit Unions to Work For