Over $3,000 worth of gifts and gift cards were purchased by Muncy Bank employees and will be delivered to the Salvation Army's Christmas Party and distributed to 60 children. Standing left to right: Kate Bower, Sr. Vice President for Business Development and Sheila Karschner, Loan Processor. In back sitting (left to right) are Janet Yerg, Community Office Manager and Kathy Stauffer, Credit Administrative Assistant. Not included in photo are shoppers, Sue McConnell and Karen Lander.

MUNCY – This month Muncy Bank & Trust was rated as one of “The Best Banks To Work For” across the nation by the American Banker Magazine in conjunction with the Best Companies Group. 28 banks with assets under 3 billion were listed in this month’s issue, and Muncy Bank was listed as number 11 on the chart. Only two banks from Pennsylvania made the list.

Some of the criteria used in the survey included demographics, flexible work weeks, telecommuting, casual attire, competitive pay and benefits. Employees at Muncy Bank & Trust feel engaged in their work in many ways. “This is a friendly bank to work for,” stated Kim Wetherhold, Assistant Community Office Administrator. “We enjoy it here, and many employees have been here for some time.”

There is a good balance between work and outside life. It is not uncommon to see locals gather in the lobby and socialize not only with each other but with the staff. Customers like to see friendly faces and sometimes they can be engaged with the bank’s outside activities such as community fundraisers and book sales.

Recently about five or six employees went shopping together on their day off to purchase $3,000 worth of gifts and toys for 60 children. “We bought videos, dolls, games, puzzles, and clothes for all ages,” said Kate Bower. The conference/training room was filled with unwrapped gifts that will be delivered this week to the Salvation Army.

Employees said they enjoyed the experience, especially going shopping together. “We don’t want any child to wake up any morning without a gift,” said Janet Yerg, Community Office Manager. Even though she will be retiring at the end of this year, Yerg said that she will continue to participate with this project at the bank. “Many of these helpers are mothers and grandmothers themselves,” added Wetherhold who also said, “We even get our children involved.” For the past nine years, employees have been shopping for the Salvation Army’s Christmas party.

These are the types of things that contribute to the quality of working at Muncy Bank and keeping talented financial experts who want to work there. The employer questionnaire completed for American Banker Magazine captured information about workplace policies and practices.

Also popular with the employees are a series of sessions on professionalism developed by the bank offering them expert tips on clothing, hair and makeup. Another performance booster, the bank encourages employees to demonstrate their interest in other positions at the bank, even if there are no openings at the time. They can do this by submitting a job bidding form.

Open communication, a solid banking clientele, and friendly management are some of the vital elements that have earned Muncy Bank & Trust their status as “One of the Best Banks to Work For” and the confidence that their future is resilient and positive for economic growth. Strong commitment and continuous effort on the behalf of all 81 employees, help to ensure the security of its financial assets. “The Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine final rankings,” said President Dan Berninger. “Being number 11, this is quite an accomplishment.”

Ranked first on the survey was First Federal Savings and Loan in Pascagoula, Mississippi with 54 employees.