philosophy
We care about each employee and are committed to providing a positive, rewarding work environment while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Specifically, the Bank is committed to:
Being an Employer of Choice
Being a partner with our community, through community activities and involvement with non-profit organizations, and collaborating with other community members to improve the quality of life.
Providing Equal Employment Opportunity to ensure all applicants and employees are treated with equality, dignity, and respect.
Maintaining high ethical standards in business conduct to build and maintain a solid reputation.
Practicing an open door philosophy to ensure all employees are heard.
Our commitment to being an employer of choice (top)
We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in our marketplace. This goal is a shared responsibility between the Bank and each employee. Our focus is directed at the following areas:
Leadership Support: Employees know what is expected of them and how they contribute to the success of the Bank.
Management and Supervision: Employees are provided a work environment where open and honest communication exists with their managers. This means an environment where all employees are respected, cared about and encouraged to perform their best.
Rewards: Employees feel valued for the contributions they make to the Bank through equitable compensation, opportunities for career advancement and recognition through informal and formal rewards.
Quality of Life: Employees are proud to work at First Bank and understand how their individual contributions help achieve the business goals of the Bank. Employees are trained and assisted in areas that encourage their success and continued development.
Engagement and Diversity: First Bank has a commitment to employing a diverse workforce, through both recruitment and promotion. This diverse group of employees is loyal to the Bank and works hard for the Bank’s success. Employees have a sense of belonging to the organization and choose to be an active part of First Bank.
Our commitment to community partnerships (top)
By allowing and encouraging all employees to become involved in community events, non-profit organizations and activities that the Bank formally sponsors, we are contributing more fully to our community needs. The responsibility of the Bank to contribute to the community is highly valued.
First Bank is fully supportive of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and to that end will seek to fulfill the following in areas where we reside and work:
- promote the economic well-being of the communities;
- recognize the needs of the communities;
- address the needs of the communities; and
- communicate this philosophy to all of our employees.
Our commitment to equal opportunity employment (top)
We are committed to our objective of providing equal opportunity employment and maintaining a workplace free of harassment, intimidation or exploitation of any nature.
It is the commitment of the Bank to provide recruitment, hiring, training, promotion and other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, disability, national origin, marital or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
It is our goal to employ the most qualified individual for any position. Opportunities for advancement are based upon qualifications, job performance, professionalism, cooperation, initiative, reliability and one’s willingness and ability to handle additional responsibility. First Bank requires that all employees, especially managers understand and practice equal opportunity employment.
First Bank has a written Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) that outlines recruitment and employment of minorities and women, disabled and Vietnam Era veterans, and people with disabilities. This plan outlines the Bank’s commitment to equal opportunity and compliance with government regulations. The Plan is maintained in Human Resources. Lisa Rutherford, SPHR, SVP-Director of Human Resources is the EEO Compliance Officer for the Bank.
Our commitment to an ethical business environment (top)
The common value of high standards for conducting business with strong ethical behaviors has served First Bank well since 1907 and therefore we believe it makes sense to continue to bring this high standard to the workplace every day.
Our Code of Conduct and Ethics is based upon compliance with all applicable laws, as well as the treatment of customers and fellow employees with dignity and respect. Specific areas of the Code of Conduct and Ethics include:
- introduction to overall standards
- confidential information
- conflicts of interest
- competition and fair dealing
- protection and proper use of bank assets
- equal employment opportunity and harassment
- full and fair disclosure standards
- compliance with law standard
- reporting of violations standard
- retaliation
- accountability standard
- investigations and discipline
- whistleblower protection
- waivers and amendments
- disclosures
Our commitment to an open door philosophy (top)
Satisfied employees and successful business go hand in hand. Therefore, we place great importance on creating and maintaining strong positive relations with all employees. All suggestions, complaints, questions or concerns will be thoroughly investigated and addressed by appropriate action and follow-up. We believe any issue can best be resolved by prompt, open, and direct discussion.