The Best Banks to Work For
August 28, 2016 9:00 PM
Familiar names and more than a dozen newbies can be found in our annual ranking of the nations most employee-friendly banks. Find out who earned a spot on the list and why these 60 banks are so successful at keeping their employees happy and engaged.
No. 1: Live Oak Bank
Location: Wilmington, N.C.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 341
Chairman and CEO: James "Chip" Mahan
www.liveoakbank.com
Pictured: Chairman and Chief Executive James "Chip" Mahan teaches the "Like Oak Culture 101" course that is offered by Live Oak U.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 341
Chairman and CEO: James "Chip" Mahan
Pictured: Chairman and Chief Executive James "Chip" Mahan teaches the "Like Oak Culture 101" course that is offered by Live Oak U.
Make it three in a row for Live Oak Bank.
Initiatives like "Live Oak U" help explain why this bank has topped our list of the best places to work for three years running.
The bank, which
"Live Oak Bank is committed to the goal of becoming a teaching organization and a learning organization," said
Live Oak partners with the nearby University of North Carolina at Wilmington to offer courses, but Mahan teaches one of the most popular ones: "Live Oak Culture 101," which provides an overview of the bank's history, tradition, work life and values.
All courses are taught in a classroom by an instructor, but they are often available online as well. The courses are free and most are open to all Live Oak employees. While several courses can earn university credit, employees do not have to be working toward a degree to take one.
"The ultimate goal is that all employees at the bank have access to any career path they choose," Mahan said.
No. 2: HomeBanc
Location: Tampa, Fla.
Assets: $1 billion
Employees: 99
Chairman and CEO: Jerry Campbell
www.homebanc.com
Pictured: Annual employee golf outing with LPGA pro Brittany Lincicome who is also sponsored by HomeBanc and a HomeBanc retail and mortgage customer.
Assets: $1 billion
Employees: 99
Chairman and CEO: Jerry Campbell
Pictured: Annual employee golf outing with LPGA pro Brittany Lincicome who is also sponsored by HomeBanc and a HomeBanc retail and mortgage customer.
HomeBanc's chairman and chief executive, Jerry Campbell, prefers not to be addressed as "Mr. Campbell." If an employee of any rank has a question, "Hey, Jerry" suffices.
"All employees are on a first-name basis," said Debra Hanses Novakoski, an executive vice president at HomeBanc and a member of its board of directors. "Our phone list and intranet directories are alphabetical by first name."
That's just one way HomeBanc tries to make workers feel like they're family. Employees also get treated to a meal of their choice on their birthdays. Whether it's pizza, salad, sandwiches or another favorite, the food is delivered to the office and colleagues join the celebration.
"On my birthday, we had breakfast burritos, fruit and smoothies for the office at headquarters—about 25 people," Novakoski said.
One of its most popular annual events is "Bring Your Kids to Work Day." Sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren have breakfast together and listen to the monthly "telerap" hosted by Campbell … er, Jerry. This live conference call updates employees on company and industry news and provides a forum for employee questions and customer feedback via submitted letters.
Emily Drouin, a loan quality control officer who has worked at HomeBanc for 10 years, brought her son Steven, age nine, to the daylong event recently. After the morning telerap, which was attended by about 25 other children, Steven said he learned that "rap" doesn't only refer to music, but also to the sharing of business ideas.
"Banking is a lot harder and more interesting than I thought," he said. "I like how it helps people."
No. 3: Bell Bank
Location: Fargo, N.D.
Assets: $3.9 billion
Employees: 657
President and CEO: Michael Solberg
www.bellbanks.com
Pictured: Employees celebrate Bell Bank's 50th anniversary.
Assets: $3.9 billion
Employees: 657
President and CEO: Michael Solberg
Pictured: Employees celebrate Bell Bank's 50th anniversary.
Bell Bank, No. 3 in the overall ranking, is No. 1 in the category for banks with $3 billion to $10 billion of assets.
Bell Bank's motto, according to President and Chief Executive Michael Solberg, is "Happy Employees, Happy Customers."
So Bell, which shortened its name from Bell State Bank & Trust on Aug. 22, does plenty to try to make sure its employees are happy and, by all accounts, it succeeded spectacularly on May 6, the bank's 50th anniversary. Every full-time and part-time employee received a one-time cash bonus of $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. At a party to celebrate the milestone, Bell also gave away 50 massages and 50 televisions that had a 50-inch screen.
Besides the surprises on special occasions, employees like Joe Ackerland enjoy ongoing support in the form of career development. "Bell has invested in me by sending me through the Dakota School of Banking," said Ackerland, a branch manager who has worked at the bank for nine years. More recently, Ackerland expressed an interest in commercial lending, and Bell responded by sending him to the Commercial Lending Academy at the University of Minnesota's Continuing Education Center.
The result is that employees genuinely feel they matter, because the bank demonstrates this through meaningful action, rather than just paying lip service to the idea, said Steph Melgaard, a vice president and virtual bank services manager who has been with Bell for two years.
"'Happy Employees, Happy Customers' is not just a poster that hangs in the break rooms," Melgaard said, "but truly the basis of how we do business."
No. 4: FirstCapital Bank of Texas
Location: Midland, Texas
Assets: $987 million
Employees: 188
Chairman: Ken Burgess
www.fcbtexas.com
Pictured: Employee and customer cookout in Amarillo, Texas.
Assets: $987 million
Employees: 188
Chairman: Ken Burgess
Pictured: Employee and customer cookout in Amarillo, Texas.
Popular among employees: The Wow, Win and Spirit awards, which come with different levels of monetary prizes, go to exceptional employees throughout the year. Then, at the end of the year, there is a drawing from the pool of winners for a $1,000 prize.
Activities to reduce stress/promote fun: A party every month celebrates all employees who had a birthday that month.
Community service initiative: FirstCapital sponsors an annual benefit for the Alzheimer's Association. The event, called "An Evening to Remember," raised close to $60,000 last year.
For more on FirstCapital, see "
No. 5: Benchmark Bank
Location: Plano, Texas
Assets: $528 million
Employees: 74
Chairman and CEO: Mike Barnett
www.benchmarkbank.com
Pictured: Courtney Thomas, who started at Benchmark Bank in an entry-level position, has been promoted several times in the years since, including a bump up to controller this year.
Assets: $528 million
Employees: 74
Chairman and CEO: Mike Barnett
Pictured: Courtney Thomas, who started at Benchmark Bank in an entry-level position, has been promoted several times in the years since, including a bump up to controller this year.
Benchmark Bank is willing to work with the people who work for it.
In November 2013, Courtney Thomas wanted to move to Pittsburgh because of her husband's work, but felt conflicted since she was happy with her job at the Plano, Texas, bank.
She asked for the opportunity to work remotely and, within a week, Benchmark had shipped all of her computer equipment across the country, so she could have a work station set up at her new home, Thomas said. She dials in for monthly management meetings and travels to Texas roughly once a quarter for exams, large audits or budget meetings.
"I've now been working remotely for two and half years," she said. "It is things like this that make you really appreciate your employer."
Thomas joined Benchmark in 2009 after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in finance. She opted for a rotational work program, which allowed her to shadow employees at the bank's mortgage and title companies.
"I didn't really know what to expect," she said. "I remember talking to several friends who didn't particularly love their jobs out of college."
But Thomas soon realized her strength as a credit analyst. This led to many professional stepping stones, such as the bank paying for her to attend the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado, a three-year virtual education program that includes two weeks every summer at a campus in Boulder.
"This was a wonderful opportunity that has helped me greatly within my role at the bank," Thomas said.
Before being promoted to controller this year, Thomas held positions as a financial specialist, assistant vice president and vice president.
As she continues to grow at Benchmark, she plans to pay her experiences forward. "I wouldn't be in the position I am today had it not been for those who took time out of their day to teach me," Thomas said. "I didn't just want to know how to do some job function, but really why we are doing it. I love to learn, and do my best to pass on that knowledge to others, like people have done for me."
No. 6: Pinnacle Financial Partners
Location: Nashville
Assets: $9.3 billion
Employees: 1,101
President and CEO: Terry Turner
www.pnfp.com
Pictured: Annual family picnics in each of its markets, like this one the day before Easter in Nashville, are a part of Pinnacle's family-friendly practices.
Assets: $9.3 billion
Employees: 1,101
President and CEO: Terry Turner
Pictured: Annual family picnics in each of its markets, like this one the day before Easter in Nashville, are a part of Pinnacle's family-friendly practices.
Popular with employees: All employees, including part-timers, receive restricted shares of stock when they are hired and every year after that. This is to encourage them to act like owners in all aspects of their work.
Fitness/wellness program: An online portal that synchs to FitBit allows employees to track fitness goals while earning points that can be redeemed for gift cards, yoga mats and more.
Communication tool/practice: President and Chief Executive Terry Turner regularly conducts "listening sessions" with employees at all levels to get feedback and typically comes away with a list of action items.
No. 7: Veritex Community Bank
Location: Dallas, Texas
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 155
Chairman, president and CEO: C. Malcolm Holland
www.veritexbank.com
Pictured: The Kona Ice Truck visited Veritex employees at each location during last summer's heat wave.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 155
Chairman, president and CEO: C. Malcolm Holland
Pictured: The Kona Ice Truck visited Veritex employees at each location during last summer's heat wave.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: When temperatures exceeded 108 degrees during a heat wave last year, Veritex hired a Kona Shaved Ice truck to visit all offices and give employees free icy treats.
Career development/training program: A mentor program launched in 2014 gives interested branch managers the training they need to advance their careers. So far, two branch managers have been promoted because of their participation in the program.
Bonus/incentive program: To celebrate the bank reaching $1 billion of assets in September, C. Malcolm Holland, the chairman, president and chief executive, visited each location and gave every employee a giant candy bar with a $100 bonus attached.
No. 8: Machias Savings Bank
Location: Machias, Maine
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 246
President and CEO: Lawrence Barker
www.machiassavings.com
Pictured: Machias' cash management team, team building on the race track.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 246
President and CEO: Lawrence Barker
Pictured: Machias' cash management team, team building on the race track.
Fitness/wellness program: Machias Savings hosts several different types of exercise classes that are free to employees, including yoga, aerobics and cardio kickboxing. Classes typically take place on site after work and occasionally during lunch hours.
Bonus/incentive program: All employees are awarded "phantom stock" based on the overall performance of the bank each year. When employees leave or retire, the stock is exchanged for cash. This bonus is meant to be a retirement and retention tool.
Communication tool/practice: "Family gatherings" take place throughout the year so executives can learn more about employee concerns. These events are structured like town hall meetings, allowing for open dialogue about the bank's culture.
For more on Machias, see "
No. 9: Paragon Bank
Location: Raleigh, N.C.
Assets: $1.3 billion
Employees: 145
President and CEO: Robert Hatley
www.paragonbank.com
Pictured: John Towles and Mike Stellar, two of Paragon lenders, at its annual Christmas Party.
Assets: $1.3 billion
Employees: 145
President and CEO: Robert Hatley
Pictured: John Towles and Mike Stellar, two of Paragon lenders, at its annual Christmas Party.
Popular with employees: Employees dress up for the Halloween costume contest, and children of employees and customers trick-or-treat at the bank during business hours.
Community service initiative: One paid day off annually is given as a reward to those who donate eight hours of pay per month to the United Way.
Bonus/incentive program: After five years of employment, employees receive an additional paid personal day and a personal letter from President and Chief Executive Robert Hatley.
No. 10: FNBC Bank
Location: Ash Flat, Ark.
Assets: $376 million
Employees: 101
President and CEO: Marty Sellars
www.fnbc.us
Pictured: FNBC team at its annual bank-wide celebration in the fall of 2015.
Assets: $376 million
Employees: 101
President and CEO: Marty Sellars
Pictured: FNBC team at its annual bank-wide celebration in the fall of 2015.
Popular with employees: The "Give a Wow" program allows employees to recognize each other for going above and beyond. Points are awarded and can be used to purchase items from a designated website.
Bonus/incentive program: FNBC customers randomly act as mystery shoppers and evaluate the service they receive. A cash bonus is paid to employees who exceed the criteria.
Communication tool/practice: Senior leaders visit branches weekly and quiz employees about the bank's core values, among other things. Correct answers are rewarded with cash and "Give A Wow" points.
No. 11: First Citizens National Bank
Location: Dyersburg, Tenn.
Assets: $1.3 billion
Employees: 284
Chairman and CEO: Jeff Agee
www.firstcnb.com
Pictured: EVP of Retail Banking Chris Heckler and President Judy Long present Betty Leach, Retail Service Center Specialist, with family vacation to Disney World for being the top producer in (My Rewards Premium) debit card enrollments.
Assets: $1.3 billion
Employees: 284
Chairman and CEO: Jeff Agee
Pictured: EVP of Retail Banking Chris Heckler and President Judy Long present Betty Leach, Retail Service Center Specialist, with family vacation to Disney World for being the top producer in (My Rewards Premium) debit card enrollments.
Fitness/wellness program: The "Biggest Loser" 10-week weight loss campaign awards teams and individuals for the most pounds and largest percentage of pounds lost. During the 2016 campaign, 189 employees lost 876 pounds and received prizes ranging from $600 to $1,000.
Career development/training program: Junior lender and branch manager training programs include rotations in key areas, such as credit analysis, collections, operations, retail sales, and human resources.
Community service initiative: During the annual county fair, First Citizens hosts a "Kids at Heart Day," reserving the entire fairgrounds for a group of senior citizens. Guests are able to go on the rides, tour the exhibit buildings and play bingo.
No. 12: Amarillo National Bank
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Assets: $3.7 billion
Number of employees: 695
Chairman and president: Richard Ware
www.anb.com
Pictured: Employees at the northeast branch of Amarillo National Bank dressed as hippies for the annual costume contest.
Assets: $3.7 billion
Number of employees: 695
Chairman and president: Richard Ware
Pictured: Employees at the northeast branch of Amarillo National Bank dressed as hippies for the annual costume contest.
Popular among employees: Employees who exceed expectations in customer service are nominated by their coworkers for the "SuperBanker" award, which comes with a cash bonus.
Activities to reduce stress/promote fun: Amarillo National has several programs to promote holiday fun. For Halloween —
Community service initiative: The bank has a summer program to benefit children who have to get by without the free or reduced meals that are available to them only during the school year. It pays for companies to deliver food to 13 area parks to be distributed to the children.
For more on Amarillo, see "
No. 13: Metropolitan Bank
Location: Ridgeland, Miss.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 159
Chairman, President and CEO: Curt Gabardi
www.metropolitan.bank
Pictured: Metropolitan instituted "Juke'n For a Cause" this past year and has raised money and donated items to local non-profit organizations, such as Mustard Seed in Jackson, Miss.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 159
Chairman, President and CEO: Curt Gabardi
Pictured: Metropolitan instituted "Juke'n For a Cause" this past year and has raised money and donated items to local non-profit organizations, such as Mustard Seed in Jackson, Miss.
Popular with employees: On most Fridays, each office organizes free breakfast, such as donuts, bagels with cream cheese or homemade casseroles.
Fitness/wellness program: During a "March Madness" competition each spring, teams earn points by exercising, eating fruit and vegetables, drinking water, meditating, sleeping seven hours at night and reading a wellness book. Members of the winning team receive a $25 gift card.
Bonus/incentive program: Full-time employees are eligible to receive cash and stock awards through an incentive plan based on their individual performance and the bank meeting its overall goals.
No. 14: Independence Bank
Location: Owensboro, Ky.
Assets: $1.9 billion
Employees: 316
President and CEO: Chris Reid
www.1776bank.com
Pictured: Since 2001, Independence Bank have award scholarships to area high school seniors. This year, the bank awarded a record amount of $120,000.
Assets: $1.9 billion
Employees: 316
President and CEO: Chris Reid
Pictured: Since 2001, Independence Bank have award scholarships to area high school seniors. This year, the bank awarded a record amount of $120,000.
Career development/training program: Employees receive a gold coin each time Independences adds another $100 million in assets. Accumulating 10 coins gets an employee a chance to go to Disney World for three days of training in customer service excellence.
Community service initiative: Through the employee "Buzz" program, all those who perform community service projects throughout the year can be rewarded with cash bonuses and additional vacation days.
Bonus/incentive program: On average employees receive annual 3% raises in addition to 3% bonuses at year end.
No. 15: Guaranty Bank & Trust
Location: Mount Pleasant, Texas
Assets: $1.8 billion
Employees: 412
Chairman and CEO: Ty Abston
www.gnty.com
Pictured: CASA Christmas gifts
Assets: $1.8 billion
Employees: 412
Chairman and CEO: Ty Abston
Pictured: CASA Christmas gifts
Popular with employees: Employees submit ideas to improve the bank through an intranet site. The reward for ideas that get implemented is a cash prize ranging from $25 to $1,000.
Family-friendly benefit/practice: When an employee gets married, Guaranty's wedding gift is a
Employee recognition/appreciation program: Guaranty hosts quarterly special events, such as ice cream sundae parties and pizza lunches, where it recognizes employees for a job well done.
No. 16: Capital City Bank
Location: Tallahassee, Fla.
Assets: $2.8 billion
Employees: 889
Chairman, president and CEO: Bill Smith
www.ccbg.com
Pictured: Capital City associate Ben Bowersox makes a presentation to kids about the importance of saving.
Assets: $2.8 billion
Employees: 889
Chairman, president and CEO: Bill Smith
Pictured: Capital City associate Ben Bowersox makes a presentation to kids about the importance of saving.
Popular with employees: Competition is fierce in the office door decoration contest at Christmastime.
Career development/training program: Employees with leadership potential participate in an 18-month training program that entails two days of sessions every other month. They present a project to senior executives at the end of the program.
Employee recognition/appreciation program: Outstanding sales and service leaders are recognized at an annual summit that takes place off site and features training sessions and personal activities. The top two leaders receive awards of $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.
No. 17: First Bank & Trust
Location: Brookings and Sioux Falls, S.D.
Assets: $2.1 billion
Employees: 492
President and CEO: Kevin Tetzlaff (Brookings bank unit) and Brian Thompson (Sioux Falls bank unit)
www.bankeasy.com
Pictured: In recognition of reaching $2 billion dollars in assets, First Bank & Trust held a corporate party in Brookings for employees and their guests.
Assets: $2.1 billion
Employees: 492
President and CEO: Kevin Tetzlaff (Brookings bank unit) and Brian Thompson (Sioux Falls bank unit)
Pictured: In recognition of reaching $2 billion dollars in assets, First Bank & Trust held a corporate party in Brookings for employees and their guests.
Popular with employees: On-site childcare is available at the Brookings location, and the children sometimes come through the office to visit employees, which adds fun to the workday.
Fitness/wellness program: Employees win prizes for participating in a yearlong program that encourages healthy eating habits and exercise.
Community service initiative: Each year First Bank puts about 5% of its profits into a special fund to support organizations that improve the community, whether by helping local youth or promoting the arts and education. Its donations totaled about $1.3 million last year.
No. 18: Apollo Bank
Location: Miami
Assets: $548 million
Employees: 90
Chairman and CEO: Eduardo Arriola
www.apollobank.com
Pictured: Apollo Bank celebrated reaching $500 million dollars in assets by hosting an employee appreciation party, which included food trucks, a photobooth, carnival desserts, mariachis and dancing.
Assets: $548 million
Employees: 90
Chairman and CEO: Eduardo Arriola
Pictured: Apollo Bank celebrated reaching $500 million dollars in assets by hosting an employee appreciation party, which included food trucks, a photobooth, carnival desserts, mariachis and dancing.
Popular with employees: Employees compete in roughly six cooking contests a year for the chance to win a $25 gift card and bragging rights. Each competition, which is judged by coworkers, has a theme, such as a pumpkin pie throw-down in the fall.
Fitness/wellness program: Chair massages, health fairs and biometric screenings are offered, along with a site that helps employees track the food they eat to ensure they are getting enough fruit and vegetables.
Communication tool/practice: A weekly email from Chairman and Chief Executive Eduardo Arriola provides employees with business updates and highlights best practices.
No. 19: United Community Bank of West Kentucky
Location: Morganfield, Ky.
Assets: $233 million
Employees: 56
CEO: Garland Certain
www.ucbwest.com
Pictured: Bank employees (and Louisville fans) following Indiana defeating UK in basketball.
Assets: $233 million
Employees: 56
CEO: Garland Certain
Pictured: Bank employees (and Louisville fans) following Indiana defeating UK in basketball.
Popular with employees: Once a month United Community hosts a potluck to celebrate employees' birthdays.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: Employees and customers enjoy free popcorn every Friday.
Career development/training program: Four employees are selected for a leadership program each year. Participants get to see how every area of the bank operates and help with strategic planning.
No. 20: Peoples Bank
Location: Munster, Ind.
Assets: $868 million
Employees: 200
President and CEO: Benjamin Bochnowski
www.ibankpeoples.com
Pictured: Peoples Bank employees that won cash prizes smile with President and CEO Benjamin Bochnowski (far right) at the annual employee picnic.
Assets: $868 million
Employees: 200
President and CEO: Benjamin Bochnowski
Pictured: Peoples Bank employees that won cash prizes smile with President and CEO Benjamin Bochnowski (far right) at the annual employee picnic.
Popular with employees: During the summer months, employees from the human resources department deliver fresh fruit and ice cream to employees working at the bank's 16 locations.
Fitness/wellness program: A health coach is assigned by the insurance carrier to help employees recognize potentials risks and improve their well-being.
Career development/training program: Selected employees go through a four-year program that trains them in credit, loan review and lending so they can become business bankers.
No. 21: Chesapeake Bank
Location: Kilmarnock, Va.
Assets: $687 million
Employees: 212
Chairman, president and CEO: Jeffrey Szyperski
www.chesbank.com
Pictured: Chesapeake Bank's "Buck Stays Here" initiative encourages employees to patronize a local business as a group on the third Thursday of the month and post pictures to their social media accounts. This is a photo one group of employees took while dining at a local restaurant.
Assets: $687 million
Employees: 212
Chairman, president and CEO: Jeffrey Szyperski
Pictured: Chesapeake Bank's "Buck Stays Here" initiative encourages employees to patronize a local business as a group on the third Thursday of the month and post pictures to their social media accounts. This is a photo one group of employees took while dining at a local restaurant.
Popular among employees: "Power meetings" ensure that each week has a focus at Chesapeake Bank. Small gifts and prizes are given for winning ideas expressed at the meetings. In addition, employees share success stories to inspire one another.
Activities to reduce stress/promote fun: Chesapeake encourages employees to go together as a group to patronize area stores and restaurants on the third Thursday of each month, as part of a
Sustainability initiative: All of the bank's computer equipment and electronics get recycled at ARC of the Peninsula. This e-recycling program creates jobs for people with disabilities and helps the environment by keeping tons of waste out of landfills.
For more on Chesapeake, see "
No. 22: Choice Financial Group
Location: Grand Forks, N.D.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 254
CEO: Brian Johnson
www.choicefinancialgroup.com
Pictured: Photo booth pictures from Choice Financial's most recent anniversary party.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 254
CEO: Brian Johnson
Pictured: Photo booth pictures from Choice Financial's most recent anniversary party.
Popular with employees: Fundraiser activities include a dunk tank where a $5 donation gives people a chance to send their favorite Choice employee into the water. Over the last two years, Choice has raised $38,654 for United Way of Cass-Clay.
Fitness/wellness program: Each year a group of Choice employees participates in the local Corporate Cup Challenge, competing against other local businesses in events such as cycling, running and tug of war.
Community service initiative: Starting in January 2015, Choice committed a total of $50,000 over five years to help TNT Kids Fitness double the number of children it serves.
No. 23: Prime Meridian Bank
Location: Tallahassee, Fla.
Assets: $264 million
Employees: 57
President and CEO: Sammie Dixon
www.primemeridianbank.com
Pictured: In spring and fall, Prime Meridian Bank hosts grill-out lunches for their local communities, clients and public servants.
Assets: $264 million
Employees: 57
President and CEO: Sammie Dixon
Pictured: In spring and fall, Prime Meridian Bank hosts grill-out lunches for their local communities, clients and public servants.
Popular with employees: Ice breakers during meetings include employees submitting something about themselves in advance, like a favorite song or movie, and then guessing whose is whose.
Career development/training: Prime Meridian started a mentoring program called "Building Bankers" last year, where senior employees meet monthly with younger ones to offer advice. There is no set time limit for the program; rather, the mentors and mentees end their relationship when they are ready.
Bonus/incentive program: The Tami Award, named after an employee who personified the bank's culture and core values, is given out each year. The recipient gets $500 and a crystal trophy.
No. 24: Kentucky Farmers Bank
Location: Ashland, Ky.
Assets: $181 million
Employees: 62
Chairman and CEO: April Perry
www.kentuckyfarmersbank.com
Pictured: KFB employees collected funds and participated in the local Alzheimers Walk.
Assets: $181 million
Employees: 62
Chairman and CEO: April Perry
Pictured: KFB employees collected funds and participated in the local Alzheimers Walk.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: Employees participated in a six-week cooking class hosted at one Kentucky Farmers Bank location that has a full kitchen. The cost was minimal for employees to participate, and the instructor showed attendees how to prepare dishes in a healthier way.
Community service initiative: The bank provides backpacks and other items to the Ashland Alliance Young Professionals Backpack Program, which ensures elementary school students in need receive school supplies and at least one new outfit.
Bonus/incentive program: An annual cash bonus is paid to all employees at the end of the year, including new hires that come on board prior to Sept. 1 of that year. The amount is based on various criteria, including the bank's income and an employee's performance rating.
No. 25: 1st National Bank
Location: Berlin, Wis.
Assets: $365 million
Employees: 93
President: Tom Jensen
www.myfirstnational.com
Pictured: 1st National Bank team after finishing the Princess Warrior Mud run.
Assets: $365 million
Employees: 93
President: Tom Jensen
Pictured: 1st National Bank team after finishing the Princess Warrior Mud run.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: 1st National offers free 20-minute on-site chair massages every other week at its main location.
Fitness/wellness program: Each month employees are encouraged to make a specific salad and then take a "salad selfie." One winner is given a to-go salad container.
Community service initiative: On "Casual for a Cause" days, employees can pay $5 or more to dress casually. This enabled the bank to raise more than $7,500 for charitable causes in 2015.
No. 26: 1st Summit Bank
Location: Johnstown, Pa.
Assets: $950 million
Employees: 176
President and CEO: Elmer Laslo
www.1stsummit.com
Pictured: Freezin' for a reason: 1st Summit Bank employees plunging the frigid waters to benefit the Special Olympics.
Assets: $950 million
Employees: 176
President and CEO: Elmer Laslo
Pictured: Freezin' for a reason: 1st Summit Bank employees plunging the frigid waters to benefit the Special Olympics.
Popular among employees: Four times a year, 1st Summit hosts outings partly to recognize employees for jobs well done, but also to give them a chance to socialize with each other. The biggest of these events is a summer picnic, held every August. It includes a softball game and other outdoor activities and is followed by an awards ceremony.
Fitness/wellness program: A discounted gym membership program is available. For $25 a month, participants get unlimited access to multiple gyms in the area.
Community service initiative: The bank made a $500,000 long-term commitment to a Johnstown, Pa., nonprofit organization that promotes the region's revitalization, heritage and culture.
For more on 1st Summit, see "
No. 27: First Bank Financial Centre
Location: Oconomowoc, Wis.
Assets: $983 million
Employees: 299
President and CEO: Mark W. Mohr
www.fbfcwi.com
Pictured: FBFC employees spend an afternoon putting together over 60 Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Donations go to local food pantries.
Assets: $983 million
Employees: 299
President and CEO: Mark W. Mohr
Pictured: FBFC employees spend an afternoon putting together over 60 Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Donations go to local food pantries.
Fitness/wellness program: An annual wellness fair provides biometric screenings, health risk assessments, massages, yoga instruction and healthy eating tips.
Community service initiative: Employees raise money for local cancer centers through an annual Lake Walk for Cancer in May.
Communication tool/practice: Every six weeks, President and Chief Executive Mark Mohr has an informal meeting with four selected employees to share ideas about improving the bank.
No. 28: Southern Heritage Bank
Location: Cleveland, Tenn.
Assets: $267 million
Employees: 60
Chairman and CEO: J. Lee Stewart
www.southernheritagebank.com
Pictured: Southern Heritage Bank annually participates in the United Way Community Food Drive and is the designated drop-off for Cleveland/Bradley residents.
Assets: $267 million
Employees: 60
Chairman and CEO: J. Lee Stewart
Pictured: Southern Heritage Bank annually participates in the United Way Community Food Drive and is the designated drop-off for Cleveland/Bradley residents.
Popular with employees: Birthdays mean
Community service initiative: Three volunteer teams built three homes for families headed by single mothers through the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland's Women Build initiative.
Bonus/incentive program: Employees are given gift cards worth up to $50 as "spot awards" for providing outstanding customer service.
No. 29: Origin Bank
Location: Ruston, La.
Assets: $3.8 billion
Employees: 662
President and CEO: Drake Mills
www.originbankonline.com
Pictured: A group of Origin Bank's Northeast Louisiana bankers used Project Enrich hours to volunteer with the American Red Cross.
Assets: $3.8 billion
Employees: 662
President and CEO: Drake Mills
Pictured: A group of Origin Bank's Northeast Louisiana bankers used Project Enrich hours to volunteer with the American Red Cross.
Fitness/wellness program: Employees at Origin (
Bonus/incentive program: Each department creates their own goals, and annual bonuses — usually ranging from 4% to 20% of an employee's salary — are calculated based on meeting those goals.
Communication tool/practice: An intranet newsletter includes a "Caption This" section, where employees add descriptions to funny pictures, and a brag board, where co-workers can praise someone's good work.
No. 30: Central Bank
Location: Lexington, Ky.
Assets: $2.2 billion
Employees: 511
Chairman, president and CEO: Luther Deaton
www.centralbank.com
Pictured: Family Fun Day Picnic
Assets: $2.2 billion
Employees: 511
Chairman, president and CEO: Luther Deaton
Pictured: Family Fun Day Picnic
Popular with employees: Employees can get interest-free loans to buy computers and fitness equipment.
Community service initiative: In partnership with the Kincaid Scholarship Fund, Central Bank donates $50,000 annually to help local students in need attend college.
Bonus/incentive program: The bank's Support Leader Award recognizes employees for going above and beyond. Each quarter nominees get $50 and an engraved walnut box at a breakfast meeting.
No. 31: First Internet Bank
Location: Indianapolis
Assets: $1.5 billion
Employees: 169
Chairman, president and CEO: David Becker
www.firstib.com
Pictured: First Internet Bank participates annually in the Indy Sports Corp Corporate Challenge, a friendly competition that draws competitors from more than 150 of the top companies based in Indiana.
Assets: $1.5 billion
Employees: 169
Chairman, president and CEO: David Becker
Pictured: First Internet Bank participates annually in the Indy Sports Corp Corporate Challenge, a friendly competition that draws competitors from more than 150 of the top companies based in Indiana.
Fitness/wellness program: The annual "Freeze" campaign encourages employees to avoid weight gain during the holidays. Those who are successful receive a cash bonus.
Community service initiative: Each employee can donate up to $300 to a charitable organization of their choosing, with the bank funding the donation.
Sustainability initiative: To encourage employees to drink more water and reduce waste, First Internet provides branded reusable water bottles.
No. 32: Civista Bank
Location: Sandusky, Ohio
Assets: $1.5 billion
Employees: 335
Chairman and CEO: James Miller
www.civistabank.com
Pictured: Employees lift a wall at a local Habitat for Humanity build.
Assets: $1.5 billion
Employees: 335
Chairman and CEO: James Miller
Pictured: Employees lift a wall at a local Habitat for Humanity build.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: To foster team-building, Civista sends employees who work in the same department out together after hours for dinner or bowling.
Community service initiative: The bank sponsors an annual "Volunteer Day" in which employees can give their time to a community nonprofit
Employee recognition/appreciation program: Employees can recognize each other for providing exceptional service. Those cited receive a certificate and a mention in the weekly newsletter.
No. 33: City Bank
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $2.5 billion
Employees: 658
President and CEO: Cory Newsom
www.citybankonline.com
Pictured: City Bank employees from Dallas and Plano volunteering at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Assets: $2.5 billion
Employees: 658
President and CEO: Cory Newsom
Pictured: City Bank employees from Dallas and Plano volunteering at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Popular with employees: Employees team up by branches and departments to develop a theme for the Halloween costume contest.
Community service initiative: More than 170 employees, including President and Chief Executive Cory Newsom, take turns delivering Meals on Wheels to residents in the community three days a week.
Bonus/incentive program: City Bank offers employees performance-based stock and cash bonuses at the end of the year. Cash incentives are paid in the first week in December so employees have extra money for holiday shopping.
No. 34: Evergreen Bank Group
Location: Oak Brook, Ill.
Assets: $707 million
Employees: 99
President and CEO: Darin Campbell
www.evergreenbankgroup.com
Pictured: A group of Evergreen employees organizes a "Relay for Life" team every year in memory of a beloved co-worker who passed way from cancer.
Assets: $707 million
Employees: 99
President and CEO: Darin Campbell
Pictured: A group of Evergreen employees organizes a "Relay for Life" team every year in memory of a beloved co-worker who passed way from cancer.
Popular with employees: Evergreen provides employees with standing desks, which allows them to change positions from sitting to standing and back again as they like throughout the day.
Employee recognition/appreciation program: Each employee receives a free turkey for Thanksgiving.
http://www.evergreenbankgroup.com
Sustainability initiative: The bank hosts a free annual electronic recycling and paper shredding event. Community members can bring in old electronics to be safely wiped, dismantled and recycled.
No. 35: First Horizon National Corp.
Location: Memphis, Tenn.
Assets: $26.8 billion
Employees: 4,236
Chairman, president and CEO: Bryan Jordan
www.firsthorizon.com
Pictured: First Horizon's volunteer program allows employees to find opportunities to serve in communities individually or with their teams.
Assets: $26.8 billion
Employees: 4,236
Chairman, president and CEO: Bryan Jordan
Pictured: First Horizon's volunteer program allows employees to find opportunities to serve in communities individually or with their teams.
Community service initiative: First Horizon hosts an annual financial literacy essay contest for students in grades six to 12. A dozen winners receive tickets to an NBA game, a financial literacy book and $100 to save or invest.
Bonus/incentive program: The Diamond Circle recognizes and rewards top sales performers and includes an annual incentive trip. Those who qualify can take a guest on an all-expense-paid, five-day trip to the celebration at a resort destination.
Sustainability initiative: The company's operations facility uses solar power.
No. 36: Community Bank
Location: Brandon, Miss.
Assets: $2.8 billion
Employees: 715
Senior chairman: Thomas Colbert
www.communitybank.net
Pictured: Community Bank held its 9th Annual Fashion Show, allowing merchants from around the city of Indianola to participate and showcase their stylish apparel.
Assets: $2.8 billion
Employees: 715
Senior chairman: Thomas Colbert
Pictured: Community Bank held its 9th Annual Fashion Show, allowing merchants from around the city of Indianola to participate and showcase their stylish apparel.
Popular among employees: Favorite perks include a stock ownership program, clothing allowance, and tuition reimbursement for undergraduate classes.
Activities to reduce stress/promote fun: Community Bank hosts an annual customer appreciation golf tournament. More than 200 customers typically attend the event, which the bank has been sponsoring for 22 years.
Community service initiative: At the bank's ninth annual fashion show, merchants from Indianola, Miss., showcased their apparel and local restaurants offered tastings of their most popular Mississippi Delta dishes.
For more on Community Bank, see "
No. 37: The Bankers Bank
Location: Oklahoma City
Assets: $270 million
Employees: 71
President and CEO: Don Abernathy
www.thebankersbank.com
Pictured: Bankers Bank employees enjoy a day at the movies.
Assets: $270 million
Employees: 71
President and CEO: Don Abernathy
Pictured: Bankers Bank employees enjoy a day at the movies.
Popular with employees: Employees look forward to wearing jeans on Fridays.
Fitness/wellness program: Equipment in the exercise room includes an elliptical machine and treadmill.
Bonus/incentive program: Employees are eligible for an annual bonus and profit-sharing.
No. 38: BankPlus
Location: Ridgeland, Miss.
Assets: $3 billion
Employees: 812
President and CEO: William A. Ray
www.bankplus.net
Pictured: BankPlus employees David Kelly, Bruce Ulrich and Wilson Etherly help take the Banker's Build Habitat House from a blank slab to roof trusses in one day.
Assets: $3 billion
Employees: 812
President and CEO: William A. Ray
Pictured: BankPlus employees David Kelly, Bruce Ulrich and Wilson Etherly help take the Banker's Build Habitat House from a blank slab to roof trusses in one day.
Popular with employees: Employees have the option to take their families to a minor league baseball game and sit in the BankPlus suite.
Fitness/wellness program: "Healthy You Day" allows employees to take a
Bonus/incentive programs: Under BankPlus' referral and sales programs, employees earn "stars," which they can cash in later. Employees have received thousands of extra dollars this way.
No. 39: HomeTown Bank
Location: Roanoke, Va.
Assets: $493 million
Employees: 101
President and CEO: Susan Still
www.hometownbank.com
Pictured: HomeTown Bank employees Carolyn Kiser and Carolyn Dearing volunteer at Roanoke's Annual Strawberry Festival, which benefits Roanoke's Community School.
Assets: $493 million
Employees: 101
President and CEO: Susan Still
Pictured: HomeTown Bank employees Carolyn Kiser and Carolyn Dearing volunteer at Roanoke's Annual Strawberry Festival, which benefits Roanoke's Community School.
Community service initiative: Employee fundraisers last year helped create the HomeTown Community Fund, and going forward employees will be able to direct contributions from the fund to local charities of their choice.
Bonus/incentive program: HomeTown employees who offer ideas to cut costs are given a percentage of any quantifiable amount of money saved.
Communication tool/practice: An instant messaging tool, Cisco Jabber, allows employees to communicate quickly without having to phone or email each other.
No. 40: Centier Bank
Location: Merrillville, Ind.
Assets: $3.2 billion
Employees: 758
President and CEO: Mike Schrage
www.centier.com
Pictured: Center Bank rewards exceptional work with a Whale Done! recognition.
Assets: $3.2 billion
Employees: 758
President and CEO: Mike Schrage
Pictured: Center Bank rewards exceptional work with a Whale Done! recognition.
Popular with employees: Around Mother's Day, Centier has a program called "Rainbows and Butterflies" to bring together employees whose mothers have passed away.
Bonus/incentive program: Employees receive up to
Fitness/wellness programs: An on-site health coach is available to all employees. The coach also hosts monthly gatherings to discuss health topics.
No. 41: First Green Bank
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Assets: $411 million
Employees: 89
Chairman: Kenneth LaRoe
www.firstgreenbank.com
Pictured: First Green Bank's largest branch, in Mount Dora, is LEED Platinum Certified, has a solar panel roof, electric charging stations, a butterfly roof that collects rain water for irrigation usage, a gym for employees and a "living wall" that improves the indoor air quality.
Assets: $411 million
Employees: 89
Chairman: Kenneth LaRoe
Pictured: First Green Bank's largest branch, in Mount Dora, is LEED Platinum Certified, has a solar panel roof, electric charging stations, a butterfly roof that collects rain water for irrigation usage, a gym for employees and a "living wall" that improves the indoor air quality.
Fitness/wellness program: A personal trainer teaches classes twice a week at one of the bank's branches and is available to all employees for consultations.
Employee recognition/appreciation program: Monthly staff meetings end with "shout outs" where any employee can recognize someone else for a work-related accomplishment.
Sustainability initiative: First Green offers incentives to employees to drive high-mileage vehicles and install solar panels on their homes.
No. 42: Allegiance Bank
Location: Houston
Assets: $2.2 billion
Employees: 303
Chairman: Steven Retzloff
www.AllegianceBank.com
Pictured: Allegiance Employees compete for best Halloween costume.
Assets: $2.2 billion
Employees: 303
Chairman: Steven Retzloff
Pictured: Allegiance Employees compete for best Halloween costume.
Fitness/wellness program: Allegiance provides a medical concierge service to all employees on site or in their homes.
Community service initiative: The bank partners with a local television station to sponsor a program that highlights achievements in high school sports.
Employee recognition/incentive program: Employees celebrating milestone anniversaries can go to a website to select a special gift based on their tenure.
No. 43: City National Bank
Location: Miami
Assets: $7.1 billion
Employees: 493
President and CEO: Jorge Gonzalez
www.citynational.com
Pictured: City National President and CEO Jorge Gonzalez speaks to team members at one the bank's quarterly town halls.
Assets: $7.1 billion
Employees: 493
President and CEO: Jorge Gonzalez
Pictured: City National President and CEO Jorge Gonzalez speaks to team members at one the bank's quarterly town halls.
Popular with employees: The bank has a celebration on National Employee Appreciation Day as well as monthly employee appreciation lunches throughout the year.
Fitness/wellness program: The "Just Walk 10,000 Steps a Day" program launched with participating employees receiving free pedometers. They wore the pedometers daily to see who could walk the most steps.
Sustainability initiative: More than a quarter of City National employees use public transportation. This green choice is entirely subsidized by the bank.
No. 44: First Busey Corp.
Location: Champaign, Ill.
Assets: $5.5 billion
Employees: 1,300
President and CEO: Van Dukeman
www.busey.com
Pictured: First Busey employees put on their walking shoes in support of "walk for prevention" of Lee County, a coalition against a drug-free Southwest Florida initiative.
Assets: $5.5 billion
Employees: 1,300
President and CEO: Van Dukeman
Pictured: First Busey employees put on their walking shoes in support of "walk for prevention" of Lee County, a coalition against a drug-free Southwest Florida initiative.
Fitness/wellness program: An on-site gym and wellness center opened this year, complete with a health bar.
Career development/training program: Three training programs, called Develop, Evolve, and Transform, are designed for employees of various levels. Develop is open to any employee with an interest in self-improvement, while Evolve is competitive and targets emerging leaders. Transform helps First Busey's most influential executives refine their leadership skills.
Communication tool/practice: First Busey hosts many networking events for employees throughout the year, from happy hours to summer cookouts.
For more on First Busey, see "
No. 45: First National Bank of Middle Tennessee
Location: McMinnville, Tenn.
Assets: $486 million
Employees: 118
President and CEO: Pieter van Vuuren
www.fnbmt.com
Pictured: FNB's Father-Daughter Date Night
Assets: $486 million
Employees: 118
President and CEO: Pieter van Vuuren
Pictured: FNB's Father-Daughter Date Night
Employee recognition/appreciation program: First National often provides breakfast or lunch for employees.
Community service initiative: Volunteering with organizations such as Relay for Life is popular with employees.
Bonus/incentive program: At the close of last year, employees participated in "Race to 2016," an incentive program with cash rewards and other prizes.
No. 46: Old Point National Bank
Location: Hampton, Va.
Assets: $897 million
Employees: 272
Chairman, President and CEO: Robert Shuford Sr.
www.oldpoint.com
Pictured: Old Point National Bank employees participated in team building activities and small group discussions at the bank's 2015 employee meeting.
Assets: $897 million
Employees: 272
Chairman, President and CEO: Robert Shuford Sr.
Pictured: Old Point National Bank employees participated in team building activities and small group discussions at the bank's 2015 employee meeting.
Popular with employees: Old Point employees with excellent attendance for six months can earn extra time off.
Activities to relieve stress/promote fun: The bank organizes golf outings for employees to meet after work and play a few rounds together.
Communication tool/practice: A suggestion box is used to solicit employee input. Management answers all submitted questions.
No. 47: Happy State Bank
Location: Happy, Texas
Assets: $2.9 billion
Employees: 640
Chairman and CEO: J. Pat Hickman
www.happybank.com
Pictured: The Happy Mortgage Team was presented an award by NBA legend Magic Johnson for improving efficiency in the mortgage loan process. The team reduced closing time by 34%.
Assets: $2.9 billion
Employees: 640
Chairman and CEO: J. Pat Hickman
Pictured: The Happy Mortgage Team was presented an award by NBA legend Magic Johnson for improving efficiency in the mortgage loan process. The team reduced closing time by 34%.
Popular with employees: Last year Happy State gave more than $101,000 to help employees in crisis with medical expenses, car repairs and mortgage payments.
Activities to relieve stress/promote fun: The bank has "fun" committees, which plan activities such as Easter egg hunts, corn hole tournaments and Waffle Wednesdays. Laughter is a "core value" endorsed by management.
Community service initiative: The bank and its employees painted, repaired and furnished an apartment for a family through the Downtown Women's Center, an agency that helps homeless women working to overcome addiction.
No. 48: Washington Trust Bank
Location: Spokane, Wash.
Assets: $5.2 billion
Employees: 894
Chairman and CEO: Peter Stanton
www.watrust.com
Pictured: Washington Trust's Portfolio Management Group won $100+ worth of healthy snacks after winning the bank's Halloween costume contest.
Assets: $5.2 billion
Employees: 894
Chairman and CEO: Peter Stanton
Pictured: Washington Trust's Portfolio Management Group won $100+ worth of healthy snacks after winning the bank's Halloween costume contest.
Popular with employees: Use of corporate cars for appointments during the day is a popular perk for employees that carpool or take public transportation to work.
Fitness/wellness program: Washington Trust offers on-site yoga and barre classes every Friday at its headquarters.
Career development/training program: "Leading from the Line" is the bank's boot camp for employees with high potential. The program teaches communication, persuasion and decision-making skills.
No. 49: Norway Savings Bank
Location: Norway, Maine
Assets: $1 billion
Employees: 275
President and CEO: Patricia Weigel
www.norwaysavingsbank.com
Pictured: At Norway Savings Bank's annual awards banquet, employees came dressed in their best 1970's attire and celebrated the bank's 150th anniversary.
Assets: $1 billion
Employees: 275
President and CEO: Patricia Weigel
Pictured: At Norway Savings Bank's annual awards banquet, employees came dressed in their best 1970's attire and celebrated the bank's 150th anniversary.
Popular with employees: An annual employee banquet recognizes individual and team accomplishments. A group of employees organizes the event and decides the theme, entertainment and raffle prizes.
Fitness/wellness program: A fitness room at the main office is available to all employees for $1 per week.
Career development/training program: Employees work with the career solutions center to assess current skills and create a development plan, which includes mentoring, job shadowing and education.
No. 50: Old National Bank
Location: Evansville, Ind.
Assets: $12 billion
Employees: 2,477
President and CEO: Bob Jones
www.oldnational.com
Pictured: Old National employees participated in the Habitat for Humanity Ag Build in Indianapolis.
Assets: $12 billion
Employees: 2,477
President and CEO: Bob Jones
Pictured: Old National employees participated in the Habitat for Humanity Ag Build in Indianapolis.
Fitness/wellness program: The Call-a-Coach program is an inbound, confidential coaching service that allows employees to speak with a professional health coach about wellness-related issues.
Family-friendly benefit/practice: Employees can
Community service initiative: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its volunteer program, Old National conducted a "10 Weeks for 10 Years" campaign. During the ten-week period, more than 1,200 associates served about 19,000 volunteer hours.
For more on Old National, see "
No. 51: River Valley Bank
Location: Wausau, Wis.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 270
President and CEO: Todd Nagel
www.rivervalleybank.com
Pictured: Every Wednesday and Friday is Popcorn Day at River Valley for employees and customers.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Employees: 270
President and CEO: Todd Nagel
Pictured: Every Wednesday and Friday is Popcorn Day at River Valley for employees and customers.
Popular with employees: During the fall harvest, the bank's owners deliver homegrown vegetables to all locations for employees and customers.
Family-friendly benefit/practice: The bank often buys blocks of tickets to sporting events, which it then distributes to employees.
Communication tool/practice: A formal committee of employees presents questions, concerns and ideas to management.
No. 52: Charter Bank
Location: Eau Claire, Wis.
Assets: $826 million
Employees: 85
President and CEO: Paul Kohler
www.charterbank.bank
Pictured: Charter Bank employees and their families came out to support the Bank sponsored Downtown Eau Claire Memorial Day parade.
Assets: $826 million
Employees: 85
President and CEO: Paul Kohler
Pictured: Charter Bank employees and their families came out to support the Bank sponsored Downtown Eau Claire Memorial Day parade.
Popular with employees: Employees get an extra vacation day during their anniversary month.
Fitness/wellness program: A wellness room is open to employees for stretching and relaxing.
Employee recognition/appreciation program: During each staff meeting, President and Chief Executive Paul Kohler recognizes employees who have done exceptional work.
No. 53: Level One Bank
Location: Farmington Hills, Mich.
Assets: $1 billion
Employees: 198
President and CEO: Patrick Fehring
www.levelonebank.com
Pictured: Level One employees raising money for charity during the bank's annual Michigan vs. Michigan State tailgate competition.
Assets: $1 billion
Employees: 198
President and CEO: Patrick Fehring
Pictured: Level One employees raising money for charity during the bank's annual Michigan vs. Michigan State tailgate competition.
Popular with employees: Level One hosts an annual bring-your-dog-to-work day.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: A "fun committee" organizes events such as pingpong tournaments and wacky-hat day.
Community service initiative: The bank has developed a custom financial literacy program and trains volunteers to teach the program in low- to moderate-income communities. Classes cover household budgeting, credit basics and payday lender risks.
No. 54: First United Bank
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 238
CEO: R. Mark Bain
www.FirstUnited.net
Pictured: Employees of Plains Bancorp, parent company of First United Bank, went to a local Walmart to purchase baskets of peoples groceries and Christmas presents for a "Spirit of Generosity" campaign.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 238
CEO: R. Mark Bain
Pictured: Employees of Plains Bancorp, parent company of First United Bank, went to a local Walmart to purchase baskets of peoples groceries and Christmas presents for a "Spirit of Generosity" campaign.
Popular with employees: Trivia questions go out the Friday before every Texas Tech football game. The first three employees to respond with the correct answers win a prize, such as gift cards, game tickets and Texas Tech apparel.
Activity to reduce stress/promote fun: Participants in the Halloween costume contest pick a theme as a department. Employees peruse photos of each group and vote for their favorite.
Bonus/incentive program: Every First United employee is given a Christmas bonus based on the number of years that person has been working at the bank.
No. 55: The Muncy Bank and Trust Co.
Location: Muncy, Pa.
Assets: $375 million
Employees: 89
Chairman: Daniel Berninger
www.muncybank.com
Pictured: Muncy Bank employees decorated a float for the Little League World Series Grand Slam parade and handed out baseballs and water bottles.
Assets: $375 million
Employees: 89
Chairman: Daniel Berninger
Pictured: Muncy Bank employees decorated a float for the Little League World Series Grand Slam parade and handed out baseballs and water bottles.
Popular with employees: Muncy Bank employees bring dishes to share for monthly luncheons.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: Employees walked in the Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade. They decorated a float and handed out baseballs and water bottles to the crowd.
Employee recognition/appreciation program: When an employee reaches a major anniversary on the job, the bank celebrates by providing gifts and cake for the office.
No. 56: Bank First National
Location: Manitowoc, Wis.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 182
CEO: Michael Molepske
www.bankfirstnational.com
Pictured: The Bank First "Money Machine" Team competes at the YMCA Corporate Challenge.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Employees: 182
CEO: Michael Molepske
Pictured: The Bank First "Money Machine" Team competes at the YMCA Corporate Challenge.
Popular with employees: Every January, all employees receive up to $300 to buy work attire.
Fitness/wellness program: Fruit is delivered to all of Bank First's offices on Mondays.
Employee recognition/appreciation program: The bank recognizes milestone anniversaries with a visit from Chief Executive Michael Molepske, flowers, a gift and cake. Photos of the festivities are posted on the intranet.
No. 57: Zions First National Bank
Location: Salt Lake City
Assets: $58.3 billion
Employees: 1,946
President and CEO: A. Scott Anderson
www.zionsbank.com
Pictured: Zions Bank employees work to make a difference in their communities during annual United Way Day of Caring in September.
Assets: $58.3 billion
Employees: 1,946
President and CEO: A. Scott Anderson
Pictured: Zions Bank employees work to make a difference in their communities during annual United Way Day of Caring in September.
Fitness/wellness program: Zions has a new fitness center at its corporate office in Salt Lake City. Employees in other locations can get discounts on gym memberships.
Community service initiative: During the bank's 18th annual United Way campaign, employees donated more than $700,000 to assist local organizations.
Communication tool/practice: Employees can anonymously call and leave complaints, concerns or suggestions on an "ethic hotline."
No. 58: Citizens Bank of West Virginia
Location: Elkins, W.Va.
Assets: $233 million
Employees: 72
President and CEO: Thomas Derbyshire
www.citizenswv.com
Pictured: Citizens won the Team Spirit award in the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce 5k Sunset Chase.
Assets: $233 million
Employees: 72
President and CEO: Thomas Derbyshire
Pictured: Citizens won the Team Spirit award in the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce 5k Sunset Chase.
Popular among employees: Citizens Bank of West Virginia provides monthly "smile" lunch, surprise or other fun activity, ranging from tailgates to ice cream socials.
Community service initiative: The bank is big on
Sustainability initiative: Used ink and toner cartridges are donated to a local school, which sells them for recycling as a way to raise money for its PTO.
For more on Citizens, see "
No. 59: American Savings Bank
Location: Honolulu
Assets: $6.1 billion
Employees: 1,162
President and CEO: Richard Wacker
www.asbhawaii.com
Pictured: Through its Seeds of Service program, American Savings Bank employees have contributed more than 22,000 hours of volunteer service, and the bank has donated millions of dollars to Hawaii schools, non-profits and community organizations.
Assets: $6.1 billion
Employees: 1,162
President and CEO: Richard Wacker
Pictured: Through its Seeds of Service program, American Savings Bank employees have contributed more than 22,000 hours of volunteer service, and the bank has donated millions of dollars to Hawaii schools, non-profits and community organizations.
Popular with employees: American Savings employees earn points for years of service and for completing health and wellness challenges. The points can be redeemed for gift cards and other prizes.
Career development/training program: Each year, a group of high-potential employees are sent to either the Barrett School of Banking or the Pacific Coast Banking School. Both offer two-year graduate-level programs.
Bonus/incentive program: A profit-sharing program paid out more than $1.7 million to employees last year.
No. 60: First Premier Bank
Location: Sioux Falls, S.D.
Assets: $2 billion
Employees: 339
CEO: Dana Dykhouse
www.firstpremier.com
Pictured: The PREMIER Summer Track Meet has been an anticipated community tradition for over 20 years, drawing close to 2,000 participants in 2015.
Assets: $2 billion
Employees: 339
CEO: Dana Dykhouse
Pictured: The PREMIER Summer Track Meet has been an anticipated community tradition for over 20 years, drawing close to 2,000 participants in 2015.
Popular with employees: For more than 20 years, First Premier has provided scholarships to high school seniors. Last year, 15 of the 31 $1,000 scholarships awarded went to children of bank employees.
Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: Unique sales meetings help foster teamwork. One example is an exercise in a corn maze meant to highlight a healthy approach to organizational change.
Community service initiative: Last year the bank was the exclusive sponsor of the United Way rally, "Start with Heart." The event featured the rock bank Heart.
