EASTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Hometown Financial Group, the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank, and Hometown Mortgage, announced today it has earned the 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award for the third time in four years.

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that are dedicated to building an exceptional people-first culture. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee engagement survey, issued by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“We’re honored to have received this trio of national awards as an employer of choice. But we’re even more grateful to our employees because it’s their positive feedback that earned us the honor,” said Hometown Financial Group Chairman and CEO Matthew S. Sosik. “Our dedicated, talented, and passionate employees continually unlocking potential for our customers, our communities, and one another. And they’ve embraced our culture where “Respect everyone,” “Foster positive energy,” and “Laugh often. Have fun!” are three of our most treasured core values. They believe we’re doing something right.”

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”