A century of dedication.

• Position: BEST Employers in NORTH CAROLINA - Carolina Farm Credit - Company overview

For nearly 100 years, Carolina Farm Credit has been an important fixture in the agriculture landscape of North Carolina, serving the credit needs of farmers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners. As a part of the national Farm Credit System formed by Congress in 1916, the Statesville-based cooperative has 36 service centers and 230 employees to serve customers across 54 counties in the western half of North Carolina.

Longevity, financial stability, knowledge of agriculture, its cooperative structure and patronage program are a few reasons customers choose Carolina Farm Credit. But there are several other reasons Carolina Farm Credit was named one of the 2013 Best Employers in North Carolina.

Carolina Farm Credit promotes a work-life balance. "We encourage employees to put their spiritual lives first, family second and work third," CEO Michael Morton says. "We believe having a balanced life allows our employees to reach their full potential and thereby strengthens our rural communities and Carolina Farm Credit."

Carolina Farm Credit employees live in the same communities as their customers, known as member-borrowers. Community service is vital to the organization and a large part of the life-work balance. Employees are given paid time-off to participate in volunteer work.

The cooperative as a whole supports several charities and was an inaugural supporter of Cowgirls with a Cause, a rodeo fundraiser started after an employee lost her battle with cancer. All proceeds go toward breast cancer research, with more than $32,000 raised this past year alone.

As part of the work-life balance, an employee wellness committee sponsors a fall fitness challenge, a biggest loser competition, and contributes to gym memberships, home gym equipment and weight loss programs. Personal and professional...