The Best Credit Unions to Work For with assets of $500 million to $1 billion, 2021

September 3, 2021 10:45 AM

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At the middle range of the Best Credit Unions to Work For — those with $500 million to $1 billion of assets — the perks focus on career opportunities and quality of life.

The benefits of working for these credit unions range from higher starting wages, on-site training, full payment of life insurance premiums, and annual bonuses. They also foster a sense of community with game nights, holiday parties and birthday celebrations.

The following cardshow provides snapshots of the Best Credit Unions to Work For at $500 million to $1 billion of assets, and specific highlights of how each has gone the extra mile to boost employee morale and preserve its organizational culture. (The list was formerly produced by Credit Union Journal, which is now part of American Banker.)

Click here to see the full list of the Best Credit Unions to Work For.

Leaders Credit Union

Jackson, Tennessee
Assets: $600 million
President and CEO: Todd Swims
Overall rank: 18
Category rank: 1

The “Brand Champion” program encourages employees to go above and beyond for members. A monthly Brand Champion is chosen by the Brand Committee.
An employee assistance program is available to provide counseling for marital, parental or financial problems, as well as help for problems such as substance abuse, smoking and gambling.
The “Leaders Listens” initiative fosters a service culture by actively seeking to champion employees’ innovative ideas.

Pictured: Leaders Credit Union donated over 1,500 pounds of canned food from a member-wide “From Leaders with Love” canned food drive.

Notre Dame Federal Credit Union

Notre Dame, Indiana
Assets: $897 million
President and CEO: Thomas Gryp
Overall rank: 19
Category rank: 2

In 2021, the credit union raised its minimum wage to $16.00 per hour, the second increase in two years.
The President Award event is a special dinner for employees who receive a four or five on a five-point scale for their annual performance review. Employees can bring a guest to the celebration, which includes gifts, cocktails and socializing.
Quarterly awards are given for the top retail performer, the top branch member and the top teammate.

Pictured: Notre Dame Federal Credit Union employees reopen branches to serve members in person, once the pandemic eased. From left: Grace Kolo-Lange, Aidee Rodriguez, Linda Bryant, Spencer Perry and Jessica Sivia.

2021 Heritage Federal CU Best CU Picture-.jpg

Heritage Federal Credit Union

Newburgh, Indiana
Assets: $923 million
CEO: David Milligan
Overall rank: 26
Category rank: 3

All employees receive an annual bonus based on measured results.
The “Employee Engagement” team promotes and helps with events, such as holiday parties, outings and celebrations.
Every employee’s birthday is celebrated with a cake.

Pictured: Heritage Federal Credit Union’s Electronic Services Team celebrates St. Patrick’s Day 2021 in-person and via Zoom.

Deseret First Credit Union

West Valley City, Utah
Assets: $921 million
President and CEO: Shane London
Overall rank: 28
Category rank: 4

Employees are eligible to enroll in the credit union’s health care plan on the first day of work.
The credit union offers the “Deseret First Leadership Development Program” to employees.
The “Motivosity” program provides employees and managers with money each month to recognize peers. Employees can use accrued money to buy gift cards.

Pictured: Employees gather during the grand opening of Deseret First Credit Union’s new branch in Bountiful, Utah, earlier this year.

Arbor Financial Credit Union

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Assets: $813 million
President and CEO: Julie Blitchok
Overall rank: 40
Category rank: 5

Credit union-sponsored “Have Fun” events can include food trucks, game nights and a rented suite at the local ballpark.
Each month management posts a discussion question for employees to ponder. Employees who reply are entered into a drawing for a prize.
For the last five years, the credit union has won the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” award for Western Michigan.

Pictured: Arbors Financial Credit Union’s Arbor Caring Committee, which includes more than 30 employees, collects donations for the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.

Community Credit Union of Florida

Rockledge, Florida
Assets: $988 million
President and CEO: Laurie Cappelli
Overall rank: 42
Category rank: 6

“LinkedIn Learning” is a quarterly training program for all leadership staff.
The credit union sponsors the “Aging Matters Meals on Wheels Food Delivery” program.
Employees participate in the “Keep Brevard Beautiful Beach Clean-up Day.”

Pictured: Community Credit Union of Florida employees volunteering at the St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care facility.

Financial Plus Credit Union

Flint, Michigan
Assets: $780 million
CEO: Brad Bergmooser
Overall rank: 50
Category rank: 7

“SPARK!” is an employee engagement group that meets once a month and implements fun ideas to engage members and employees.
Recognition and gift cards given to those employees who participate in the “Stop Fraud in its Tracks” initiative.
The credit union offers job shadowing and cross-training programs.

Pictured: At Financial Plus Credit Union, employees at all levels are able to take advantage of multiple programs and cross-training initiatives, allowing them an opportunity to advance in their career. The latest Integrity Coaching graduates, from left: Jeff Newbill, Mary Olson, Ciara Kolasinski, Michelle Gibson, Jamie Keel, Christy Kemmer, Emily Jennings, Doug Hyde, Lesa Oosterhof and Doug Baechler.

Community Choice Credit Union

Johnston, Iowa
Assets: $729 million
CEO: Josh Cook
Overall rank: 53
Category rank: 8

To relieve stress, the credit union provides ping pong tables onsite for employees.
Once a year, the credit union conducts a 360-degree performance review of each employee.
Employees enjoy the annual formal holiday party featuring a gourmet buffet, drinks and prizes.

Pictured: In celebration of “March is Reading Month,” employees donated 438 books to local organizations, including the Oakland County Foster Closet.

Oklahoma's Credit Union

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Assets: $686 million
President and CEO: Luann Schmiedel
Overall rank: 55
Category rank: 9

The credit union pays 100% of each employee’s life insurance premium.
When employees are celebrating their anniversary month, their supervisor presents them with an award at a staff meeting.
Immediate family is invited to corporate events.

Pictured: In July of 2021, Oklahoma’s Credit Union celebrated successes from 2020 and 2021 during the annual employee party.