Washington, D.C. (Dec. 1, 2023) — The December cover story of Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), spotlights this year’s Best Community Banks to Work For recipients.

Honorees were recognized for fostering healthy and welcoming employee work environments that produce measurable results.

“Putting people first is the underlying philosophy of relationship banking and why community banks are not only preferred lenders but sought-after employers,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “ICBA applauds this year’s honorees, which exemplify the best of community banking by creating a culture of service and high achievers who are fulfilled and motivated to excel to the benefit of their local communities.”

Featured banks were selected based on their ranking in a nationwide survey administered by Avannis, an independent research agency. The survey consisted of 48 scaled responses, from which an index or composite score was calculated. Eligible community banks were then sorted into five asset categories (based on March 31, 2023, FDIC call report data), with the highest index score recipients in each asset class named as winners. Key criteria considered in selecting this year’s honorees included:

  • A diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters leadership, encourages teamwork, and creates a forum for shared ideas for improved bank performance.

  • Opportunities for employee advancement and development of key skills to effectively advocate for customers and help them achieve their financial goals.

  • Performance standards and recognition, including competitive and equitable salaries with results-oriented goals and objectives.

This year’s Best Community Banks to Work For award winners are:

  • Local Bank ($44 million) in Tuscaloosa, Ala, for its supportive and hands-on approach to professional development and advancement.

  • Flint Community Bank ($315 million) in Albany, Ga., for its collaborative, goal-oriented approach to professional development.

  • CS Bank ($530 million) in Eureka Springs, Ark., for its welcoming and uplifting approach, which fuels camaraderie and enhanced productivity.

  • BOM Bank ($972 million) in Natchitoches, La., for instituting a healthy work-life balance for employees and fostering acts of community service.

  • MainStreet Bank ($2 billion) in Fairfax, Va., for its family-oriented culture that supports professional growth, teamwork and community outreach.

This is Independent Banker’s fourth annual Best Community Banks to Work For awards. To learn more about these banks and their stories, read the December issue of Independent Banker.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

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