Independent Banker - December 2021 - 42

$250 MILLION TO $499 MILLION
FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN:
WHERE CAREERS ARE MADE
BY WILLIAM ATKINSON
irst Federal Savings & Loan has
been in business since 1955,
focusing on mortgage lending and
deposit accounts for the Gulf Coast.
In addition to its main office, the
$325 million-asset community bank
in Pascagoula, Miss., has five branch
offices serving southern Mississippi.
As a community development
financial institution (CDFI),
the bank has a special focus on
supporting economic development
in economically disadvantaged
local communities.
It does good work for its employees,
too: The bank was named a Best
Place to Work in Mississippi by
the Mississippi Business Journal
F
every year since 2016. Now, ICBA
has named it one of 2021's Best
Community Banks to Work For.
There are plenty of reasons
for this. " We truly believe that
First Federal is a great place to
work, " says president and CEO
Alan Renfroe. " Our low employee
turnover, tenure of our staff and
ability to attract employees from
other institutions all attest to
that. Our employees are trusted to
know their responsibilities and are
allowed to work with the support
of management. "
The community bank's " sense of
purpose " is to provide its legacy of
service to the communities it serves
First Federal Savings & Loan
Pascagoula, Miss.
Assets: $325 million
firstwithus.com
with the deposit and loan products
they need. " It's our highly personal
and courteous service that sets us
apart, " Renfroe says. " The value
we put in our long-term employee
relationships automatically breeds
a positive work environment for
them to share that legacy with
our customers. "
Keep staff satisfied with benefits
Leaders at First Federal Savings & Loan believe offering a
comprehensive benefits package not only attracts good
employees but also keeps existing employees satisfied.
The community bank provides first-class healthcare and retirement
benefits, including paying employee premiums for health, dental, vision
and long-term disability insurance. It also offers 50% paid premiums
for these benefits for employee dependents. " We also offer a 401(k), up
to 40 days of paid annual leave and an annual bonus, " says Jennifer M.
Garlich, vice president and director of marketing.
Another benefit is supporting the civic and social organizations that
are important to its employees. " For example, we sponsor charity golf
tournaments, Little League teams and events that our employees are
personally invested in, " Garlich says. " We also host family-friendly events
like Mardi Gras parade cookouts, anniversaries and holiday parties. "
Growing long-term careers
So, how does First Federal Savings
& Loan prepare its employees
for success?
" We offer one-on-one training
for new hires and in-person
educational updates as needed, "
says Jennifer M. Garlich, vice
president and director of marketing.
" Management also encourages
employees to participate in webinars
to increase job awareness and learn
new procedures. "
The community bank
recommends employees attend
conferences to network with other
bankers and discover new ideas,
she adds. It's part of the community
38 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q December 2021
http://www.firstwithus.com
Independent Banker - December 2021

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