By The New Mexico Bankers Association
Pioneer Bank Earns 2021 Top Workplaces USA Award
Pioneer Bank has announced it has earned the 2021 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. This is the inaugural year for Top Workplaces USA, built on the program’s 14-year history surveying more than 20 million employees across 54 markets for the regional Top Workplaces awards.
“I am proud to be part of a team that works to better each other and provide the best possible service to our customers,” states Christopher G. Palmer, President & CEO. “It is our Team that makes Pioneer Bank who we are. We strive to build community amongst our Team which spreads to all aspects of our company and the communities we live and work in.”
Top Workplaces USA offers national recognition for large organizations, those with more than 150 employees, and those that may have operations in multiple markets. Several thousand organizations from across the country were invited, and more than 1,100 participated in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey issued by Energage.
Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.
“During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”
In Memoriam:
Frank Macaluso
Frank Macaluso, 89, passed away on Oct. 31, 2020, at his home in Farmington, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Peggy. Frank was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Frank and Thelma Macaluso. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Regis University in Denver.
Frank began and ended his career as a banker. He moved to Farmington in 1952 and worked for Citizens Bank in Aztec. He organized Valley Bank of Farmington in 1974, which later became part of Bank of America. Frank served as director and chairman of Sunwest Bank, a $78 million operation in Farmington for 23 years. He was director of Sunwest Financial Services for five years. In 2000, he organized Four Corners Community Bank, which he watched grow with pride. He served as chairman of the Board for FCCB until his death.
In 1959, Frank founded Macluso Oil Company, a petroleum product distributor. In 2000, the company expanded to Albuquerque and Santa Fe and became Amigo Petroleum Company. The company was sold to Gian Industries in 2006.
Frank served on the Governor’s Business Advisory Council, the New Mexico Board of Finance, and the University of New Mexico Foundation throughout the years. He was President of the New Mexico Petroleum Association and was also a New Mexico Amigo.
Frank was a man of great conviction and integrity who will be greatly missed but always loved by his family. Frank is survived by his four daughters, one son, 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Chris Bird
Chris Bird, longtime EVP at CNB Bank in Carlsbad, passed away on Jan. 1, 2021. Chris was born Aug. 8, 1960, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to David and Norma Bird. He graduated high school in Ottawa, Kansas. He attended Wichita State University, University of St. Thomas Houston and earned his MBA from ENMU. He married Joyce Stuever on Jun. 25, 1983, in Wichita, Kansas. He and Joyce moved to Carlsbad in 1984, where they raised their four daughters together.
Chris worked for Ross Hyden Motors, Western Ag Minerals and worked for the last 22 years at CNB Bank, where he was Executive vice president of Operations. He was involved in Kiwanis, NM Senior Olympics, St. Edward Catholic Church and led Thursday Night Bible Study for many years.
Chris is survived by his parents and brother Scott Bird of Ottawa, Kansas, wife Joyce, four daughters and eight grandchildren. The family has asked that any donations be made to Jonah’s House Food Pantry.
