First National Bank of Groton

6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 F I RST NAT IONAL BANK OF GROTON would try to start a business and we would help them in that respect,” Stephen recalls. They also run a program to attract junior and senior high school students to try working in the bank part-time. The program has been a major success, with several students staying on at the bank for many years following. “We are quite involved with the schools,” Stephen says. “As a community bank, we spend a large amount of time socializing in groups within the community. A lot of people work on different committees and some are involved in the fire departments and churches and other organizations like the American Legion. That’s life in a small community.” Not only does First National Bank of Groton treat its customers and community like family, its 38 employees operate like one large family themselves. “We are family-oriented,” says HR officer, Elizabeth Sears. “That’s one of the biggest things that draws people to work at the bank. They can see that everyone is tight-knit and cares about each other.” Employees aren’t relegated to their own departments, everyone interacts with each other and has the opportunity to get to know everyone who works there. The result, is a warm and welcoming atmosphere that sets the bank apart from the rest. “We have, fortunately, been able to hire a number of people from other banks that are not community banks and when they do come here they become some of our best sales people for employment because they say how much better it is here,” Stephen explains. “We all have our tough days, but it’s nice to hear when you bring someone in that has been in another institution and speaks well of you.” In addition to the welcoming corporate culture, the bank offers an attractive career to many with valuable employee benefits, including a 401K and health insurance. Not surprisingly, First National Bank of Groton has little turnover