Independent Banker - December 2023 - 42

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MORE THAN $1B
MAINSTREET BANK
LEADING WITH HUMILITY
BY BRIDGET MCCREA
hen MainStreet Bank in
Fairfax, Va., rolled out its
Miracles on MainStreet program
in 2023, it gave the $2 billion‑asset
community bank's employees a new
way to give back to their neighbors.
The program gives the bank's
190 associates $1,000 each to
contribute to their chosen charitable
organization or individual in need,
as well as eight hours of paid time off
dedicated to volunteering.
Marc Batchelor, SVP for credit
W
administration, donated his
$1,000 to his son's school and also
volunteered to help with student eye
and hearing exams there. It garnered
the attention of two more team
members who also decided to give
their $1,000 donations to the school.
" Miracles on MainStreet has really
ignited my group, " Batchelor says.
" Soon, my $1,000 donation from the
bank turned into $3,000. "
Batchelor especially likes how
MainStreet Bank has inspired him
to become even more involved as a
parent. " This is one of the best places
I've ever worked; it really is, " he says.
He also appreciates the open
lines of communication that run
across the entire community bank.
" I never feel like I have to stifle or be
guarded with my communication, " he
notes. " I always feel like I can speak
very candidly. "
Mainstreet Bank
Fairfax, Va.
Assets: $2 billion
mstreetbank.com
3 ways to build a great workplace
1 Ask employees what they think. When MainStreet Bank was
developing its remote work policy during the pandemic, it asked
employees for input and then used that feedback to draft a policy
on remote work for the bank's executive group.
2 Get leadership buy-in. " Our leaders showing up and participating
and being active participants sets a good example, " says Trish
Smith, EVP of human resources. " It also makes their team feel like it's
OK for them to go downstairs and get some ice cream and get away
from their desks for a few minutes. "
3 Encourage authenticity. The most productive, engaged employees
are those who feel comfortable at work. " A bank is made up of
people, and it's up to us to encourage them to be their authentic
selves, " says Marc Batchelor, SVP for credit administration.
Addressing emerging needs
Employees' glowing feedback about
this and other initiatives resulted in
MainStreet Bank being named one of
the Best Community Banks to Work
for 2023. Founded in 2004 and led
by chairman and CEO Jeff Dick, the
bank takes its role as an employer and
community pillar seriously. It has a
Community Committee that recently
organized a successful food drive for
the Arlington Food Assistance Center; it
offers flexible work arrangements that
were in place pre‑pandemic; and it is
always looking for new ways to address
emerging needs.
" About a year and half ago, when
gas prices were spiking, the bank
gave out gift cards to all employees to
ease the financial pressure, " recalls
Debra Cope, EVP and chief corporate
communications officer. Cope credits
the bank's " down to earth " leadership
approach with helping to create a
workplace where people want to
come to work, serve customers as a
collaborative team and give back to the
42 // ICBA Independent Banker // December 2023
http://www.mstreetbank.com
Independent Banker - December 2023

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