Two eastern Maine banks are among the “Best Places To Work In Maine,” according to a program that recognizes employee-focused businesses in Maine.

Bangor Savings Bank, with 629 employees, won fifth place in the large-employer category. Machias Savings Bank, with 220 employees, was ninth out of 18 small employers.

“My colleagues and I are extremely proud of this recognition,” Jim Conlon, CEO of Bangor Savings Bank, said in a statement. “Bangor Savings Bank has worked to develop a culture where we deliver not only to our employees but to our customers. … This recognition is something we will want to continue to achieve.”

Edward Hennessey, president of Machias Savings Bank, said the reason the bank continues to grow is its customer service.

“Our customer service remains our most important focus,” he said in a statement.

The Best Places to Work in Maine program started two years ago and aims to recognize companies that have established and fostered an outstanding workplace environment. Before a workplace is recognized, employees must complete a questionnaire about their workplace and the employer answers questions about its employee benefits.

Other award winners include Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems of Brewer and the investment firm Edward Jones.

The award is good news in a tumultuous economic time, said Conlon.

“Even though many banks are in a challenging transition, Bangor Savings Bank remains a very strong institution with talented employees,” he said. “It makes sense that if we live up to our mission, we will always want to be seen as a wonderful place to work.”

acurtis@bangordailynews.net

990-8133