From staff reports

First Bank & Trust and First Premier Bank have been named some of the Best Banks to Work For by American Banker and Best Companies Group.

The program started in 2013 and recognizes 75 U.S. banks for outstanding employee satisfaction.

First Premier invited employees to a concert with the chance to meet the artists.

“Our annual ranking recognizes the financial institutions that are committed to investing in employees’ job satisfaction, career development and personal growth – a ‘return on assets’ that can be hard to measure by traditional means,” said Marc Hochstein, editor in chief of American Banker. “One of the most valuable assets for any organization is the team of people it employs, and banks are no exception.”

First Bank & Trust was recognized for an annual 5K race the company puts on for employees and families, raising money for charity. It also authorizes employees to provide up to $150 to a person in need, reimbursed by the company, and offers cash rewards to employees who take initiative.

First Premier was recognized for its employee appreciation events, which recently included a corn maze featuring pro bull riders and the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas. The bank also invited all employees to a weekend concert featuring One Republic and Andy Grammer, and gave them $50 for concessions. Long-term employees got to meet the artists.

First Bank & Trust presents an annual employee award.

Determining the Best Banks to Work For first involves an evaluation of participating companies’ workplace policies, practices and demographics. In the second step, employee surveys are conducted to directly assess the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. The combined scores determine the top banks and the final ranking.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and used itsexpertise to determine the final ranking.