ICBA’s Independent Banker Names 2019 Best Community Banks to Work For

ICBA Press Release Banner 2020
Washington, D.C. (Dec. 2, 2019)—Independent Banker® magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), today bestowed 2019 Best Community Banks to Work For honors upon five community banks that have gone above and beyond to create exceptional work experiences for their employees.  

“ICBA is proud to recognize these community banks for creating cultures of success through diverse and inclusive workforces; fostering personal and professional development, and a banking philosophy guided by creating lifelong relationships,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “The community bank relationship-based model, commitment to service and shared goal to make a positive difference all garner high praise and a loyal workforce.”

Participating community banks were sorted into asset categories and ranked based on a detailed questionnaire and a nationwide survey of community bank employees administered by Avannis, an independent research agency. Only banks that received a 40 percent employee participation rate or higher were eligible for recognition. Key criteria considered in selecting this year’s honorees included:

  • A diverse and inclusive workplace that develops leadership skills, encourages teamwork and provides opportunities to share ideas for improved bank performance.
  • Opportunities for advancement that enable staff to obtain key skills to effectively advocate on behalf of customers and help them achieve their financial goals.
  • Performance standards and recognition, including competitive and equitable salaries with results-oriented goals and objectives.

This 2019 Best Community Banks to Work For award winners include:

  • $172 million-asset Farmers State Bank in Hartland, Minn., which received high marks for its corporate culture, which is based on creativity and accountability.
  • $315 million-asset Timberline Bank in Grand Junction, Colo., whose collaborative environment and teams-based approach ensures employees have a say in how company goals are achieved.
  • $565 million-asset Norwood Bank in Norwood, Mass., whose family-friendly atmosphere fuels camaraderie and cooperation across business lines.
  • $864 million-asset Vista Bank in Dallas, whose golden rule to put people first—starting with employees—includes offering financial assistance to employees in need.
  • $1.3 billion-asset First Citizens Bank in Mason City, Iowa, which focuses on supporting employees’ civic service to promote goodwill within the community.

This is the inaugural year for Independent Banker’s Best Community Banks to Work For awards, which are sponsored by Shazam. Read the full writeup on this year’s winners in the December issue at independentbanker.org.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. With more than 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 750,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in five U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, nearly $4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org. 

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