July 6, 2017, Florence, S.C. – First Reliance Bank was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. This twelfth annual program was created by SC Biz News in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.

First Reliance is one of three companies throughout South Carolina who have received the award all twelve years since the program began.

This survey-and-awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the state of South Carolina, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses. The list is made up of 70 companies. First Reliance has been named one of this year’s Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.

The ranked companies will be recognized at a reception and dinner, presented by Colonial Life, on August 3, 2017, and the rankings will be published in the August 2017 issue of SCBIZ magazine.

Earlier this month, First Reliance also received the Best Bank in the Pee Dee recognition from The Florence Morning News’ Best of the Pee Dee competition.  This award is determined by the number of people in the Pee Dee who vote for their favorite businesses.

Lastly, First Reliance has received a 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, Coral Gables, Florida.  This rating, based on the 2017 first quarter financial report, indicates that First Reliance Bank is one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation; a dependable and financially sound Bank.

Since its inception in 1999, First Reliance Bank has been committed to its purpose ‘To Make the Lives of our Customers Better.’  “We are really proud to be recognized in so many ways,” said Rick Saunders, President and CEO.  “All three of these awards are directly in line with our business model which ties together having talented and engaged associates who deliver our brand of service which creates customers that are loyal and happy, ultimately resulting in quality financial performance. When everything comes together we are strong financially and operationally, and will continue to support the communities we are in.”