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B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 6 6 SMALL COMPANIES [ 15 - 49 employees ] At Kennebec Federal Savings (KFS), everyone seems to truly enjoy coming to work. That can be seen in the daily practice of giving random shout-outs via email or during morning huddles. Here's an example: Nicole sent an email to customer service about Mr. B., who was coming in later for some help. She added, "Also, today is his birthday and he is turning 93, so maybe who gets him could wish him a Happy Birthday!" Joshua "got" Mr. B. when he came in, and wished him a Happy Birthday. Laura noticed, and during the huddle gave this shout-out: "I heard Joshua make the customer's day by wishing him a Happy Birthday. Thank- you, Nicole, for noticing it was his birthday and Joshua for wishing him a Happy Birthday. Good teamwork." That kind of caring always circles around, explained President Allan Rancourt. "Everyone shows they care about their co-workers and our customers," said Rancourt. "Employees focus on helping customers by discovering their needs, wants, and dreams, not on selling products." KFS celebrates success frequently in a variety of ways. Quarterly Celebrations, organized by KFS' Hoopla Team, recognize individual and team achievements. The celebrations include fun activities such as chair races, pumpkin- decorating or mock Olympic competitions. The celebrations are hugely popular. This year, the Hoopla Team added "Rave Reviews"—peer acclamation recognizing commitment to KFS values and service standards. For the April quarterly, the Hoopla Team asked for nominations. The team received 53 nominations—all were read at the celebration. The morning after the July celebration, a newly hired employee, attending for the fi rst time, sent this: "Thank-you for a great time last night. Good food, good vibes, interesting and thoughtful gifts…We are one of the best places to work—not just in Maine…the planet." Other programs include birthdays off with pay, retirement/pension plan plus 401(k), incentive bonuses, ongoing training, and work anniversary and personal recognitions. The Employee Relations Committee coordinates employee outings, theme days and potlucks. The Community Involvement Committee organizes participation in community events such as Big Brothers Big Sisters' Bowl for Kids' Sake. Rancourt recently encountered an employee wearing a "Thank God it's Monday" T-shirt. "She said, 'My family wonders why I wear it, but I fi nd it fun to go to work,'" he said. "So that's part of the mantra." Kennebec Federal Savings Greatest place on the planet Kennebec Federal Savings P.O. Box 497, Waterville 04903-0497 Top local executive: Allan L. Rancourt, president/CEO Year established: 1936 Maine employees: 25 Website: www.kfsavings.com Human resources contact: Rene Turner 207-873-5151 rturner@kfsavings.com # 2 A sampling of Kennebec Federal Savings employees, with Allan Rancourt, center. Best Bank in Waterville. Best Staff in Kennebec County. Best Place to Work in Maine. www.kfsavings.com Waterville, Maine 888-249-0606 2016