FOX CITIES, Wis. – (May 28, 2026) – Fox Communities Credit Union has been certified as a platinum-level Employee Friendly Workplace by the Fox Cities Chamber, the highest certification level available. This certification honors employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to life-friendly work environments by intentionally creating positive and supportive experiences for all.
The honor marks the second EFW certification for the company, which was named a gold-certified Employee Friendly Workplace in 2024. Reaching this next level speaks to their dedication to continually working to make Fox Communities Credit Union an employer of choice in the Fox Cities.
Platinum-certified employers offer benefits and policies that promote work/life integration and strive to meet diverse needs of employees.
“People helping people is at our core, and it starts with our team,” said Chris Allen, President/CEO of Fox Communities Credit Union. “When our team members feel supported, valued and set up to succeed, they’re able to do what matters most—help our members build stronger financial futures. This recognition reflects the culture we’ve intentionally built together.”
Fox’s Chief People Officer, Kris Hackbarth-Horn expands, “We’ve been very intentional about building a culture where putting people first is how we show up every day. From meaningful benefits to growth opportunities, everything we do is designed to support our team members both personally and professionally. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that commitment reflected in their experience.”
Fox’s commitment to being life-friendly comes to life through initiatives such as:
- Growth and development opportunities for every team member
- Caregiver Leave to support family needs
- Paid volunteer time to give back to the community
- Tuition assistance up to $5,250 annually
- Non-traditional bereavement and pet bereavement support
- Healthy Lifestyle Program
- Retirement contributions, including match and profit sharing
- Flexible, life-friendly work arrangements, including remote options
The mission of the Fox Cities Employee Friendly Workplace Initiative is to encourage the adoption of more employee friendly workplace practices and policies to enhance work/life balance and successfully attract and retain the best employees to the region.
To date the Chamber has certified 21 other companies as being employee friendly. Jack Herkowski, Manager, Economic Development at the Chamber, explained how the certification works: “We rate employers in four major categories: Paid Leave and Flexible Work Schedules, Health and Wellness Support, Financial Support and Perks. Employers are then given a score and if qualified, rank as Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. We are thrilled to add Fox Communities Credit Union to this prestigious list as our newest Platinum Employee Friendly Workplace certified employer!”
Certification is open to all employers with operations located in the Fox Cities (Calumet, Outagamie and northern Winnebago Counties). The comprehensive benefit criteria incorporated into the application is intended to be attainable as well as aspirational for employers of any size across all industry sectors.
To learn more about the Fox Cities Employee Friendly Workplace initiative, visit Employee Friendly Workplace | Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. View a full list of all certified companies at Certified Businesses | Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.
