Our Values in Action
155 Years of Trusted Relationships and Thriving Communities
Busey Impact Report
Throughout our 155-year history, Busey has been guided by a constant commitment and fixed focus on a promise to our 4 Pillars—associates, customers, communities and shareholders. Executing our vision of the Busey Promise, we invest in our valued associates and empower them to exceed the needs of our customers, and as we work together to strengthen our communities, our shareholders are rewarded with a thriving organization.
Since we first opened our doors in 1868, Busey’s focus has been on doing good. We make a difference for our Pillars. We lead our communities. We make a positive impact.
This report provides a comprehensive look at our values in action—detailing initiatives to support our 4 Pillars, showcasing Busey’s efforts towards:
We recruit and retain the best and brightest associates—associates who are positive, determined, thoughtful, resilient and humble. We provide them with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed at Busey, empower them to take ownership of their tasks and reward them accordingly.
- Nearly 1,500 associates with an average tenure of 7.8 years.
- 90% of associates completed the 2022 Associate Engagement Survey, an annual effort since 2015.
- In 2022, Busey scored 4.28 (out of 5.0) based on 12 critical measures of engagement. This is an increase from 2021’s score of 4.23.
- Over 350 internal promotions since 2020.
- Of Busey hires in 2022, 28% were referred by a Busey associate.
Through the annual Associate Engagement Survey, each department identifies strengths and areas for improvement. Busey partners with Gallup™ to administer the survey, which focuses on 12 elements that exist in every high-performing work environment. Additionally, through independent, third-party award programs, Busey routinely provides opportunities for associates to provide confidential feedback through surveys.
These feedback channels have identified associate needs, providing Busey with the opportunity to enhance several components of the associate experience.
In keeping with our environmental initiatives, this publication is brought to you in a digital-first format.
If you’d like to receive a printed copy of the Busey Impact Report, please complete the following form request.
Unless otherwise stated, data is as of December 31, 2022
Busey serves our customers as One Busey, operating multiple business lines to bring a suite of impact opportunities to each customer. Since we opened our doors in 1868, our core values to service excellence have remained, creating a strong foundation and shaping our culture.
- In 2022, Busey earned a Net Promoter Score® (NPS) of 42.1, well above the Financial Services Industry benchmark of 23.1.
- Over 16,000 survey responses in 2022 have received follow-up from Busey associates, and 100% of the required NPS follow-up has been made.
- Busey’s 2022 Customer Satisfaction score (CSAT) was 9.3 out of 10.
- Over 240,000 total households served through five businesses—business, wealth management, personal, treasury management and FirsTech.
- Nearly 60 banking centers in Illinois, Missouri, Florida and Indiana.
- Busey offers a full suite of innovative remote banking capabilities, nationwide ATM coverage, drive-up banking, Busey eBank and contactless payments, allowing customers to access our services anytime, anywhere.
With a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) commitment that stretches beyond the minimum legislative requirements, Busey’s goal is to maintain high standards of performance in meeting the needs of our communities.
- In the last two years, the organization has contributed over $787,880 in CRA-eligible monetary donations and over 3,650 volunteer hours through CRA efforts across our footprint.
- The Community Banking Team—four of whom are bilingual—offers over 100 proactive, focused events annually including homeowner education workshops, financial literacy seminars, credit education classes and first-time homeowner events
- Between 2021 and 2022, Busey funded over $650 million dollars in mortgage loans to low-to-moderate income families and/or geographies.
- Financial Pathways, Busey's financial education platform, offers 250 educational experiences for both adult community members and 7th - 12th graders.
In keeping with our environmental initiatives, this publication is brought to you in a digital-first format.
If you’d like to receive a printed copy of the Busey Impact Report, please complete the following form request.
Unless otherwise stated, data is as of December 31, 2022
Working with our communities to support the arts, advocate for our youth and help neighbors in need, we promise to bridge needs by providing financial capital through monetary contributions and guidance, human capital through energetic and committed volunteers and social capital through leaders who advocate for business and sustainability practices within our communities.
We’re proud to give back to our communities by doing the right thing for our customers and building trusted relationships that span generations.
- In 2021 and 2022, Busey associates generously gave over 25,000 hours of their time to hundreds of community organizations.
- Busey’s annual charitable donations total over $1.6 million annually. In 2022, 24% of Busey’s contributions were CRA qualified donations—supporting the critical needs of each community through scholarships, youth programs, court advocacy, food security, shelter and more.
- Through our Busey Drives Generosity campaign, since 2021 associates and customers have generously donated over 2,000 pairs of socks, nearly 3,000 school supplies, 2,100 bandages and over 3,000 canned food items to the communities we call home.
- Busey associates have raised more than $450,000 through the Pay It Forward Fridays initiative since 2015, and $115,500 in 2022 alone.
- In 2022, Busey’s United Way Workplace Campaign raised over $400,000 to support local United Way organizations across our footprint. Nearly $820,000 has been donated to the United Way since the inception of the campaign.
- Since the inception of Busey’s scholarship programs and partnerships with local universities, Busey has contributed $258,500 in scholarships throughout our footprint.
In keeping with our environmental initiatives, this publication is brought to you in a digital-first format.
If you’d like to receive a printed copy of the Busey Impact Report, please complete the following form request.
Unless otherwise stated, data is as of December 31, 2022
Busey is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible and employs strategies related to energy efficiency and energy reduction, renewable energy, carbon sequestration and transportation.
- Since 2021, Busey provided over $25 million in green project financing , including energy efficiency improvements, historic preservation, solar development on commercial buildings and other green construction projects.
- In the fall of 2022, Busey proudly partnered with a community nonprofit in Central Illinois to plant 1,500 trees. These trees will offer shade to those using the trail in addition to sequestering 90 tons of carbon emissions.
- We encourage our associates to Go Green with Busey on a regular basis—offering webinars, presentations and challenges that ask them to examine their environmental footprint and incorporate sustainability into their daily lives.
- Busey has installed solar panel systems at 11 Busey facilities, including the Champaign, IL, corporate headquarters, which together have saved over 800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and generated over 1 million kilowatt hours since 2019.
- In 2021 and 2022, Busey recycled over 16,500 pounds of waste and conserved over 60,000 gallons of water.
In keeping with our environmental initiatives, this publication is brought to you in a digital-first format.
If you’d like to receive a printed copy of the Busey Impact Report, please complete the following form request.
Unless otherwise stated, data is as of December 31, 2022
Busey’s commitment to strong governance is not only a top priority, but also provides a foundation for sustainable growth and service excellence to our Pillars. This commitment is fulfilled through continual strengthening and advancement of corporate governance tools, risk management strategies, business ethics, data privacy, security and policy development.
- Majority of Directors are independent, with varying experiences and backgrounds.
- Committees related to audit; compensation and succession; enterprise risk; and nominating and corporate governance.
- Strong insider ownership with over 7% of First Busey stock owned by Directors and Insiders.
- Underrepresented/diverse backgrounds make up 33% of the Executive Team.
- Performance-based incentives.
- Strong compliance culture and compliance management system.
- Strong internal audit structure, reporting directly to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Annual organizational business continuity and cybersecurity programs and planning.
- Enterprise risk metrics correspond with conservative business strategy and risk profile.
- Robust risk monitoring, reporting and regular risk assessments.
- Confidential and independent whistleblower hotline
In keeping with our environmental initiatives, this publication is brought to you in a digital-first format.
If you’d like to receive a printed copy of the Busey Impact Report, please complete the following form request.
Unless otherwise stated, data is as of December 31, 2022
Explore Busey's community-focused programs, campaigns and initiatives.
Each month, unique Busey Drives Generosity campaigns encourage Busey associates and customers to give generously, supporting their neighbors and communities.
Busey associates are encouraged and recognized for being actively involved volunteers who enrich the quality of life for our Pillars and area citizens.
Through Busey Bank’s Financial Pathways, you will find tools, tips and resources to help you build strong financial futures for yourself, your family and your community.
Available in each market, Busey Bank Bridge Scholarships support the academic endeavors of low-to-moderate income students with a desire to continue their higher education.
Built to promote connection and literacy, Busey has over 20 Little Free Library installations across our footprint to increase access to books for all readers.
Busey Bank is pleased to offer sensory kits at each banking center, containing toys and tools to engage children while their care givers meet with a Busey associate
We are honored to be recognized for our culture of integrity, commitment to community development and advancements in sustainability.
Supporting the arts, advocating for our youth and helping those in need. We’re proud to give back to our communities and do the right thing for our customers.
How can we help your community?
Busey is committed to helping our neighbors through generous giving, and we invite you to join us. To make it easier, Busey Bank has created a special website for donations using your Busey Bank Mastercard®.
We gladly evaluate charitable requests made on behalf of your organization. To be considered for a donation, please complete the following Charitable Request Form. All requested files must be uploaded to the form for consideration.
Review Busey’s Charitable Contribution Guidelines