Local bank – One of Maine’s best places to work

by Staff Pioneer Times
15 years ago

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Employees of Machias Savings Bank on North Street in Houlton and their co-workers around the state have something to celebrate for the second year in a row since their employer has been named as one of the best places to work in Maine.
    Gerald “Jerry” E. Riley, assistant vice president and Houlton branch manager, said he has been in banking for about 30 years and has worked at other banks. But, he adds, “Machias Savings Bank makes every effort to ensure that employment at Machias Savings Bank is not just a job, but a rewarding career.”
    The statewide survey and awards program that distinguishes the bank as an exceptional workplace was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Maine. The 2009 Best Places to Work in Maine list is made up of 24 companies in the small/medium-sized category (15-249 employees) and seven companies in the large-sized category (250 plus employees). Employees complete a questionnaire regarding their employer and the employer completes a questionnaire about benefits.
    “I’m proud to be a part of an organization that for the second year in a row has been ranked among the best places to work in Maine,” said Riley who added that the bank “not only values its customers, but also its employees.”
    Machias Savings Bank is a community bank with a staff of 220 employees. Machias Savings Bank is in 13 locations in five counties; Washington, Hancock, Aroostook, Penobscot and Knox. The home office is located in Machias. 
ImagePioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
PERSONAL, PERSONABLE BANKERS — Pleased with the news of working for one of Maine’s best employers are, Houlton employees of Machias Savings Bank. From left are: Barbara Pettit, financial services officer; Sue Scott, financial services officer; Jerry Riley, assistant vice president and branch manager; Amy Quint, teller; and Jodi Crandall, senior teller.
    Edward Hennessey, president of Machias Savings Bank said: “Our consistent rate of growth is not directly related to any one product we offer, but rather the customer service we strive to provide; our customer service remains our most important focus.”
    The awards program was created in 2006 and is a project of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) – Maine State Council. Partners endorsing the program include: Employment Times, Maine and Company, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Mainebiz.  The 2009 Best Places to Work in Maine program is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
    Machias Savings Bank will be recognized and honored at the Best Places to Work in Maine awards ceremony on October 13 when final rankings will be announced. Machias Savings Bank, a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, will be profiled in a special publication by Mainebiz.