Cheryl Fregoso retiring, leaving a legacy of laughter
If you’re reading this, you at least know Human Resources rep Cheryl Fregoso by name — she sends out the email announcing a new edition of this very newsletter each week. And now, after 25 years at North Shore Bank, she’ll retire next Friday, October 1.
“I truly wasn’t expecting to stay here — I literally remember thinking that when I started,” Cheryl says, looking back on when she was hired as a customer assistance rep — one on a team of five — in June 1996. “But I felt appreciated from the very beginning and settled in quickly to the North Shore Bank family. I know it is corny to say that, but it truly is like a family.” Read all the great things her colleagues have to say about Cheryl, and wish her well in the comments!
Four Cristo Rey students join bank for school year
North Shore Bank is proud to welcome four Cristo Rey student workers for the 2021-22 school year. Each of these young people will be at Corporate once a week, as part of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee’s work-study program, which places students at companies and nonprofits all over the region. Read about these hardworking young folks and what they’re hoping to learn here!
Shorewood Feast, other events draw good turnout
Here’s some of the latest news from our branches.
The long table on Oakland before the harvest dinner.
The North Shore Bank Shorewood Feast returned on September 11. Throughout the day, the public could try a variety of foods and shop with local merchants while enjoying live music. The capstone harvest dinner along Oakland Avenue sold out well in advance of the event.
“We could not have asked for a more beautiful day,” branch manager Shannon Weber said. “We also had a gorgeous Recharge Lounge for customers to stop in and relax, eat, recharge their phones, play games, and visit.”
Ray and Kenya get down in the Recharge Lounge with a game of giant Jenga, as Micki looks on.
North Shore Fire Rescue’s Chief Pete Busalacchi spoke at the Feast as well, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Employees who helped out with the Feast included Shorewood universal bankers Razalyn Brock and Micki Usama, teller Audrey Elliott, assistant branch manager Kenya Owens, North End branch manager Ray Guardiola, Milwaukee Capitol personal banker Michael Chobanian, senior financial accountant and analyst Kristin Monday, and district manager Cristen Baumann, along with the Marketing team. “Thank you to all the employees who came out or contributed,” Shannon said. “We could not have had this event without everyone’s help.”
A counter full of supplies for the new school year at Racine Alternative Learning.
For July through October, the bank’s ongoing Bank on Kindness community giving initiative has been focusing on “drips of kindness” — little sprinkles of goodwill. Westgate branch manager Julie Goebel immediately knew how she would spend her office’s funds: on school supplies!
“Both my kids are now out of school, and I miss the back-to-school energy and excitement,” she said. “My daughter and I had so much fun shopping again this year, and for such a great cause.” They bought supplies and some quick “grab-and-go” breakfast options including Starbucks gift cards for the students and staff at Racine Alternative Learning.
Stephanie and Melissa at the North Shore Bank table, with giveaway goodies like can koozies and sunglasses.
Muskego branch manager Stephanie Bluemel and teller supervisor Melissa Grode showed up for Golfin’ on the Green on September 14, at Muskego Lakes Country Club. Put on by the Muskego and South Suburban chambers of commerce, the annual event gives golfers a chance to eat, drink, and network. “We had beautiful weather, and about 80 golfers in attendance,” Stephanie said. “I was able to introduce Melissa to some of the local businesses I meet with every month during chamber events.”
Becky and Emily at the tournament.
And Sturgeon Bay normally holds an annual bowling event to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Door County, but decided on a cornhole tournament this year, on August 21, because of COVID-19. The branch also put together a great raffle prize package for a “North Shore Bank Family Fun Weekend Getaway,” valued at over $800. “The event was a success, and I believe we will be doing it again!” said personal banker Emily Johnson, who is on the nonprofit chapter’s board along with area branch manager Becky Kolstad. •••
Don’t let impatience control you. Take a step back.
We all get impatient at times, want results immediately. But forcing things can break them. Instead, try to pause and understand the problem.
Try this meditation for one minute every day, or longer if you want to:
WHEN SOMETHING ISN’T WORKING, I avoid using aggression. I step back and look for clarity instead.
How did this meditation go for you? Share your experience at shorelines@northshorebank.com and you’ll be entered to win a copy of A Mindful Day: 365 Ways to Live Life With Peace, Clarity, and an Open Heart, by David Dillard-Wright.
If you’d like a daily email reminder to practice one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.” —Pat Ingelse, AVP and PMP •••
New video series will promote benefits of video tellers
Since we debuted the first interactive teller machine in Wisconsin in 2013, our video tellers have become an important differentiator for North Shore Bank. As you’d expect, customers started using video tellers much more after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and that trend has continued.
Some customers even think our video tellers are computer-animated avatars! Maybe it’s because video tellers are available seven days a week?
To spread the word about this popular, convenient service — and to let people know they are indeed real live human beings — the bank has launched a video series about our video tellers. The videos are running on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. You can check out the first, funny clip above. •••
Check out 37 amazing houses in home showcase
Like all the homes in the showcase, No. 18 has some appealingly stylish design elements.
The Brown County Home Builders Association Fall Showcase of Homes continues today through Sunday, September 26. This is the last weekend of the event, so get your ticket and visit any of 33 new and four remodeled homes, in a variety of sizes and price ranges. The $15 tickets are available at our Green Bay branches and can also be purchased at any of the homes in the showcase. For home locations and other information, go here. •••
Kenosha Welcome Party a big hit
VP branch sales Craig Witz surveys the scene at the Welcome Party.
Over 300 people came out for our Welcome Party in Kenosha on top of the Apis Hotel on September 9. We had beautiful weather for the rooftop event, and many guests did mention that they were new to the city and enjoying the opportunity to meet some neighbors. Our vending partners declared it a success, saying they’d be up for repeat next year, and Kenosha Public Library staff also said they registered 30 attendees for library cards. Special thanks to area branch manager Mary Benz and district manager Brian Bozek for coordinating some of the community partnerships involved in pulling off the event, as well as everyone else who helped out. •••
Power Breakfast meets in person
Kevin Conroy (right) speaks at the Power Breakfast in August.
Sponsored by North Shore Bank, the Milwaukee Business Journal Power Breakfast hosted its first in-person installment since the COVID-19 pandemic began on August 27 at the Pfister Hotel. Exact Sciences CEO Kevin Conroy spoke, explaining why his company mandated covid vaccines for all employees. The next breakfast takes place December 10 and features Husco International CEO Austin Ramirez. •••
New Hires for September 23
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.
Pulaski universal banker Zach Burmeister is from Green Bay and previously worked as a club manager for Planet Fitness in Detroit. “Outside of spending a lot of time with my fiancée and two amazing dogs, I find time to collect graphic art,” he says. “It started with collecting a variety of comics — upwards of 2,500 currently — and I’ve since expanded to sketch drawings from some very creative artists! We are always looking for fun festivals and fairs to attend, and I enjoy looking for my next addition.”
Grafton teller Samantha Lofton-Holmes is from Chicago. She says she loves spending time with her children. “I am a mother of a 2-year-old and a set of 1-year-old twins, so my life is full of surprises every day,” Samantha says. She adds that she loves traveling, too. “Cancún was one of my favorite places to visit because I love sightseeing.” •••