Two S.D. banks named among best banks for employees
Nov. 12, 2021
First Premier Bank and Dacotah Bank are the two South Dakota-based banks to be named among the annual “Best Banks to Work For” list compiled by American Banker magazine.
First Premier was named No. 26 for those banks with assets of $3 billion or less. The publication noted that every year for the past two decades, First Premier Bank employees have helped put on a community track meet that the bank sponsors.
First Premier Bank employees bring chairs outside for a socially distanced quarterly staff event.
“Employees also look forward to connecting with local kids each Wednesday in June for a variety of fun, interactive games,” it said.
“First Premier also rewards employees with gift cards to shop and dine locally and periodically hosts private concerts for employees featuring well-known acts like Fall Out Boy and the Dave Matthews Band.”
First Premier Bank has 375 employees and has made the list for seven consecutive years. President Dave Rozenboom said this year’s ranking was based largely upon measures First Premier has taken to recruit and retain employees.
“First Premier Bank makes every effort to hire only the best possible people for each of its positions,” Rozenboom said. “We ensure they are a good fit professionally, but more importantly, we find people who embody and embrace The Premier Way.”
Aberdeen-based Dacotah Bank made the American Banker list at No. 12 among banks with assets from $3 billion to $10 billion. It was recognized for allowing employees to donate $200 from the bank to a charitable organization of their choice, which increases to $300 if the employee is a member of that nonprofit’s board. Employees also are encouraged to take breaks by using “walking meetings,” and the bank provides stress-management classes and ergonomic desks upon request.
“Balancing the needs of all the constituencies where we live and work is a challenge, but our teams remain positive and have continued to build relationships with customers and each other, while serving our communities,” president and CEO Robert Fouberg told the publication.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to remove information about First Premier Bank’s incentive programs that was inaccurate.
