This Mandan, ND-based credit union may be small, but its impact is significant enough to earn national recognition as one of the “Best Credit Unions to Work For!”

American Banker recently unveiled its list of 70 credit unions that made the cut for 2024, and among those honored was Railway Credit Union of Mandan, ND, under the leadership of President/CEO Paul Brucker.

This year’s survey highlighted how organizations go “above and beyond” for their employees, with a focus on innovative programs launched by forward-thinking executives. The honorees were evaluated through two surveys: one completed by employees, which covered areas such as leadership, culture, communication, and overall engagement; and another that reviewed and assessed each credit union’s benefits and policies, including employee appreciation events and volunteer opportunities.

Out of all the credit unions that made the list, Railway CU was the smallest. Despite having just 25 staff members and $181 million in assets, they secured the impressive #3 spot overall!

Railway CU was specifically recognized for its “Shoe Day,” an initiative where the credit union buys each employee a new pair of shoes. They were also commended for their community involvement and strong cybersecurity standards. Railway staff regularly volunteers at the local Soup Café, hosts an annual member appreciation “Steak Fry,” and organizes various group outings throughout the year, such as Larks Night and holiday events.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our volunteer board of directors for having the insight and vision to create this type of positive work environment for our team,” said Brucker. “This employee-centric environment didn’t just randomly materialize; it’s the result of years of collaboration between staff and the board to create a unique atmosphere that attracts and retains the best talent possible,” he added.

Congratulations to Paul and the Railway CU team on this well-deserved national recognition!