Northwest Financial Corp. Top Employer!
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on Friday, September 11, 2015
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DES MOINES REGISTER NAMES NORTHWEST FINANCIAL CORP.
A WINNER OF THE STATE OF IOWA 2015 TOP WORKPLACES AWARD
Northwest Financial Corp. has been awarded a 2015 Top Workplaces honor by the Des Moines Register. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.
“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits.” says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, “Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”
Northwest Financial Corp. is family owned and led by Neal and Dwight Conover. The brothers and their family grew up on a farm near Holstein, Iowa. Their values of hard work, respecting others and living with integrity continue to be true today. Neal and Dwight explain, “Community Banking has been our sole focus for over 40 years. We are committed to providing our customers with the best community banking services and products and we are committed to our employees having quality jobs, education and opportunities to prosper.”
When learning of the Top Workplace recognition, Dwight commented, “It’s a great honor to Neal and I personally and to our organization’s leadership to be awarded as a Top Workplace, particularly since the nomination came from one of our employees.”
Northwest Financial Corp. understands the important role and positive impact they have on the communities they serve. A primary focus is being an Employer of Choice, which means that the wellbeing of their employees, customers, and community is a top priority. Great concentration on providing community support to strengthen and promote growth is the core value of a true community bank leader. First National Bank in Creston was recently awarded the 2015 IBA Silver Award for Community Betterment. This award, plus others given to NFC companies, shows the commitment to employee volunteerism. “We understand that community involvement is essential. Our employees are encouraged to be key contributors to the success of our neighbors, our youth and businesses and they truly thrive on helping others. The countless hours our employees donate are truly remarkable.” Said Jeff Plagge, President & CEO of Northwest Financial Corp.
Education is also a top priority. Employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge and skill base through educational courses available outside the organization as well as within the organization through Northwest Financial Corp. University; a program developed by the organization’s management team to inform, educate and grow employees for advancement.
Northwest Financial Corp. believes that being a healthy leader must start from within. Jeff Plagge, President & CEO explains, “Our organization concentrates on employee benefits with an emphasis on overall health and wellness. In 2014 Northwest Bank was selected as Healthiest Large Employer of Western Iowa. In addition, we were the first designated Blue Zones Projects™ Worksite™ in the Iowa Great Lakes region and several other Northwest Bank locations have also received the Blue Zones Worksite designation. We’re proud to offer an environment that is welcoming; family oriented and values good health and well-being of our employees which reflects upon our customers and local communities.”
Northwest Financial Corporation, one of Iowa’s largest family-owned bank holding companies, provides a full range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses through The First National Bank in Creston, Northwest Commercial Credit Corp., Northwest Wealth Management and Northwest Bank locations throughout Central and Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska.