Washington, D.C. (Dec. 1, 2022) — Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), announced its 2022 Best Community Banks to Work For recipients. Honorees were recognized for promoting healthy and welcoming work environments for employees.
“Community banks have built a legacy of success by putting people first—and that extends to their workforce where inclusivity and ingenuity are celebrated, and employees are empowered to advocate on behalf of their customers and communities,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “ICBA applauds this year’s stand-out community banks for creating a culture of service and accountability that fosters professional development and rewards workplace performance. We wish them many years of continued prosperity.”
Participating community banks were ranked based on the results of 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 banks were then sorted into five asset categories, with the community banks receiving the highest index score in each asset class selected as a winner. Key criteria considered in selecting this year’s honorees included:
A diverse and inclusive workplace that develops leadership skills, encourages teamwork, and provides a forum to share ideas for improved bank performance.
Opportunities for employee advancement, allowing for the development of key skills to serve as effective advocates for customers in helping 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:
Bank of Montana ($246 million) in Missoula, Mont., for promoting a healthy work-life balance, while empowering employees with the training needed to reach their full potential.
Grand Ridge National Bank ($325 million) in Wheaton, Ill., for its supportive and collaborative business approach that promotes professional development and advancement.
CNB Bank ($530 million) in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., for empowering staff to make decisions that lead to more specific, personalized offerings for customers.
Midwest Bank ($990 million) in Norfolk, Neb., for its family-oriented culture that engenders good will and camaraderie and reinforces a strong sense of community.
Community Financial Services Bank ($1.4 billion) in Benton, Ky., for its transparent and collaborative structure that fosters cooperation across business lines.
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 creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.
With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5.8 trillion in assets, over $4.8 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 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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