For the tenth consecutive year, American Banker magazine has selected First PREMIER as one of the "Best Banks to Work For." The annual list recognizes financial institutions for outstanding corporate culture, employee benefits, financial and physical wellness programs and workplace atmosphere.

So, what makes First PREMIER Bank a great place to work? Simple, it’s The PREMIER Way.

"The PREMIER Way is our set of views and values that guide every interaction with co-workers, customers and our communities," said First PREMIER Bank CEO Dana Dykhouse. "The PREMIER Way ensures all of us are on the same page."

Be proactive. Always do what's right. Value people. Be eager to serve. Make a Difference. Those are just a few of the principles of The PREMIER Way, which came about in the late 1990s to unite a growing workforce.
"While every company has a set of vision, views and values, at PREMIER we make it come alive," said Dykhouse.

First PREMIER Bank President Dave Rozenboom agrees The PREMIER Way is what sets First PREMIER apart from other financial organizations.

"We've built our culture by putting people first," said Rozenboom. “That means treating our employees as the company's most valuable resource, always doing what’s right for our customers, and looking for opportunities to make our communities better with the investment of our time and resources.”

Rozenboom says First PREMIER and its sister company, PREMIER Bankcard, annually support about 700 organizations, events and non-profits through sponsorships and donations.

“We also ask employees to volunteer at least an hour a month. So many of them go well above and beyond that,” said Rozenboom. “Last year, our employees gave more than 33,000 hours to organizations in eastern South Dakota. That equates to about 16 full-time employees. I'd say that's making a BIG difference for our communities."

Along with their personal time, PREMIER employees are also generous with their dollars. Approximately 94% of employees contribute to the local United Way and many of them give at the Heart Club level ($500+ per year). In addition, a vast majority of employees give $3 per paycheck ($6 per month) to wear jeans and corporate wear on Fridays. Those dollars go into a fund that helps support additional non-profits and events in each community PREMIER serves.

"We're inspired by our owner T. Denny Sanford's generosity and desire to live a life of significance," concluded Dykhouse. "PREMIER employees really take the concept to heart. That's the true magic of The PREMIER Way."

It also makes First PREMIER Bank one of the "Best Banks to Work For."

For more information on American Banker's "Best Banks to Work For" visit: https://www.americanbanker.com/best-banks-to-work-for

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