First National Bank named 2017 Top Workplace by Des Moines Register

For the third year in a row, First National Bank in Creston and Afton has been awarded a 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,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “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.”

Randy Huewe, president of First National Bank, said earning this award for the third consecutive year speaks volumes about the leadership within the organization.

“Key factors in becoming an Employer of Choice is our management’s focus on how to attract the best people to work for our company,” Huewe said. “We ask ourselves, how can we add value to our employees and what do we do as a company that is unique?  We look for people who are team-oriented, engaged and community focused, who are interested in growing personally and professionally.”

Huewe said First National Bank employees understand the important role and positive impact they have on the communities they serve. In May 2017, the bank along with its owners Neal and Dwight Conover donated $75,000 to help upgrade facilities at the Union County Fairgrounds in Afton.

In September 2017, the bank held a Shred Day so community members could securely destroy sensitive documents like old tax returns, bank statements and cancelled checks. That day resulted in 1.5 tons of paper shred in 2 hours. And thusfar, bank employees have cumulatively logged more than 300 volunteer hours in the community this year.

“We understand that community involvement is essential,” said Steve Crittenden, senior vice president at First National Bank in Creston. “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.”

First National Bank is one of two charters within Northwest Financial Corporation (NFC), a family-owned organization led by Neal and Dwight Conover. Northwest Bank is the other charter within Northwest Financial Corporation and includes Northwest Wealth Management, LLC.

Northwest Financial Corp. employs 425 team members and focuses on the importance of supporting a good balance between work and personal life.

Member FDIC.