Texas

Quirky Amarillo National Bank asks the strangest job interview questions, has a "director of celebrations" on staff, and makes sure nobody has a title with the word "chief" in it. There isn't even a CEO.

If roughing it together in the wilderness and cooking for one another build character and team spirit in schoolkids, scouts and soldiers, why shouldn't they do the same for bankers?

Popular among employees: The Wow, Win and Spirit awards, which come with different levels of monetary prizes, go to exceptional employees throughout the year. Then, at the end of the year, there is a drawing from the pool of winners for a $1,000 prize.

Popular with employees: Employees team up by branches and departments to develop a theme for the Halloween costume contest.

Benchmark Bank is willing to work with the people who work for it.

Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: When temperatures exceeded 108 degrees during a heat wave last year, Veritex hired a Kona Shaved Ice truck to visit all offices and give employees free icy treats.

Fitness/wellness program: Allegiance provides a medical concierge service to all employees on site or in their homes.

Popular with employees: Employees submit ideas to improve the bank through an intranet site. The reward for ideas that get implemented is a cash prize ranging from $25 to $1,000.

Amarillo National Bank, No. 12 in the overall ranking, is No. 3 in the category for banks with $3 billion to $10 billion of assets.

Popular with employees: Last year Happy State gave more than $101,000 to help employees in crisis with medical expenses, car repairs and mortgage payments.