July 1, 2021

BANK ON KINDNESS

North End buys groceries; McHenry gets Gatorade

Ray and three of the customers who got $50 of groceries from us.

North Shore Bank personnel have been hard at work spreading goodwill in our communities, as part of the ongoing “Bank on Kindness” initiative. North End branch manager Ray Guardiola recently visited Pick ’n Save, where he covered $50 worth of groceries for four customers, on behalf of the bank. “We worked with the store manager for input on regulars and who would benefit the most from the gift,” he said. “The customers were all very grateful.”

Chalk and bubbles for the kiddos.

The North End team also left sidewalk chalk and bubbles for kids to find and play with at two playgrounds.

Young soccer players help themselves to a drink. The note being held up reads: “Cool off with some Gatorade!!! Courtesy of: Illinois State Bank.”

And the McHenry branch provided cold Gatorade for kids and parents at an all-day soccer tournament last month. A welcome and refreshing treat, given how hot it’s been! •••

BRANCH NEWS

MLK Drive celebrates Juneteenth

Universal banker Nazirah Tate, Mika, and teller Josh Moreno in front of the branch’s Juneteenth setup.

The MLK Drive branch celebrated Juneteenth last month. Observed by Black Americans since the 1800s, the holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 17, it became a federal holiday. “We carried out the celebration for a week as we thanked our customers for stopping in,” assistant branch manager Mika Harris reported. “To show them our appreciation, we were handing out hand sanitizer, water, muffins, and carnations until all the goodies were gone. They were very happy to celebrate with us.” •••

Shorewood kids’ race returns with nearly 300 bikers

Kids race for the finish.

After a two-year absence, the kids’ bike race at the Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic returned on June 25, bringing a lot of fun and excitement with it.

Universal banker Micki Usama works the decoration station.

“It was FANTASTIC,” Shorewood branch manager Shannon Weber said. “The last bike race in 2019 was rained out, and the skies were questionable for a moment this year. But the weather held out for us, and close to 300 kids were able to attend the race.”

Along with helping kids get registered for what were actually four separate races, bank employees ran a bike-decorating station for the young riders. There were also activities like coloring and games, as well as some fun swag, and custard from Culver’s for each racer at the end.

Shorewood teller Kevin Pereira, Micki, Shannon, and teller Audrey Elliott.

“One little boy ran up to me and said, ‘Did you see I finished in fourth?!?’ He was SO excited,” Shannon said. “I’m glad we were able to be a part of the first event in the community and able to see so many come out for it.” •••

NORTH SHORE STARS

Six employees recognized as Elan Elites
The latest batch of Elan Elites has been announced. The Elites program recognizes the top producers from across all of the banks and credit unions Elan partners with. This quarter’s Elites are Jackson Park personal banker Vanessa Escobedo, Sturgeon Bay East personal banker Emily Johnson and universal banker Melody Langrick, Jackson Park assistant branch manager Claudia Romo, Green Bay East assistant branch manager Kari Tuyls, and Westgate personal banker Rodney Whiteside.

Each of them has received $50 cash and will have the opportunity to win more cash prizes at the end of the quarter. Whenever an Elan Elite books a new credit card account between July 1 and September 30, they will receive a sweepstakes entry for each activated account for the chance to win a prize of $1,000, $500, or $250. Congratulations, Elan Elites! Craig Witz, VP, Branch Sales Manager •••

ONE MINUTE OF MINDFULNESS

If you’re busy, don’t get frantic. Stop, clear your mind.

It’s easy to get frantic when you’re busy, but stopping and acting with intention ultimately saves time and energy. Instead of rushing, pause and collect yourself.

Try this meditation for one minute every day, or longer if you want to:

I TAKE TIME to clear my mind. I emerge feeling refreshed, able to work with renewed strength.

This meditation was adapted from A Mindful Day: 365 Ways to Live Life With Peace, Clarity, and an Open Heart, by David Dillard-Wright. How did it go for you? Share your thoughts and feelings in Shorelines and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the book!

If you’d like a daily email reminder to do one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.” Pat Ingelse, AVP and PMP •••

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Racine homeowners dress up houses for Fourth

North Shore Bank is a sponsor of Racine’s Independence Day House Decorating Contest. Part of the 4th Fest of Greater Racine, the contest invites homeowners to spiff up their houses with banners, flags, and all other manner of patriotic adornment. Judging takes place this Saturday morning, July 3. •••

PERSONNEL UPDATES

New Hires for July 1
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Muskego teller Aksh Singh is from Franklin and is also a student at UW-Milwaukee, majoring in finance with one year left. He enjoys spending time with friends and is always trying to stay active, he says. •••

WHAT’S GOING ON

Web series can help build better financial habits
When it comes to your finances, you can’t just wing it. Whether your career is just starting or you simply want some help coming up with the right financial routine, it’s the right time to establish financial habits that can help you reach your short- and long-term goals. Learn how with Your Future Starts Now, presented in August as part of Empower Retirement’s interactive educational web series. Register for the session of your choice at educationseries.empowermytime.com. •••

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