Peoples Bank Recognized Among ICBA Independent Banker’s 2025 Best Community Banks to Work for Honors

Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), has named Peoples Bank as a 2025 Best Community Banks to Work For honoree. The $1.1 billion-asset community bank was recognized for its family-first culture, strong internal ownership structure, and consistent investment in employee development.

Peoples Bank has built a workplace culture rooted in long-standing relationships, open communication, and mentorship. From birthday calls from the CEO to twice-yearly bonuses and bank-wide transparency, the community bank emphasizes meaningful connection at every level of the organization.

“This isn’t just a place to work — it’s a place where people build careers and relationships that last,” said Larry Allen, chairman and CEO. “We’ve done everything we can to create an environment where employees feel invested, supported, and proud to be part of something larger than themselves.”

Peoples Bank offers 100% paid medical insurance, 401(k) matching, profit sharing, and a robust employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which helps cultivate a sense of shared success and long-term financial well-being. More than half of employees and nearly 90% of officers hold equity in the bank. Education, mentoring, and internal promotions are core elements of the bank’s talent strategy.

“Peoples Bank shows how a culture built on care, ownership, and community can elevate every part of the employee experience,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “From empowering future leaders to celebrating everyday moments, they’ve built a place where people feel a responsibility to better their community — and that’s what community banking is all about.”

Peoples Bank is featured in Independent Banker’s December issue, representing community banks with more than $1 billion in assets. Honorees were selected based on an employee survey conducted by Avannis, an independent research agency, which evaluated corporate culture, leadership, compensation, work environment, and advancement opportunities.

To learn more about Peoples Bank and this year’s honorees, https://www.independentbanker.org/web/independent-banker/w/the-best-community-banks-to-work-for-2025.