Photo: Diamond Credit Union’s Chairman of the Board, Patrick Austin (center- left), and Diamond Credit Union’s President/CEO, Rick Patel (center-right), are pictured surrounded by Diamond teammates holding the Best Places to Work award at the award’s ceremony on December 12 at the Lancaster Marriot at Penn Square in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Diamond Credit Union was named as the seventh best medium-sized company in Pennsylvania by Best Companies Group (BCG). This is the ninth consecutive year that Diamond has been named as one of the Best Places to Work in PA, and the best ranking the organization has received thus far.
The Credit Union was originally named as a Best Places to Work 2024 recipient in October. The rankings were announced on December 12 at a groovy awards ceremony held at the Lancaster Marriot at Penn Square in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The theme of the night was disco, and Diamond team members had the chance to blend hard work with fun at the dinner by dressing up in disco attire. Blending hard work with fun is one of Diamond’s Commitment to Excellence statements.
“An exemplary place to work often begins with a strong culture,” Diamond Credit Union’s President and CEO, Rick Patel said. “A strong culture is brought to life through the employees. The Diamond Team follows our Commitment to Excellence everyday to benefit the good of the community, and the good of the Credit Union. I want to thank Best Companies Group for this award, and the Diamond Team for making it possible.”
To be in the running for Best Places to Work, employers and employees have to complete an in-depth questionnaire and provide their honest feedback about the workplace. Once completed, BCG analyzes the responses and determines if the organization makes the cut as a Best Places to Work recipient. BCG will also provide participants with feedback based on the questionnaire, so that employers have the opportunity to improve their work environment.
Diamond’s Culture
The Diamond Team uses the Commitment to Excellence to guide their actions in the workplace. They have the opportunity to help members with their finances, and help community members in their everyday lives through volunteering.
Relay For Life plays a huge role at Diamond Credit Union. Diamond volunteers participate in several Relay fundraisers throughout the year, in addition to hosting the John M. Faust Charity Golf Invitational and All in for Hope. Proceeds from both events are donated to Relay For Life.
The branches have held many collection drives and fundraisers in 2024. Some of the organizations that have benefited include Fostering Hope, Exeter Area Food Pantry, The Adalyn Rose Foundation, KidsPeace Foster Care of Reading, Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and more.
Employee efforts don’t stop there though. Diamond volunteers participated in several parades and community days in Muhlenberg, Reading, Limerick, Pottstown, Boyertown and Exeter.
Empowering Leaders to Grow
“Strong leaders create a foundation for other employees to prosper,” Patel said. “I believe that our managers create an open line of communication so that employees feel comfortable and willing to share the good and the bad. We can then take their feedback to make improvements.”
In 2023, the organization launched a two tier leadership program. The program was designed to give managers the skills and knowledge to effectively lead, engage, develop and motivate their teams. Managers took part in lessons about effective motivation, managing mindsets, conflict and critical conversations and strategic thinking.
A Far Out Way to End 2024
“As the year comes to a close, I reflect upon everything we have accomplished this year and all of the opportunities we’ve had to impact the community. I am so proud of my team, and I am excited to see what 2025 brings,” Patel said.
Join an award winning team and experience Diamond Credit Union firsthand by applying today.
Encouraging growth and empowering employees…That’s Younity.