BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Firefly Credit Union has named Courtney Banker as its 2015 Employee of the Year.
The employee recognition program at Firefly Credit Union, “Pay It Forward,” identifies employees who have provided exceptional service to members, co-workers and the credit union as a whole. In this program, employees who are nominated for the Shining Star award have stepped up to a level of service outside of their job description. These employees, including Banker, are also entered into the pool of nominees for Employee of the Year.
In her role as Senior Marketing Specialist, Banker plans and coordinates local getaways for senior members of the credit union. She was nominated by a coworker for going above and beyond to assist a member with safe transportation home from a recent outing.
In addition to this example, Banker regularly provides a high level of service to all those she interacts with, Firefly said. She is a member of the credit union’s Community Cares Committee; its Guiding Coalition, an employee-run committee focused on finding solutions for member and employee concerns; has initiated educational seminars; and has launched two Firefly scholarship programs for local high schools.
Banker was recognized for her service at Firefly Credit Union’s Annual Membership Meeting.
“Courtney provides the type of service that sets Firefly apart,” said Firefly Credit Union President/CEO, Bill Raker. “We are proud to have outstanding employees like Courtney who are dedicated to serving our members and continually providing them the best possible experience.”
Above right, Courtney Banker, center, accepting Firefly Credit Union’s 2015 Employee of the Year award from President/CEO, Bill Raker (left) and SVP/Employment Services, Cole Hahn (right).
Separately, The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board recognized Firefly Credit Union as an “Employer of Excellence.” Firefly was one of the initial two mid-size businesses in the Burnsville community to be awarded this honor.
To receive the prestigious award, Firefly completed a survey detailing the not-for-profit’s employee practices. Areas of note that set Firefly ahead of other participants included higher rates in the areas of both employee growth and internal promotions. Firefly employees also spent nearly 30 hours in training, on average, while the average for training hours throughout 2015 for all survey participants was 19.5 hours.
In addition to these practices, the credit union was also recognized for its employees’ tremendous participation and charitable giving in events hosted by its Community Cares Committee. These events have included semi-annual blood drives, food donation campaigns, school supply drives and holiday gift sponsorships.
“We are very honored to one of the first mid-size businesses in Burnsville to be presented with this award,” said CEO Bill Raker, “This honor is not the achievement of one person but all Firefly employees living up to our Core Values in all of their day-to-day interactions with both our members and their fellow coworkers.”