Finance.

BEST BANK

FirstBank of Colorado

Customers like FirstBank because they get the technology and capabilities of a large hank and the superior customer service of a local hank. For example, says chief operating officer Jim Reuter, FirstBank uses local small business owners in ads, the loan officers are the decision makers, and people who call the customer service number are instructed to press zero to talk to someone as the first option.

People do indeed want to talk to the customer service staff. "One of the best compliments I ever got about the call center was someone asked how much vacation time we give them because they always seem to be in a good mood," he says. "We take care of them."

firstbank.com

RUNNERS-UP: ALPINE BANK, WELLS FARGO BANK, CHASE BANK

BEST INSURANCE BROKERAGE

State Farm

The company that was long known as State Farm Insurance rebranded a few years ago and is now simply State Farm. It offers insurance products, financial services and has a bank. Customers appreciate the level of customer service State Farm offers.

"We feel this recognition reinforces what we do every day, which is to focus on the needs of our customers while also being active members of the community," says Angela Thorpe, spokesperson for the region. "Whether our customers just want to talk, or have questions about the insurance products and financial services we offer, we're available."

statefarm.com

RUNNERS-UP: MADISON INSURANCE GROUP, ALLSTATE, FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP

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BEST CREDIT UNION

Bellco Credit Union

With more than 250,000 members and more than $3 billion in assets, Bellco is Denver's largest credit union. The not-for-profit has 22 locations in the state and offers services including mortgages, auto loans and checking accounts, and online and mobile banking. In addition to giving back to the communities it serves, Bellco shares resources with other credit unions so members can take advantage of thousands of shared-branch locations and more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Bellco is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

bellco.org

RUNNERS'UP' PUBLIC SERVICE CREDIT UNION, ELEVATIONS CREDIT ONION, ENT CREDIT UNION

BEST SBA LENDER

Peoples Bank

Peoples Bank provides U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans of up to $5.5 million for transactions ranging from heavy equipment to commercial real estate and business expansion.

As a member of the SBA's Preferred Lender Program, People's can use a...