Personal Touch

Columbia Bank’s open-door policy wins fans.

By Myke Folger | July 2010 | FROM THE PRINT EDITION

Third Place

Large Companies

Among the banks that remain healthy in Washington, one continues to give its 500-plus employees some of the best benefits available.

Columbia Bank provides each full-time employee 100 percent health and dental coverage. There’s a 401(k) plan, a stock purchase plan and a confidential employee assistance program. Those benefits also go to part-timers working at least 24 hours a week. To reward good customer care, Columbia offers employees $100 and the W.W. Philip Award—the latter named after former CEO Bill Philip. And when employees get the award, Philip himself delivers it.

The more than 300 employees who filled out the Best Companies survey had nothing but praise for the company’s benefits, which have continued through the years despite the downturn in the economy. Employees also give a nod to the bank’s open-door policy that allows them easy access to CEO Melanie Dressel and other executives.

“I have worked for Columbia Bank for almost 13 years,” one employee writes. “During this time, I have learned a great deal and have received wonderful training and support to aid me in where I am today in the bank.”

Writes another: “[As in] any company, we have had some issues, but I feel that management has done their best to address them. My managers have been very supportive of my career goals. Because of this, I have been able to pursue my bachelor’s [degree] as well as advance within the bank. Overall, in my almost five years with CB, I have had a wonderful experience and couldn’t have asked for a better one.”

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