ICBA’s Independent Banker Names 2021 Best Community Banks to Work For

Washington, D.C. (Dec. 1, 2021) — Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), today bestowed 2021 Best Community Banks to Work For honors upon five community banks for their exemplary efforts to create exceptional work environments for their employees.

“Community banks have always valued relationships and trust, so it’s no wonder they foster work environments that encourage a collegial, family-like culture, while valuing professional development, creativity, accountability and dedication,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “ICBA proudly recognizes this year’s honorees for creating a culture of success through employee empowerment and adherence to community banking principals rooted in service to employees, customers and the community.”

Participating community banks were sorted by asset category (using March 31, 2021 call report data) and ranked based on the results of a nationwide survey, administered by Avannis, an independent research agency, of more than 3,450 full-time community bank employees. Banks that received a 40% 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 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:

• Key Community Bank ($80 million) in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., for an accessible and approachable culture that empowers employees to serve as customer advocates.
• First Federal Savings & Loan ($325 million) in Pascagoula, Miss., for a supportive talent development culture and a reputation for promoting from within.
• Mauch Chunk Trust Co. ($578 million) in Jim Thorpe, Pa., for a family-oriented culture, which fuels camaraderie and cooperation across business lines.
• Community National Bank & Trust of Texas ($968 million) in Corsicana, Texas, for greenlighting ideas that foster continuous improvement and enhanced productivity.
• First State Bank ($1.5 billion) in Gainesville, Texas, for efforts to promote teamwork, professional growth, and recognition for going above and beyond for the community.

Independent Banker’s third annual Best Community Banks to Work For awards is sponsored by SHAZAM.

To learn more about these banks and their stories, view 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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