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ESL Ranked #9 on Training APEX List for Workplace Development Programs

For 16th consecutive year, ESL recognized nationally among businesses across the U.S. for its unique training programs for employees

Rochester, NY — ESL Federal Credit Union is honored to announce that for the 16th consecutive year, Training Magazine named the locally owned financial institution to the list of Training APEX Awards winners for 2021.

ESL ranked #9 on the list, which includes other well-known companies such as Edward Jones, Visa Inc., and CarMax, as well as local companies Paychex and ConServe. APEX Award companies were measured on several qualitative and quantitative factors recognizing overall corporate training, including training program and scope, tuition reimbursement, training infrastructure and delivery, evaluation and metrics, and human resources. The list can be viewed at Training Magazine’s website, traingingmag.com.

“We are honored to be recognized on the prestigious Training APEX Awards list for 16 consecutive years for our investments into our unique learning and development programs,” says Maureen Wolfe, Senior Vice President/Director, Human Resources & Community Impact. “We continue our commitment to developing unique opportunities for employees to grow and develop, as we strengthen our foundation as a thriving workplace.”

ESL was also recently recognized for its emerging leader program, a blended learning format that includes instructor-led training, panel discussions, self-reflection, social learning, and peer support. Participants also create an individual development plan for ongoing growth and reflection beyond the formal program.

For companies today, investing in internal training is vital to attracting, retaining, and developing talent. Promoting a superior employee experience is a key initiative for ESL. Even amid challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, ESL continued its commitment to deliver learning and development programs to employees. Changes included modifications to in-person learning environments, where required, to meet COVID safety precautions and shifting some in-person class offerings to online formats. ESL also hosted several online and self-directed options for employees, including an Employee Learning Week, and access to online learning resources to elevate thinking and boost creativity.

The company touts historically low turnover in recent years, in part because of growth and development opportunities available to all employees. Last year, 68% of all jobs were filled from within, and 87% of leadership positions were filled internally.

ESL invests significant resources to provide valuable learning solutions to its workforce. Every employee of the organization has the opportunity to further his or her skillset through coursework offered each year. Courses include topics such as leadership development, diversity and inclusion, mentoring, and specific Microsoft Office program skills. Employees can also receive up to $5,250 of tuition aid each year for undergraduate or graduate coursework.

The March issue of Training Magazine profiles the Top 5 companies and provides information about the training efforts of all 100 organizations. The list of 2022 honorees includes learning-focused organizations,—such as Medical Solutions at No. 1 and Rosendin at No. 2.

About ESL Federal Credit Union

With more than 100 years of locally owned history, ESL Federal Credit Union serves as a full-service financial institution to more than 388,000 members and 13,500 businesses. Founded in 1920, the company provides personal banking, business banking, mortgage services and wealth management services through its locally based 23-branch network; telephone, mobile and online banking; and live chat center.

The Rochester-based financial institution employs approximately 900 people in the Greater Rochester area and holds more than $9.1 billion in assets. Since 1996, ESL has paid out 27 consecutive Owners’ Dividends to its members, totaling more than $240 million. Since the creation of its Community Impact initiative in 2018, ESL has reinvested more than $65 million in grants throughout the community. The company has appeared on the Great Place to Work® Best Small & Medium Workplaces list for 11 years, since 2010. ESL Federal Credit Union is headquartered at 225 Chestnut Street, in Rochester and can be found online at www.esl.org.

Connect with ESL on Twitter (@ESLFCU) and Facebook.com/ESLFCU.

For more information, contact:

Rich Pulvino, APR
Vice President/Director, Corporate Communications
rpulvino@esl.org
585.336.1009