Managers differentiate bank by engaging communities

In a program now in its second year, nine bank leaders have been tasked with an important mission and a new title to match. Our community engagement managers are using grassroots outreach to connect with the public and ensure North Shore Bank stays on people’s radar.

“The goal is to build a vibrant, buzzing community and extend the North Shore Bank brand, particularly among young families,” VP branch sales Craig Witz said. Read more about the CEMs and what they’re doing!

Focus on what matters and accept help, say winners

To celebrate National Working Moms Day this Saturday, March 12, we asked current and former working moms of North Shore Bank to share photos of their kids and thoughts on how they’ve balanced the demands of their careers and parenting. Today, we are pleased to announce the winners of our two prizes.

Kenosha Central universal banker Becca Anderson has won a paid half day off. Becca says: “My best advice to working mothers is balance! When home, be involved, ask about your kids’ days, help with homework, read bedtime stories. I always create one-on-one time for my daughter and son, which they love. They know that they’ll always be my number ones and I’ll always be their biggest cheerleader.”

And marketing manager Mary Ott has won a copy (print, ebook, or audiobook) of The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, by Brené Brown. She says: “As a mom of three teenagers, I would give working moms with young children two pieces of advice: Don’t sweat the small stuff, and take help when offered. Matching socks are optional, the perfect snack isn’t possible, and all kids make mistakes. When grandparents, friends, and fellow parents offer a hand, say yes! It’s OK to take time for yourself or rely on others to more easily juggle a busy schedule.”

Congratulations to both of our winners, and many thanks to all of the moms who shared photos and advice! •••

What’s your favorite Irish thing?

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up next Thursday, we’d be remiss if we didn’t ask you to share your favorite examples of the culture of Ireland or anything inspired by it. Whether it’s a tradition practiced by your Irish family, a beloved U2 song, or even the annual reappearance of McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, tell us about it at shorelines@northshorebank.com, and we’ll publish any answers we receive on the big green day. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, March 14. ☘️ •••

Little bits of advice make big difference for Kading
Small gestures can make such a big difference. Through March, send your examples of little things somebody has done or can do to spread kindness to shorelines@northshorebank.com.

“Over my years at North Shore Bank, I have accumulated several ‘little bits’ of life advice,” Northland personal banker Kelly Kading writes. “Although each seemed like a small gesture at the time, I have implemented many into my lifestyle, and together they have made quite a change in my life.”

He cites newsletters like The Well Workplace and Access, distributed by the bank’s Human Resources department. Articles that have had an impact on him have covered topics ranging from “A Well-balanced Life” to “How to Adjust Your Attitude,” “Working in Exercise,” and “Multitasking the Right Way.” Articles like these have helped him adjust his diet and get fitter, “tune up” his self-image, and become a more engaged parent.

A Shorelines post on creating a self-care plan by Pat Ingelse has helped too.

“I accumulated many of these articles in a folder, to refer to until they became routine,” Kelly says. “It was just very kind of NSB to have shared all of these. After I’ve implemented these tips, I’ve also been able to share them with my family.” •••

Governor recognizes Martin with award

Last month, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers honored North Shore Bank area manager Alfredo Martin as one of the recipients of the Governor’s Financial Literacy Award for 2021.

Eight individuals and six organizations received the 2021 awards. Per a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the awards honored recipients in one of three categories — individual, organization, and legacy — “for providing exceptional financial literacy and capability education in an inclusive and innovative manner.”

“I’d like to thank the entire North Shore Bank administration for nominating me for this award,” Alfredo said. “I’m so honored, humble, and grateful to receive it. It is quite gratifying, assisting so many people in achieving their financial goals through my involvement in our financial literacy seminars.” Congratulations again, Alfredo! •••

Stop in, see newly remodeled Westgate office
As promised in January, we have photos of the freshly remodeled Westgate branch, which is celebrating its completed face-lift with an open house through Saturday.

Here’s what it used to look like on the outside:

And here’s the remodeled exterior:

And of course, the interior is looking spiffy too.

The public is invited to stop in for the open house and see the new look during lobby hours today (through 5 p.m.), Friday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Saturday (9 a.m. to noon). •••

Enjoy $2,000 discount, low rate on construction loans

It’s a good time to be thinking of building. North Shore Bank is offering a special promotion on construction loans: Enjoy a 2.990 rate on a five-year construction adjustable-rate mortgage, along with a $2,000 discount on closing costs.

“This is a huge discount — we have never offered something so substantial in my tenure here,” consumer lending manager Chris Boland says. “We want the business, and we want to help everyone’s customers build with North Shore Bank.”

The promotion runs through April. You can find more information on this big deal here. •••

Remember that you are part of something much bigger

We live in a time of massive change, with so much information to process constantly. Think about what some individuals have done to move us forward. Compare Gutenberg’s impact on the written word to the impact of the internet. That’s just one area of our lives! It makes sense that we occasionally feel out of control. Meditation and mindfulness won’t solve world problems, but they may help to create a context or supportive framework that makes it easier to work through tumultuous times. Remember that solving world issues doesn’t depend solely on you. You are part of something much bigger than yourself.

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

SEE YOURSELF as a passenger on the vast ship of humanity. Think about your own small role and the wonderful reason you are here.

The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward. —Amelia Earhart

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.” •••

Promotions for February 2022
The following employees were promoted in February:

• Heidi Becker was promoted from Senior Residential Loan Specialist–Commercial Lending to Residential Processing Team Lead–CRA.
• Jessica Cullen was promoted from Personal Banker to Branch Manager at West Allis.
• Ray Guardiola was promoted from Branch Manager at North End to Area Manager at Southridge.
• Emily Johnson was promoted from Personal Banker to Assistant Branch Manager at Sturgeon Bay East.

Leave a comment to congratulate them!

Happy hour set for Monday, Power Breakfast Friday
Looking for something to do? Here are suggestions from the bank’s event calendar.

Our next “You Can” happy hour will be this coming Monday, March 14, at Buttermint Finer Dining & Cocktails in Shorewood. The casual event will feature light bites and a sampling of craft beer, wine, and cocktail tastings, as well as nonalcoholic options. With each new sample, our team will share a tip or trick to help attendees craft their financial plans for the future. Guests can also talk one-on-one with our team members. But no pressure and no sales presentations. Tell your friends and family! They can register for this free event on North Shore Bank’s Facebook page or at Eventbrite.

And the Milwaukee Business Journal Power Breakfast presented by North Shore Bank is scheduled for Friday, March 18, at the Pfister Hotel. It will feature CEO Aaron Jagdfeld of Generac Power Systems. More info here. •••