A look at the workplace recognitions earned so far this year and what they say about the culture being built here.

So far in 2026, Consumers has been honored across five separate Best and Brightest programs—each evaluating a different dimension of workplace excellence. Taken together, they reflect something special that has been years in the making.

What is the Best and Brightest Program?

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For is a national program run by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). Companies don’t apply for a trophy—they’re evaluated by an independent research firm across categories like employee education and development, compensation and benefits, wellness culture, work-life blend and community responsibility.

Earning a spot on the list is no small feat. NABR notes a ten-to-one ratio in these competitions, meaning the vast majority of participating organizations do not make the cut. Winning once is meaningful; winning across multiple programs and markets in the same year is a different story entirely.

Which Best and Brightest Awards Has Consumers Earned in 2026?

Consumers has been recognized in five programs since the start of the year:

• West Michigan Best and Brightest Companies to Work For (March 2026) – Named among the region’s most innovative employers, evaluated across categories including employee enrichment, communication, wellness and leadership.
• West Michigan Best and Brightest Elite Winner: Employee Education and Development (June 2026) – Of the companies recognized at the annual West Michigan awards celebration, Consumers was named one of 14 Elite winners, earning the top distinction in the Employee Education and Development category.
• Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation (April 2026) – Selected as one of the top employers in the country, competing alongside organizations from markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York and beyond.
• Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness (April 2026) – Honored among the first-round-of-2026 winners for Michigan’s dedicated wellness program, which evaluates organizations on physical health resources, mental health support, financial wellness education and overall wellness culture.
• Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness (April 2026) – Named among the first round of national wellness winners, joining a select group of organizations recognized for exceptional commitment to employee well-being from coast to coast.

What Does a Culture of Learning Mean for Members?

Financial education has always been central to what Consumers stands for. That same commitment extends to the team behind the work. When employees have access to strong development resources, the benefit reaches members directly in the quality of guidance they receive, the confidence behind every conversation and the depth of support available at every touchpoint.

This recognition reflects an ongoing investment in building that capability from the inside out, so members always have knowledgeable, well-equipped people in their corner.

What Does This Mean for Consumers’ Workplace Culture?

Recognition across workplace culture, wellness and employee development reflects a consistent thread running through all of these programs: people come first.

“Receiving recognition across so many categories speaks to the strength of our culture and the care we put into supporting our employees,” said Shawn Premer, chief human resources officer. “Well-being, inclusion and engagement are deeply connected. When employees feel healthy, welcomed and appreciated, they are empowered to bring their best selves to work and serve our members with excellence.”

That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional programs, meaningful investment in people and a willingness to keep raising the standard year after year.

For members, it means working with a team that is genuinely supported and positioned to do their best work. And that’s exactly what great financial service is built on.

 

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