Independence Bank has been recognized on a national level as a Top Performer by the American Bankers Association (ABA) and a Best Bank to Work For in the August issue of American Banker Magazine. For both accolades, Independence Bank was the highest ranked Kentucky bank in its respective categories, ranking 4th in the nation as a Top Performer and being named in the top 25 of the Best Banks to Work For.
In the past decade, Independence Bank has been recognized by the ABA six times in multiple categories. The Top Performers list, released in June, recognizes 237 mid-sized banks with assets between $2 billion and $10 billion that displayed positive trends including efficiency ratio and highlighted overall performance for the fiscal year.
Independence Bank credits their consistent growth in new markets and asset size, as well as, their investment in their employees and the communities they serve as key to the success experienced and benchmarked by the ABA.
“Our focus has always been on hiring the best people and giving them the tools and support they need to take care of their customers and the communities they serve,” said Chris Reid, Chief Executive Officer. “We believe if you do these things the bottom line will take care of itself. This award is confirmation that this strategy can be successful.”
“Being ranked 4th in the nation is indeed an honor but we are the most proud of how consistent Independence Bank has been ranked among the nation’s best,” said Darrell Higginbotham, President. “This consistency can only come from a highly talented group of employees dedicated to the bank’s mission of providing exceptional service to our clients and our communities. We like to call this commitment ‘Local Love,’ and we thank our many clients for making this achievement possible.”
This investment is likely why the bank was also named to the national list of Best Banks to Work For in August by the American Banker Magazine. Finishing in the top 25 of the 60 banks highlighted, Independence Bank was not only the highest ranked bank in Kentucky named, but continues a five-year trend of being recognized.
The program, which began in 2013, identifies and honors the best banks to work for in the nation. To be considered, banks had to fulfill requirements that included having at least 50 employees working in the United States, and be a Commercial Bank, Thrift, Mutual Association, Mutual Savings Bank, Savings and Loan Association or a Savings Bank.
Independence Bank currently has approximately 400 employees serving 12 counties in the Commonwealth.
Criteria for the accolade include workplace policies, practices, and demographics, as well as, employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace.
“Our employees are our biggest asset, so receiving this recognition is perhaps one of the most rewarding accolades we could receive,” said Tawna Wright, Vice President, Human Resources Officer. “Not only do our employees serve as the second largest shareholder group in our company, but they are reason that Independence Bank continues to grow and be successful as that direct point of contact with our customers. Without their support and belief in what we do as a financial institution, none of this would be possible.”
For more information, or complete listings of accolades, contact Darrell Higginbotham at [email protected].
