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October 9, 2009 — Meridian Credit Union named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers Two Years in a Row
St. Catharines – Meridian Credit Union has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers by Maclean’s Magazine for the second time in two years, Sean Jackson, President and CEO of Meridian Credit Union, announced today.
"This prestigious award is a testament to the award-winning cooperative culture Meridian has built over the past four years," said Jackson. "When we opened our doors as Meridian Credit Union in 2005, we made a commitment that we would be an employer of choice and we have worked hard to make good on that commitment. We‘re delighted to once again be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, especially because the award reflects what our employees believe about Meridian."
Now entering its 10th year, Canada's Top 100 Employers recognizes Canada's best places to work by identifying companies and organizations that lead their industry in attracting and retaining employees.
"Meridian’s success lies in the fact that we were able to knit together two corporate cultures into one innovative and community-minded organization that works for everybody," said Jackson.
Meridian stood out for a number of reasons to the selection committee including:
- an industry leader that provides compassionate leave top-up benefits (to 75% of salary for 4 weeks)
- also offers parental leave top-up benefits to new mothers, fathers and adoptive parents (to 100% of salary for 8 weeks)
- a good community citizen that provides paid time-off to volunteer with their favourite charity, as well as supporting a variety of neighbourhood charitable campaigns through its Good Neighbour Program
- supports ongoing employee training through a variety of in-house programs and provides tuition subsidies (to $3,000 each year) for courses at outside institutions.
"Our employees see themselves and Meridian as a positive force in making their communities stronger, vibrant and more inclusive. This corporate culture provides an immense amount of satisfaction, both on the job and in the community," said Tom Wise, Senior Vice-President and Chief of Staff, Meridian Credit Union.
As part of its vision of reinventing neighbourhood banking, Meridian enables local branches and branch managers to make decisions on loans and mortgages in the branch, using their knowledge of the individual and local economy.
"Our employees are able to make decisions that can make a difference in the lives of real people in their communities. This makes a real difference in attracting and retaining employees, as well as remaining true to our credit union values," said Wise.
For more information, please contact:
Stacey Hellas
Communications Advisor
P: 416. 597.4679
stacey.hellas@meridiancu.ca