Best Banks to Work For 2023 with less than $3B of assets

November 28, 2023 1:11 PM

The smallest banks dominated American Banker's Best Banks to Work For ranking this year. Of the 90 honorees, more than 50 had less than $3 billion of assets.

Note: Asset sizes are from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. as of June 30. Employee head counts were provided by the banks.

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Employees participate in the annual Pink 5K event sponsored by the bank. The event helps to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Evergreen Bank

Oak Brook, Illinois
Assets: $1.5 billion
President and CEO: Darin Campbell
No. of U.S. employees: 196

Evergreen Bank Group is taking a few steps to further ensure that all employees feel a sense of belonging at the Oak Brook, Illinois, institution. It is enhancing its intranet, increasing the number of "State of the Bank" addresses to better engage and connect with staff members and improving its onboarding process. This is in addition to other benefits that the bank already provides, such as public shoutouts and spot bonuses for a job well done.

"[W]e promote the idea that employees are on a winning team and that we are a growing company which means there are opportunities for advancement within the company — that hard work pays off and our company would much rather promote within before looking outside the company," said Darin Campbell, president and CEO.

Employees at FirstBank Southwest celebrate the fall season with a fun event.

FirstBank Southwest

FirstBank Southwest
Amarillo, Texas
Assets: $1.7 billion
President and CEO: Andy Marshall
No. of U.S. employees: 231

FirstBank Southwest gathers feedback from its staff members to gain a deeper understanding of their workplace experience. New hires are surveyed after 30 and 90 days on the job to ensure they are aligning with the Amarillo, Texas, company's culture. Existing staff members are surveyed to find out ways the bank can improve. Promotions are considered based on following the bank's values, and there have been times that FirsBank Southwest parted ways with an employee if they weren't a good cultural fit, said Andy Marshall, president and CEO.

"The culture that makes this place so darn special will continue to be at the forefront of all that we do," Marshall added. "Too many banks lose their way as they get bigger and more complex. Too many banks don't reinforce and protect those special elements that allowed them to grow and thrive to that point in time. Too many banks take the easy, lazy way out by not addressing internal challenges to culture, and therefore harm their culture and the bank staff's morale by failing to act when action is clearly needed."

Legend bankers work on the Tarrant County Bankers Association Habitat for Humanity house. The company was a financial sponsor as well as provided volunteers to help build the house.

Legend Bank

Bowie, Texas
Assets: $1 billion
President and CEO: Jay Bearden
No. of U.S. employees: 199

Employees at Legend Bank in Bowie, Texas, have four rules they live by. Be honest, be productive and don't be a jerk are three of those rules. If a staff member sees an issue, they should tell a colleague so it can be fixed, is the fourth rule.

"Our culture is set by our values. Character, accountability, teamwork, adaptability, customer experience and community," said Jay Bearden, president and CEO. "We believe each of us has to possess the highest level of character to act with integrity and fulfill our individual responsibilities. We believe in holding each other accountable in a compassionate way and being comfortable being held accountable by others. When something unexpected happens, whether good or bad, our teamwork and adaptability shines through as we all work for a common goal of success. When we reach this level of performance, the customer experience is a good one. We will strive to make our communities better and serve as ambassadors for a community where people want to live, work and play."

Bank of Charles Town’s Banking on Diversity-Minority Business Loan Program was awarded the inaugural DEIA Member Award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Pictured are the Banking On Diversity clients and employees from the bank, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and FirstBank, which is a partner of the program.

Bank of Charles Town

Charles Town, West Virginia
Assets: $793.1 million
President and CEO: Alice Frazier
No. of U.S. employees: 127

Bank of Charles Town in West Virginia describes the bank's culture as "a glorious combination of tradition, client commitment and team spirit." Alice Frazier, president and CEO, meets with every employee on their work anniversary to hear about their time with the company and to share more about Bank of Charles Town.

1st Summit Bank employees volunteer with the Johnstown Resurrection Project and Hosanna Industries.

1st Summit Bank

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Assets: $1.4 billion
President and CEO: J. Eric Renner
No. of U.S. employees: 234

J. Eric Renner, president and CEO of 1st Summit Bank, strives to create an environment of openness. "[M]y door is always open. Employees need to feel comfortable asking questions and challenging what they are unsure about. This makes us all stronger together," he added.

Renner believes that communication is a key ingredient. Employees attend professional development events where he meets with groups to discuss the company's performance, challenges, growth initiatives and the strategic plan.

"It is important that everyone understands these important elements and how we can capitalize on new opportunities," Renner said. "It doesn't matter what your job is in the organization; in order for our culture to stay strong, people need to know what is happening."

Employees enjoy an annual awards night in 2022.

Maspeth Federal Savings

Maspeth, New York
Assets: $2.1 billion
President and CEO: Thomas Rudzewick
No. of U.S. employees: 192

Maspeth Federal Savings in New York is always looking for new ways that employees can improve their skills. For instance, recently, 18 staff members completed CPR training.

"By allowing employees to take time out of their workday to receive this type of life skill (with 100% support from their leaders), we hope to give them the confidence they deserve in all walks of life," said Thomas Rudzewick, president and CEO.

Additionally, employees can comment on upcoming work events and news through the company's intranet, which is called "The Community." Colleagues also meet regularly with their managers to discuss career development and any other concerns.

Every year, SouthWest Bank joins other businesses in the area at the Ector County Independent School District new teacher welcome reception. It’s a great way to extend a warm welcome to the new teachers and support local schools.

SouthWest Bank

Odessa, Texas
Assets: $665.5 million
CEO: Paul Weaver
No. of U.S. employees: 119

SouthWest Bank in Odessa, Texas, recently implemented a paid volunteer hours policy to ensure that staff members could help with causes they care about.

"As a community bank, we are about serving and giving back to the communities we operate in," said CEO Paul Weaver. "We encourage our employees to volunteer their time, serve on boards and be involved in local events."

CEO Ted Williams recognizes one banker a year with the CARE award, which is given to an employee who goes the extra mile to take care of clients and his or her colleagues. The winner receives an extra day off, a gift card, a leather portfolio and their name on the plague.

TriStar Bank

Dickson, Tennessee
Assets: $455.5 million
CEO: Ted Williams
No. of U.S. employees: 89

TriStar Bank's email tagline is C.A.R.E., which stands for "concerned, attentive, responsible, while going the extra mile."

"We make these communications visible in all areas of our organization," said Ted Williams, CEO of the Dickson, Tennessee, company. "We believe in building relationships internally with our teams and externally with our clients and our community. We reward bankers who live out our culture with flex days off, gift cards and verbal recognition. We encourage teamwork through improving trust, clear communication and offering educational opportunities."

Bank of Southern California employees participate in a charity walk for a local nonprofit.

Bank of Southern California

San Diego, California
Assets: $2.3 billion
Chairman and CEO: David Rainer
No. of U.S. employees: 214

Management at Bank of Southern California in San Diego believes in the importance of environmental, social and governance issues and diversity, equity and inclusion by taking steps such as recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday and providing annual diversity training.

"We take an active stance in identifying and addressing such areas by implementing appropriate policies and procedures, engaging in corresponding community activities and encouraging internal discussion to ensure awareness," said David Rainer, chairman and CEO.

Old Point CEO Rob Shuford Jr. reads to elementary school students.

Old Point National Bank

Hampton, Virginia
Assets: $1.4 billion
President and CEO: Rob Shuford Jr.
No. of U.S. employees: 276

Rob Shuford Jr., president and CEO of Old Point National Bank in Hampton, Virginia, tells all staff members that their families must come first. After that, employees should focus on "whatever refuels and balances them, which could be things like their faith, hobby or a personal passion, and the third priority is work," he added.

"I know that prioritizing the first two will make for a happier and more productive team overall," Shuford said.

Employees dress up in under the sea-themed costumes as part of the bank’s Halloween celebrations.

1st Security Bank

Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Assets: $2.9 billion
CEO: Joe Adams
No. of U.S. employees: 588

1st Security Bank's vision statement is "to build a truly great place to work and bank." Joe Adams, CEO of the Mountlake Terrace, Washington, company calls that goal "aspirational" because he recognizes that there is always room for improvement.

"The order of the words 'work' and 'bank' are also by design," Adams added. "We believe if you build a great place to work, it will naturally become a great place to bank. Let's face it, happy employees make for happy customers."

The summer of 2022, staff members enjoy the annual seaside meeting and celebration.

Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod

Hyannis, Massachusetts
Assets: $1.5 billion
Chair, president and CEO: Elizabeth Oliver
No. of U.S. employees: 170

As part of its staff development, Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod in Hyannis, Massachusetts, offers an in-house three-year leadership program called "Leading the Way" for current and future supervisors and managers.

Employees participate in the 2022 Halloween costume contest.

United Bank

Atmore, Alabama
Assets: $1.1 billion
President and CEO: Mike Vincent
No. of U.S. employees: 205

United Bank in Atmore, Alabama, became a community development financial institution 11 years ago and hasn't looked back since. In general, CDFIs work to reach underserved markets and customers.

"It's been rewarding for those who have embraced the unique opportunity that we have," said Mike Vincent, president and CEO. "This doesn't just affect our bottom line. It forms our culture. Our story is so meaningful. It makes a difference to our team, and it resonates with younger employees because we're different and we're making a difference. They know we're doing something different and better."

First Premier’s employees focus on serving their customers and communities.

First Premier Bank

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Assets: $2.9 billion
CEO: Dana Dykhouse
No. of U.S. employees: 392

First Premier Bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers leadership courses for managers, supervisors and those who demonstrate the potential for a leadership role. The first part of the program focuses on the bank's vision, views and values. The program's participants rate their department's workplace culture on a scale of one to 10. This is followed by asking participants to establish 30, 60 and 90-day goals to increase that rating by one point. The process is repeated on a semiannual basis.

As part of spirit week in October 2022, employees were invited to dress down and in the color pink and donate to a charity that works in breast cancer awareness.

First Federal Community Bank

Dover, Ohio
Assets: $730.1 million
President and CEO: Trent Troyer
No. of U.S. employees: 90

Trent Troyer, president and CEO of First Federal Community Bank, said that the Dover, Ohio, institution uses monthly employee newsletters, periodic staff meetings, quarterly work events and the annual summer picnic and Christmas party to help maintain its culture.

"We are a community and customer service focused institution that puts primacy on providing the kind of quick, personal attention that a customer needs and desires," Troyer said.

Peoples State Bank employees have fun while serving out some delicious ice cream and strawberries to customers.

Peoples State Bank

Wausau, Wisconsin
Assets: $1.4 billion
President and CEO: Scott Cattanach
No. of U.S. employees: 205

Since implementing an employee value proposition several years ago, Peoples State Bank in Wausau, Wisconsin, has hired more workers who are a better cultural fit. The employee value proposition states that the company not only cares about its customers but also treats employees like family.

"We give you the freedom and flexibility to focus on your family while you excel in your job. Our customer-focused approach is fueled by our desire to see our local communities succeed," the statement says.

"When employees know exactly what the culture is like — and they are a good match for that culture — they tend to be happier and work harder to provide our customers with a great experience," said Scott Cattanach, president and CEO. "Likewise, as we've filled management positions with internal and external candidates, we look carefully at the cultural fit to ensure success. When both your managers and employees understand the importance of our culture, it provides a base of culture fit throughout the organization."

Employees compete in the Omaha Corporate Games, a challenge focused on teamwork, company pride and healthy competition.

ACCESSbank

Omaha, Nebraska
Assets: $940 million
CEO: Patrick Corrigan
No. of U.S. employees: 129

ACCESSbank has a few dedicated groups to ensure everyone is having fun and is recognized. Its “community crusaders” help the bank get involved in philanthropic work while the “culture crew” focuses on creating a work environment that people want to come to every day and plans a variety of fun activities, such as grill outs and trivia challenges. The “events experts” celebrate employees and family members by hosting memorable gatherings, such as the holiday party, while the “wellness warriors” organize events focused on health, such as steps challenges.

“Our purpose ‘Creating Positive Experiences’ and ‘ACCESSway’ core values are modeled and lived by our leaders each day,” said CEO Patrick Corrigan. “They drive the charge by maintaining high expectations, striving for the best and, most importantly, caring for our people. We maintain a strong vision of what is important for our clients, customers, employees, community and shareholders.”

Employees enjoy themed days on Fridays during the summer months, including this one that was based on summer camp.

United Community Bank of West KY

Morganfield, Kentucky
Assets: $459 million
President: Gwen Paris
No. of U.S. employees: 62

Gwen Paris, president of United Community Bank of West KY, described her institution's culture as "friendly, flexible, community oriented." The Morganfield, Kentucky, based company achieves this through annual employee check-ins and coaching.

Tellers at First Metro Bank’s Tuscumbia, Alabama, branch enjoy a dress down day by wearing their bank apparel.

First Metro Bank

Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Assets: $928.2 million
President and CEO: Rodney Howard
No. of employees: 139

First Metro Bank in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, emphasizes hard work and achievement, believing that this "will enhance everyone's self-worth and is irreplaceable," said Rodney Howard, president and CEO.

"Our bank attempts to blend transparency, values and hard work into an attitude that is evident in every aspect of our organization," Howard added. "We recognize that culture is dynamic, and our organization must remain nimble and have the mindset to change as times dictate."

Chesapeake Bank's mascot, "Chessie," visits with a baseball team on opening day.

Chesapeake Bank

Kilmarnock, Virginia
Assets: $1.4 billion
Chairman, president and CEO: Jeffrey Szyperski
No. of U.S. employees: 258

Chesapeake Bank is heavily involved in providing financial literacy throughout its community. The Kilmarnock, Virginia, bank is the sponsor in its market for the statewide Virginia Reads One Book initiative, which helps elementary school children to learn about entrepreneurship and basic money skills. The company also sponsors an annual "Bank Day" for high school students.

"We see the key to giving people a 'hand up' is educating them on financial literacy," said Jeffrey Szyperski, chairman, president and CEO.

This desire to help others get a better handle on their finances extends to the bank's products. Chesapeake Bank offers products for underbanked and unbanked customers, such as a checking account without overdraft and affordable home loans. The bank is also adding a personal loan to help improve credit scores.

"This all comes with financial counseling to help participants along their financial journey to financial stability," Szyperski added.

During Helm Bank’s customer experience week, managers and staff members dress up as superheroes. The managers served breakfast to their employees to thank them for their hard work.

Helm Bank USA

Miami, Florida
Assets: $1.1 billion
President and CEO: Mark Crisp
No. of U.S. employees: 125

Helm Bank USA in Miami supports a number of philanthropic causes including Operation Christmas Child, which gives shoeboxes filled with toys and other essential items to children in need; Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami; and Casa de la Madre y El Niño, a nonprofit in Bogota, Colombia, that helps find adoptive parents for children.

"First and foremost, we believe in the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on society," said President and CEO Mark Crisp. "By supporting these organizations and charities that focus on the needy and also children, we are able to contribute to the well-being and development of the younger generation and those in need."

Employees visit a local cancer treatment center to deliver hats, gloves and socks to the patients.

First United Bank

Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $2.2 billion
CEO: R. Mark Bain
No. of U.S. employees: 249

Employees recognizing their colleagues for a job well done is an important component at First United Bank in Lubbock, Texas. For instance, the bank's "High Five" program was created to provide managers with a quick and easy way to give on-the-spot recognition to anyone who goes above and beyond. It comes with a $5 bonus and verbal appreciation.

"Creating and maintaining a family dynamic but also a work hard/play hard culture is crucial to the betterment of our bank," said CEO R. Mark Bain. "We know that all culture comes from the top-down, so it's critical that our leadership team believes in our culture and shares it with each and everyone of our employees."

Employees from First Service Bank come together for an enrichment day. The event included gifts, surprises, lunch and sweet treats.

First Service Bank

Greenbrier, Arkansas
Assets: $595.3 million
President and CEO: Tom Grumbles
No. of U.S. employees: 121

First Service Bank in Greenbrier, Arkansas, takes pride in its Operation Red, White and Brave initiative, which supports military veterans financially and through volunteer work. Community members can nominate a veteran who is in need of assistance and who could benefit from the initiative.

"In addition to providing volunteer manpower to support ORWB, we believe that serving our customers and communities is a higher calling," said Tom Grumbles, president and CEO. "Our vision is to create a community that celebrates and supports our military, veterans and their families, while our mission is to provide physical assistance and financial support to those who served our country."

Tioga State Bank employees participate in the annual Panther Prowl 5K charity run/walk event.

Tioga State Bank

Spencer, New York
Assets: $554.2 million
President and CEO: Robert Fisher
No. of U.S. employees: 102

Tioga State Bank in Spencer, New York, believes that the job should never be too serious. In fact, management believes in that so much that "keeping it light" is one of its core values. It does this through quarterly celebrations and surprise gifts for its employees.

"At TSB, the culture of the employees can be described as hardworking, lighthearted and committed to community," said Robert Fisher, president and CEO. "We prioritize working hard and dedication to the bankwide goals, something we work on each year at strategic planning sessions then share with the entire staff. When everyone knows what they are working toward, it encourages teamwork and goal-oriented decision making."

Participants from Savings Bank of Walpole's "Women in the Workplace" initiative, which was established to support female staff members, gather together. The group includes staff members from all levels of the bank and is led by women from the senior leadership team.

Savings Bank of Walpole

Walpole, New Hampshire
Assets: $736.7 million
President: Mark Bodin
No. of U.S. employees: 101

Savings Bank of Walpole in New Hampshire recognizes that the experience of its staff is always evolving, especially since it has grown its assets significantly since the start of the pandemic. The company tries to be responsive to these changes. In 2023, it launched a "Women in the Workplace" initiative, which is led by its five female senior leaders, as well as an under 30 employee group to help younger workers transition into full-time jobs. Each year, the bank's retention rate tops more than 90%.

"Characteristics like caring, honest, committed, vulnerable, trust, adaptable and generous speak to SBW's family culture and it truly matters," said President Mark Bodin.

Bank Five Nine employees out in the community performing random acts of Kindness.

Bank Five Nine

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Assets: $1.8 billion
President and CEO: Tim Schneider
No. of U.S. employees: 337

New hires at Bank Five Nine receive training in the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, bank's "distinctive customer experience model." This touches upon a number of important areas, such as "why we do what we do (to make lives better), how we do it (through our values of respect, integrity, passion and humility) and what we do (provide value in every interaction we have)," said Tim Schneider, president and CEO.

"We hold our employees accountable to provide REEL," Schneider added. That stands for responsiveness, expertise, ease of doing business and a local philosophy.

Benchmark Bank employee Christal Brown operates a circular saw during a build for Habitat for Humanity.

Benchmark Bank

Plano, Texas
Assets: $1.1 billion
CEO: Jonathan Filgo
No. of U.S. employees: 114

One phrase that's never uttered at Benchmark Bank: "That's not my job," according to Jonathan Filgo, CEO of the Plano, Texas, company.

"Our bank's culture is one of camaraderie and a family-first philosophy," he said. "Benchmark employees are given the freedom to explore options to getting a job done and have a can-do mentality.

"Management does not 'micro-manage' and it empowers personnel to tap into their own resources. We value input into ways to improve processes and, in many cases, implement suggested changes," Filgo added.

Employees gather outside of First United Bank and Trust’s main office. President and CEO Jason Hawkins is in the center of the front row.

First United Bank and Trust

Madisonville, Kentucky
Assets: $544.4 million
President and CEO: Jason Hawkins
No. of U.S. employees: 101

The employee appreciation committee at First United Bank and Trust in Madisonville, Kentucky, typically has one fun activity, treat or contest each month to thank the bank's staff members. For example, the committee plans theme days for their colleagues to participate in. Examples include days where employees are encouraged to wear tie-dye or apparel for their favorite sports team, while at other times food is provided, such as taco Tuesday, popcorn day and ice cream day.

"At First United Bank, we strive to be an employer who values people first," said Jason Hawkins, president and CEO. "We emphasize teamwork and consider ourselves a family. And we like to have fun, both inside and outside the bank. Our leadership team displays and expects service to others, service to our communities and service to our customers."

Seamen's Bank employees enjoy the annual holiday party.

Seamen's Bank

Provincetown, Massachusetts
Assets: $453.4 million
President and CEO: Lori Meads
No. of U.S. employees: 73

This year, Seamen's Bank provided what it called an "inflationary bonus" to all employees. Entry-level workers were awarded the highest percentage with middle managers receiving a mid-level bonus and executive management receiving the lowest percentage. The Provincetown, Massachusetts, company provided this additional compensation because President and CEO Lori Meads thought it was important to acknowledge the tough economic conditions many are facing.

"This provided our employees with a much-needed way to exhale in some cases, so they could navigate through these unprecedented times," she added.

Market President Scott Folsom (center) and his Lakeland, Florida, staff enjoy a team-building event that included a weekend dinner cruise overlooking the Tampa Bay skyline.

Prime Meridian Bank

Tallahassee, Florida
Assets: $821 million
Vice chairman, president and CEO: Sammie Dixon Jr.
No. of U.S. employees: 118

Potential hires at Prime Meridian Bank are asked to review its unique "brand book," which is a collection of examples of the company's guiding values and themes. If the person is hired, they then go through the Tallahassee, Florida, company's brand and culture training within their first 90 days on the job.

"Prime Meridian Bank is not for everyone, and we tell prospective teammates this," said Sammie Dixon Jr., vice chairman, president and CEO. "However, team members that 'get' our culture are excited about the opportunities available here."

During one of the bank's "management mayhem" challenges, its executive vice presidents and market presidents dress up in inflatable costumes to play soccer. The winning team then went through an obstacle course, and the person who completed it the fastest got a trophy and bragging rights.

First Bank & Trust Co.

Duncan, Oklahoma
Assets: $835 million
President and CEO: Robert Petersen
No. of U.S. employees: 193

Robert Petersen, president and CEO of First Bank & Trust in Duncan, Oklahoma, believes that a little acknowledgement can go a long way. During quarterly meetings, he makes sure that he highlights the success of staff members so that they understand that the management team is "with them" and one of them, so to speak.

"Essentially, we all put our pants on one leg at a time in the morning," he added.

Vista Bank employees and their families from the Dallas-Forth Worth area gather this summer for a barbeque, face painting, miniature golf, games and prizes. The event was hosted by the bank’s culture committee.

Vista Bank

Dallas, Texas
Assets: $1.9 billion
CEO: John Steinmetz
No. of U.S. employees: 197

John Steinmetz, CEO of Vista Bank, shared one example of how employees have taken ownership of the company's culture. The Dallas company recently acquired another bank with two locations. Vista's culture committee ordered new merchandise for these staff members and then snuck into the new locations at night and decorated them. The next morning, the new Vista employees were greeted by "balloons, signs and decked-out desks," Steinmetz said. The committee came back the following day with burritos and music and then drew names for a raffle to give out prizes throughout the day.

"I was there, and it was evident our new team members immediately felt valued," Steinmetz said.

"I'm biased, but I would stack our culture up against anyone," he added.

Employees from Kentucky Farmers Bank's Ashland office participate in a Halloween costume contest.

Kentucky Farmers Bank

Ashland, Kentucky
Assets: $280.2 million
Chairman and CEO: April Perry
No. of U.S. employees: 70

Employees are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance at Kentucky Farmers Bank, and supervisors are instructed to understand their staff members' personal and professional goals.

"We want our employees to have time for their families and the pursuit of their personal goals. We support the advancement of our employees through educational opportunities and performance-based compensation," said April Perry, chairman and CEO of the Ashland, Kentucky, company. "Happy employees make for a healthy work environment and satisfied customers."

Bank Independent employees celebrate the grand opening of a new office earlier this year.

Bank Independent

Sheffield, Alabama
Assets: $2.5 billion
CEO: Rick Wardlaw
No. of U.S. employees: 649

Bank Independent looks to hire "team players who are hungry, humble and people smart," said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of the Sheffield, Alabama, institution.

"[W]e invest in a culture of growth and development to ensure these team members have the resources they need to expand our mission, vision and values as we grow," he added.

First Citizens National Bank staff members enjoy the annual "fun at work day," which is dedicated to everyone enjoying themselves.

First Citizens National Bank

Dyersburg, Tennessee
Assets: $2.3 billion
Chairman & CEO: Jeff Agee
No. of U.S. employees: 308

Jeff Agee, chairman and CEO of First Citizens National Bank in Dyersburg, Tennessee, personally conducts the culture training portion of new hire onboarding. He also visits all of the bank's locations on a regular basis.

"As CEO, I am focused on creating and continually enhancing a culture that is positive, transparent, encouraging and successful across the entire organization," he said.

"In my opinion, one of the best ways to influence teammates is with your heart and ears," Agee added. "The board and management work to create a team and family-oriented environment including the consistent use of the word 'teammate' rather than 'employee' in our strategic plan, our policies and our communications across the company."

Employees hand out candy during an annual "trunk-or-treat" event.

NebraskaLand Bank

North Platte, Nebraska
Assets: $914 million
President and CEO: Michael Jacobson
No. of U.S. employees: 99

One component of NebraskaLand Bank's success has been hiring the right people for the right roles and then letting them succeed without interfering. To do that, communication is key. Biweekly staff meetings celebrate the bank's culture and employees are recognized for meeting NebrasaLand's six culture principles: service, attitude, expertise, support, win and community minded.

"At NebraskaLand Bank, comm(unity) is more than just a word — it's the cornerstone of our culture," said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the North Platte, Nebraska, company. "We live and breathe this value every day as we work to support those around us in our communities, both near and far."

For Halloween, a group of branch employees at Heartland dress up with a Little Mermaid theme.

Heartland Bank

Geneva, Nebraska
Assets: $774.7 million
CEO: John C. Wilkins
No. of U.S. employees: 107

Heartland Bank in Geneva, Nebraska, strives to be family friendly for its workers. This includes offering flexible paid time off, parental leave for both male and female workers and tuition reimbursement. Birthdays, work anniversaries and other special occasions and successes are celebrated. Employees recognize their colleagues for a job well done with hand written thank-you notes.

"We recognize we are not perfect and don't get things right all the time," said CEO John C. Wilkins. "We strive for continuous improvement and our mantra "Get Better Every Day" is the reminder that each day we have a chance to renew, restart and move forward."

BankNewport makes a donation to Meeting Street, a nonprofit that provides services to children.

BankNewport

Middletown, Rhode Island
Assets: $2.6 billion
President and CEO: Jack Murphy
No. of U.S. employees: 305

BankNewport in Middletown, Rhode Island, has been around for more than two centuries, and its management believes being a community bank means that it must be connected with — and involved — in the community. Last year, staff members volunteered more than 8,500 hours to causes they care about.

"Being a community bank means understanding what makes our community and the people within it unique," said Jack Murphy, president and CEO. "It means recognizing what your community's needs are and identifying ways we can help."

Employees spend the day working in the garden at Fulfill, a food bank in Monmouth and Ocean counties, through Manasquan Bank's CREW Cares program. The initiative allows staff members to volunteer at a local nonprofit during work hours.

Manasquan Bank

Wall Township, New Jersey
Assets: $2.8 billion
Chair, president and CEO: James Vaccaro
No. of U.S. employees: 241

Inclusion, empowerment and recognition are the keys to Manasquan Bank's culture. That means working to actively listen to the voices of all employees at the Wall Township, New Jersey, company, said James Vaccaro, chair, president and CEO.

"We are always attempting to provide each of our valued colleagues with the tools for success while encouraging free thinking, creativity, continuing education and a model that is built on unsanitized straightforward and authentic feedback," Vaccaro added.

All Machias Savings Bank employees, along with a guest, were invited to attend a Keith Urban concert.

Machias Savings Bank

Machias, Maine
Assets: $2.4 billion
President and CEO: Lawrence Barker
No. of U.S. employees: 319

Executives at Machias Savings Bank in Maine are serious about being reachable to their employees. All of their cell phone numbers and email addresses are readily available for any staff member who has a suggestion or idea that they want to share.

"Our bank culture is built, first and foremost, on relationships with our employees, customers and communities," said Lawrence Barker, president and CEO.

"We believe in transparency and open communication. There is equal access to our executives and senior level leaders as there is to any employee," he added.

Commercial Bank of California staff teach a financial literacy program during a Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, event.

Commercial Bank of California

Irvine, California
Assets: $2.3 billion
Chairman, president and CEO: Ash Patel
No. of U.S. employees: 186

Ash Patel, chairman, president and CEO of Commercial Bank of California in Irvine, listed "freedom and fuel for creativity" as necessary components to be successful in financial services today.

"If we want to innovate, improve the industry and achieve more as a team, we must provide an environment for our team that fuels their creativity," Patel added. "When you foster that type of freedom, you get new ideas, processes, strategies, opportunities and continued growth."

Employees from Paragon Bank volunteer at the Neighborhood Christian Center.

Paragon Bank

Memphis, Tennessee
Assets: $701.8 million
President and CEO: Robert S. Shaw Jr.
No. of U.S. employees: 105

Paragon Bank's ACTS — Assisting the Community Through Service — program encourages employees to volunteer in the community for at least 40 hours each year. This can be done with the Memphis, Tennessee-based company's preferred community partners, which focus on issues related to education, housing and eliminating hunger, or with another organization that staff members are passionate about. To help encourage this, the bank hires staff members "who fit our culture of service and kindness," said Robert S. Shaw Jr., president and CEO.

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, loan officer Adam Bruning delivered cookies to teachers to celebrate.

Bruning Bank

Bruning, Nebraska
Assets: $567.8 million
CEO: Fred Bruning
No. of U.S. employees: 84

Transparency is top of mind at Bruning Bank in Nebraska. Every month, each location participates in a staff meeting hosted over breakfast. That allows the bank to share organizational news and other updates. There are also regular team-building activities after work hosted by the company's ambassador program.

"This allows us to share our personal articles, stories and experiences to not only our staff, but also our customers and spread our culture into our communities," said CEO Fred Bruning.

A quarterly newsletter is sent to customers via mail, email and social media and posted to its website. "Bruning Bank is also employee-owned, and we believe this encourages employees to take pride in their work, our organization and share it with the communities we serve," Bruning added.

Employees at West Plains Bank and Trust look forward each year to Halloween. One group dresses as the cast of Gilligan's Island.

West Plains Bank and Trust Co.

West Plains, Missouri
Assets: $634.5 million
President and CEO: David M. Gohn
No. of U.S. employees: 114

Every other month, the culture team at West Plains Bank and Trust Co. in Missouri talks about one best practice for serving customers, such as how to answer the telephone or how to greet customers. "These standards help maintain our culture and implement measures to continuously improve our delivery of the internal and external customer service experience," said David M. Gohn, president and CEO.

Citizens Bank's retail banking department dresses in a circus theme for the company's Halloween costume contest.

Citizens Bank of West Virginia

Elkins, West Virginia
Assets: $600.5 million
President and CEO: Nathaniel Bonnell
No. of U.S. employees: 91

President and CEO Nathaniel Bonnell said that he is "genuinely proud" of Citizens Bank of West Virginia's corporate culture.

"Our franchise is growing, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees, and I make it my No. 1 priority to let my employees know how much they are appreciated."

That includes a monthly celebration of staffs' successes. On each employee's work anniversary, Bonnell writes them a congratulatory note with $100. There is also an annual family picnic that includes dinner, dancing, campfires and swimming. Bonnell said his favorite event to show his gratitude to staff was taking the entire bank and their partners on an all-expenses paid getaway, complete with escape rooms, ax throwing, manicures and pedicures and dinners.

"To sum it up in one word, I would say Citizens has a culture of 'gratitude,'" Bonnell added. "Management and the board have gratitude in the way we treat our team members, and our team members have gratitude toward their employer and our clients."

American Riviera Bank employees sport mustaches for Movember, which is meant to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide.

American Riviera Bank

Santa Barbara, California
Assets: $1.3 billion
President and CEO: Jeff DeVine
No. of U.S. employees: 129

Employees helped to select and define American Riviera Bank's core values last year. These included integrity as the foundation for their actions, valuing everyone, striving to do better, working together to benefit everyone and getting the job done. When these new core values were adopted, mugs, mouse pads and office posters were given out throughout the Santa Barbara, California-based company. American Riviera's peer recognition program was also updated to include highlighting colleagues who demonstrated these principles. A core values award was added, and the core values have been included as a criteria during annual performance reviews.

"[A]ll employees are rated on the level at which they 'exemplify the bank's core values,' which also drives the rating used to determine annual bonus and merit recommendations," said Jeff DeVine, president and CEO.

Staff members enjoy the burgers and bingo summer employee appreciation event.

First Bank Chicago

Northbrook, Illinois
Assets: $2.2 billion
President and CEO: Eric Ephraim
No. of U.S. employees: 146

First Bank Chicago woos its new employees from the get-go. The onboarding process includes gifts and new hire events where new staff members can meet senior managers and their colleagues. To keep employees engaged, the Northbrook, Illinois-based bank offers a variety of career development opportunities, such as on- and off-site training, conferences, webinars, leadership programs and lunch and learns. And the bank strives to provide internal opportunities to those with potential. Last year, 40 staff members were promoted.

Oakworth employees attend the bank's Octoberfest, a networking event for clients.

Oakworth Capital Bank

Birmingham, Alabama
Assets: $1.4 billion
Senior managing director, chairman & CEO: Scott Reed
No. of U.S employees: 143

Oakworth Capital Bank's core purpose is "helping people succeed" and that approach is applied to all stakeholders, including staff members, customers, communities and shareholders. The company emphasizes five core values: the Golden Rule; character; innovative and creative spirit; professionalism; and work ethic. All decisions are made through this lens.

To ensure these values are followed, the Birmingham, Alabama, company has three processes to recruit the right people for the organization — interviewing and hiring, onboarding and developing its employees.

"Reinforcement of our purpose, values and vision is embedded in each of these processes," said Scott Reed, senior managing director, chairman and CEO.

Jackie Stewart

Executive Editor, American Banker Magazine

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