COMMUNITY-MINDED

Bank employees help brighten holiday for 250 families in need

A team from North Shore Bank braved the season’s first snowstorm to help at the HeartLove Place Annual Turkey Drive Giveaway on Nov. 21 in Milwaukee. Volunteers gave away 250 frozen turkeys and food donation boxes during the drive!

We are so grateful to our employees who showed up, despite the bad weather, to assist with this important event, which provides a free turkey and food boxes to families in need. Fortunately, the event was set up as a drive-through, so families had the Thanksgiving dinner foods loaded right into their cars and didn’t have to get out in the horrible weather. 

MLK Branch Manager Angela Byrd made the connection with HeartLove Place and arranged for North Shore Bank volunteers to help.

“It was such a wonderful community to be a part of, even just briefly. Everyone from HeartLove Place worked hard to make this a success, and our bank volunteers were happy to be able to contribute,” Chief HR Officer Molly Schissler said. 

Viola Rembert, Executive Director of HeartLove Place, sent a note expressing gratitude for the bank team’s assistance.

“Just wanted to say a big thanks for volunteering today,” she wrote. “Your team was AMAZING!!!  Thanks so much for helping, it was much appreciated! God bless, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!”

 

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Bank welcomes visitors to Wild Lights, CHEERS! at zoo

During this festive season, the Milwaukee County Zoo will transform into an illuminated destination with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights — even bigger and brighter than last year! Enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars, with pathways and forested areas specially adorned with twinkling lights and decorative displays.

Wild Lights, presented by We Energies Foundation, will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m., with admission gates closing at 8:15. (Note: Wild Lights will be closed Dec. 2, 9, 16, 24, and 25.) Last year nearly 44,000 people attended Wild Lights! 

North Shore Bank proudly sponsors Flamingle Way during this festive light display as well as CHEERS! adults-only nights Dec. 5 and 12. Guests age 21+ will enjoy a unique experience with a variety of entertainment, live ice carving demos, an outdoor showing and watch party, special spirits, and food trucks offering delicious eats for purchase.

Enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars as the festive and frosty experience features entertainment, specialty food, and adult beverages (additional cost).

Please visit the Zoo’s website to purchase tickets and find more information. Save a few dollars by buying tickets online ahead of time. All tickets include parking. 

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Photo of the Week for Nov. 28

With Thanksgiving this week, these turkeys might want to move a little faster! Grafton Branch Manager Bridget Sobocinski shared this shot of these branch visitors. 02797 Fun fact: Did you know there are many different names for groups of turkeys? These groups can be called rafters, gaggles, flocks, gangs, mobs, runs, broods, posses, and more, all depending on the context. 

 

NEW HIRES

Welcome to our new hires from October 2024!

Meet your new coworkers, all hired in October 2024!

Jonissiya Castillo, Teller at West Allis 

Leonel Hernandez, Teller at Mitchell Street 

Before taking this position, I was a cashier at a restaurant. I live in Milwaukee, and this is my first time working in banking. I always liked the financial area, so I was happy to be given an opportunity to work for North Shore Bank. 

Jaime Schroeder, Associate Banker at Union Grove

Noelle Stafslien, Teller at Shorewood

This role is the first I’ve held in banking. Before coming to North Shore Bank, I spent over three years working both front and back of house at Ian’s Pizza. My time in the restaurant industry shaped me and my life in ways I will always be grateful for, but I found myself ready to head in a different direction. I was interested in coming to North Shore Bank because I felt that working as a teller here would allow me to continue connecting with community members while presenting me with plenty of new challenges and opportunities to learn. I’ve really enjoyed being educated on the wide variety of products and services we offer; I look forward to sharing some of the knowledge I’ve gained with my friends and family so that we can all be banking our best life. When I’m not at work, I love to sing and play my guitar, go to the movie theater, and explore antique stores with my boyfriend.

Yesenia Valadez, Lead Teller at Mitchell Street

I was a stay-at-home mother for roughly 7 years. So, I am excited to get back up on my feet with a full-time position. I had prior banking experience as a teller for six months. I decided to leave because I was going to school for accounting and working two jobs as well. I decided to focus on school and my children and, when the right time would come, get back into the financial side of business. I have been a North Shore customer since I started my first job. I love the products and promotions we offer, but most importantly, when I walked into a branch, I was always greeted respectfully and never had any issues with my accounts. I live in Greenfield and love baking and cooking. On the days when I am off, I make these big platters for my family. I’m also very daring! I like ATVs, bike riding, and skydiving. 

Tricia Whitney, Lead Teller at Pulaski

Before working at the bank, I was a preschool teacher at a local daycare. This is my first career in banking. I was attracted to North Shore Bank because it is a career that I can learn and grow in while also working closely with the community. I love banking because we are constantly learning new things and finding new ways to help customers with their everyday and long-term goals while also being a friendly face to work with and feel comfortable with. I live in Pulaski with my husband and two children. We enjoy going to our cabin in the UP for family time or hunting and fishing during our time off. 

 

EMERGING LEADERS GROUP

ELG member appreciates relationships built through group

This is part of a new ongoing series featuring North Shore Bank’s Emerging Leaders Group members.

North End Branch Manager Breanna Rooney has been a longstanding member of the Emerging Leaders Group, an employee-led volunteer group for individuals growing their careers with the bank. The following is a lightly edited interview with Breanna about how the ELG has helped her build her career and strengthen relationships at North Shore Bank. 

What positions have you held with the bank and within the ELG?

I have worked as a lead teller, a personal banker, and an assistant branch manager, and I am currently a branch manager at the North End location. I joined the ELG in 2020, so right at the start, and I was the chair of the Core Group from June 2022 to June 2024.

What connections have you made during your time in ELG that have contributed to your success and professional growth?

All members of the group are exemplary leaders of North Shore Bank. I am grateful to be able to share and collaborate with each and every connection I’ve made throughout my involvement within ELG. It’s great to know there are like-minded, ambitious, and dedicated peers I can lean on and collaborate with. I appreciate the opportunity to work with ELG’s executive sponsors, Sue Doyle, SVP, Retail Banking, and Molly Schissler, Chief HR Officer, who are both a huge support to the group and the members’ success. The group’s community volunteering requirement has connected me with organizations that align with my values, including the Urban Ecology Center (UEC). In turn, I greatly appreciate working for North Shore Bank, a company that shares similar values to my own. 

What skills do you feel that the group helped you to develop?

I’ve developed a range of skills throughout my ELG membership, whether directly or indirectly. The workshops, volunteering, and networking aspects have all contributed to my growth in leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, delegation, and many, many more areas. These skills are highly beneficial to my role and as a leader and will continue to be throughout my career.

Which ELG programming/events have had the greatest impact on you?

I have been impacted most throughout my participation in the different leadership workshops. Each workshop requires you to self-assess aspects of your professional development and share ideas with other ELG members to improve them. These activities have helped me to develop a growth mindset. I am always excited to learn more about myself and my peers through these workshops and exercises. It has taught me a lot about my personal capabilities as a leader and a professional. 

How has internal/external networking impacted you since joining the group?

As someone who was relatively new to the idea of networking, this group has made it easy to find opportunities to further my network both internally and externally. They have taught me the best ways to network and how to make the most out of my connections, maintain them, and utilize them for my development goals. The group provides resources and constantly encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone to continue my growth in leadership.

What else would you like to share about the ELG? 

As a long-standing ELG member, I attribute an aspect of my growth directly to this group and its members. There truly is something special about having a group of peers that share similar development objectives and that motivate you to become the best version of yourself. Each year, the group becomes even better than the last. I encourage all aspiring leaders to reflect on their professional development goals and consider the resources available to achieve them. Talk to your manager about ELG!

 

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION

Elevate Wisconsin’s calculators can help with financial decisions

Did you know that Elevate Wisconsin offers helpful calculators that can assist you in making all sorts of financial decisions? Simply select the calculator for the need you’re interested in, plug in your numbers, and see the results.

As examples, Elevate offers calculators that can help you determine how much you need to have in savings for emergencies, how long it will take you to pay off credit card debt, whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage, how much you can contribute to an IRA, and more!

You can find all the calculators on Elevate’s website. Remember, Elevate Wisconsin is a free financial resource for all North Shore Bank employees! 

 

HEALTHY YOU

Give yourself the gift of rest, good health this season

Prioritizing our well-being with rest

When we think about resting, we often think of sleep. But did you know many other types of rest are just as essential to our physical and mental health? Learn more about these types of rest, how to practice them, and how prioritizing them can help you feel better in all areas of your life. 

Click here for more information. 

Stay healthy as you gather for the holidays

With the arrival of colder temperatures and the holiday season, we’re about to return to a time of larger indoor gatherings. While these gatherings are a lot of fun, it’s important to do what you can to prevent yourself from becoming sick or spreading illness. This month’s Helping You topic is infection awareness, reminding us to be mindful of steps we can take to fight germs and the symptoms of common illnesses such as colds, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. 

Learn more about preventing the spread of infection here. 

 

Customer Loyalty Tip of the Week

Ask yourself with every interaction, “If this were me, what would I want?” It may very well change the outcome of the conversation.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

• PACK Stuffed Animal Collection at Select Green Bay Offices |Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 (9:00 AM) – Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 |Allouez, Ashwaubenon, Green Bay East, and Green Bay West Offices
• Donate Toys and Support Local Families in Need |Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 (9:00 AM) – Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 | North Shore Bank Offices throughout Wisconsin
• North Shore Bank Night at Candy Cane Lane | Friday, November 29, 2024 (6:00 PM) | 96th Street to 92nd Street & Montana Avenue to Oklahoma Avenue
• Candy Cane Lane in West Allis | Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 (6:00 PM) – Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 |96th Street to 92nd Street & Montana Avenue to Oklahoma Avenue
• Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo | Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 (5:30 PM) – Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 | Milwaukee County Zoo | 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
• MARKETPLACE Wisconsin | Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 (8:00 AM) – Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 |Baird Center | 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203