AROUND THE BANK

Employees rally to support United Way, raising more than $10,000 in annual campaign

Haley (front), age 8, and Chloe, age 10, daughters of Marketing Manager Emily VandenHeuvel, create some spooky crafts at the United Way Fall Festival.

Our employees showed how much we care by raising more than $10,000 to support the United Way in our annual campaign! And we had some fun along the way! 

With a $5 donation to United Way, employees across all locations and branches showed their support for their favorite teams on Oct. 24. Additional donations were accepted through the portal with some fun opportunities to win prizes and gift cards. 

Congratulations to our gift basket winners: Aubrey Abrahamson, Danielle Hansen, Kathy Tetzlaff, Cheryl Lang, and Hali Thompson. 

Those who donated $50 or more were entered into a drawing to win an extra PTO day. The winners are Kerri Collins, Lacee Kalepp, Wendy Repka, Janet Rosenthal, and Patty Wells. Congratulations!

Those who donated $200 or more received an online gift card for $100 from either Florsheim.com or Bogs.com, courtesy of Weyco Group! 

The addition of the new portal this year made it possible for employees to direct donations to the United Way of their choice or specific University of Wisconsin organizations or initiatives. 

Molly Schissler, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, said she enjoyed being the United Way ambassador for North Shore Bank this year.

In addition to the annual campaign, the corporate office held a United Way Fall Festival on Oct. 24 and 25 with some special treats, including a caramel apple bar, a bake sale, and, of course, trick-or-treating at the office! So many cute kiddos came to take part and enjoy some goodies.

These fun events are a fantastic way to support a worthy organization. United Way has been around as long as North Shore Bank and works hard to develop roots and build trust in the communities it serves. United Way is an essential organization many turn to in their time of need, so our donations helped them connect more people to possibilities. Our donations make a difference to people right here in our own neighborhoods. 

In 2023 alone, more than 195,000 people were served by United Way-funded programs and partnerships across the greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County areas. 

Thank you to our generous employees! Your caring makes a difference. 

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RETIREMENTS

Jody Moore to retire after more than four decades of making a difference in banking

Jody Moore with (from left) Mike, daughter-in-law Courtney, grandson James, grandpuppy Harmony, and son Zach.

After a 43-year career in banking and eight years with North Shore Bank, Lending Sales Specialist Jody Moore is retiring on Nov. 8. Along the way, Jody has learned a lot, worked beside people she calls her “extended family,” and picked up quite a few fun nicknames! She shared some parting thoughts with Shorelines as she and her husband, Mike, prepare to move to Eagle River.

What drew you to work in banking? 

I enjoy interacting with people and felt that a teller position would provide me with the professional environment and growth opportunities I was looking for at that time. I began as a teller and took opportunities to grow my career within many banking departments, such as Teller, Personal Banking, Residential and Commercial Loan Processor, Administrative Assistant, etc.

Is there anything about your time at North Shore Bank that stands out to you? What have you enjoyed most about your job?  

I love my job and everyone I have the privilege to work alongside! It’s the people that stand out. From day one, everyone made me feel so welcome and at home. I was with my prior employer (Layton State Bank, which was acquired by North Shore Bank) for 35 years, and they only had four branch locations and about 40 employees, so it was a bit scary stepping into North Shore Bank with its 40+ branch locations and 400+ employees.    

I was fortunate to interview with Margaret Capper, SVP Commercial Banking Manager, and she hired me as the Lending Sales Specialist. Fun fact: when I heard my title had the word “sales” in it, that scared the bejeebers out of me. I told Margaret that if I ever made a sale, it would be purely by accident since I’ve never been strong on that side.  

So out of that, I received my first nickname, “Accidental Sales.” There have been a few others since then—”Mother Earth” for my calm demeanor on stress-filled days, “Trixie” in reference to the cartoon “Speed Racer” during our COVID days, and “Radar O’Reilly” in reference to the TV show “MASH,” as I’ve been known to complete forms and just place them in front of her to sign (trust me, she always reads them before signing).

Margaret fosters a team approach toward business and employees, so being part of the Business Banking team is really being part of a family—a family I will truly miss. I’ve also had the immense honor to work closely with Jim and Jay McKenna, along with so many others, during my time with the bank. My job has been my “dream job.” It’s everything I’ve always hoped it would be and so much more!    

What are your plans for retirement?

My husband, Mike, and I feel so truly blessed in life. Mike is also retiring, and we are moving to Eagle River, WI. We love the small-town feel and enjoy all four seasons, yes, even winter. We’re hoping retirement gives us the flexibility to see our son Zach, daughter-in-law Courtney, grandson James, and grandpuppy Harmony more often—they are my heart. And having the freedom to travel during the week is a huge plus! 

Do you have any parting thoughts and words of wisdom for the team you worked with at North Shore Bank? What impressed you about your co-workers? Any tips you learned in your career that you’d like to share?  

The Business Banking Team is my extended family. We’ve shared so much together, professionally and personally, over the past 8 years. It will be very weird not seeing them daily, but they will always be some of my closest, dearest friends, and I know we’ll stay in touch. This is a tremendously hard-working team dedicated to providing the best experience for our customers, both external and internal. Each individual is an inspiration, and the depth of experience and knowledge within them makes this a gold-medal team!     

As far as tips, opportunities are only possible if you take them or create them, so always do your best (even on your worst days) and find the joy in those around you. 

Wise words, Jody! Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! 

But before Jody leaves, Margaret Capper wanted to say a few words, too! Margaret said Jody has been an outstanding addition to the North Shore Bank team for the last eight years. 

“You can ask anyone, client or employee, and they will rave about how wonderful Jody always is to work with,” Margaret said. “She has a calming demeanor and is constantly smiling, not only in person but in voice and presence. She is a true professional and friend to many. She will be missed by many, especially me, but we could not be happier for her and Mike to start this next chapter in their lives. Best wishes to Jody and her family!”

BANK ON KINDNESS

Sister Bay branch delivers $300 in school supplies to grateful elementary teacher

North Shore Bank employees helped the school year start right for teachers and students through the “Build a Teacher Box of Appreciation” Bank on Kindness® initiative. Sister Bay Branch Manager William Cole said the bank kicked it off with $50 for school supplies, and then the branch team donated another $100. William matched the $150, which provided $300 in school supplies delivered to teacher Anne Herring at Sawyer Elementary School in Sturgeon Bay!

Anne sent a sweet note to the team to thank them for their generosity. The note said, in part: “The start of the school year can be overwhelming, and these acts of kindness allow us to take a breath and something off our plates.” She said she shared the donated supplies with a few other teachers who needed them and created supply boxes for her students who didn’t have the supplies to start the year. 03127

“It means the world to us to know we have support outside of the walls of the school!” Anne said. 

Great job spreading kindness, Sister Bay branch! 

Lucky K9 officer gets special treats from Southridge branch

Community Engagement Manager Ray Guardiola presented a gift bag of treats to Greendale Police Department K9 Officer Junior, celebrating his second year on the force, as part of our Bank on Kindness® initiative. The gift bag was put together by Jennie of Auntie Jennie’s Barkery, a locally owned pet bakery. 

So sweet! 

AROUND THE BANK

Fiserv, North Shore Bank celebrate long relationship at annual conference

The long relationship between North Shore Bank and Fiserv is celebrated in a video shared recently at Fiserv’s annual conference. Pictured here are Luke Wagner, Fiserv Client Partner, and Dean Trout, SVP, CIO-Info Systems.

At the Fiserv Forum Annual Conference in Las Vegas on Sept. 30, CEO Frank Bisignano called out North Shore Bank as one of Fiserv’s longest-tenured clients during his keynote speech before 4,000 bankers in attendance. Fiserv, the largest bank data processing company in the world, and North Shore Bank have worked together for over 40 years.

Bisignano expressed pride in the long relationship with North Shore Bank and noted that there is a tremendous amount of trust and connection between the two. Bisignano thanked North Shore Bank for its loyalty. 

Dean Trout, SVP, CIO-Info Systems, said North Shore Bank enjoys celebrating milestones with Fiserv. “Collectively, we have done wonderful things in and for our communities. Fiserv began right here with headquarters in Brookfield until they moved to downtown Milwaukee this spring,” he said. “North Shore prides itself on providing high-touch service. Surveys help us to define and measure it, and we keep striving to always get better. Fiserv is so very important to that high-touch service with systems that are easy to use and always on.”

A video in which Dean shares more about the relationship and what it means to North Shore Bank was played at the meeting as well. Click here to see the video.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Employees, families are all in for Halloween fun!

Halloween spirit extends across whole family

Tim Gluth, Digital Solutions Manager, and his wife Lisa Prechel, Lead Teller at Sussex, go together like peanut butter and jelly while volunteering at the Pewaukee branch for Pewaukee’s Halloween Fun Fest on Oct. 19. In the second photo, Tim and two of his sons, Cooper and Carson, dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants (Carson), Patrick (Tim), and Squidward (Cooper) for their neighborhood’s trick or treating event on Oct. 26. 

Jinkies! Somers family enjoys some Halloween fun

Oak Creek Branch Manager Heather Somers and her family went for a Scooby-Doo theme for their trick-or-treat fun. Heather’s Velma, 5-year-old Lincoln is Fred, 8-year-old Rayna is Daphne, and husband Bob is Shaggy. Even Great Dane pup Bane got into the act as Scooby-Doo!

Halloween is one day? No way! Little leopard celebrates the season

Emily Knox, 8-year-old daughter of Kate Knox, AVP of Marketing Communications, and husband Brian, was able to enjoy her costume a few times at various Halloween events around town. 

BRANCH NEWS

North District employees attend chamber awards luncheon

Community Engagement Manager Katie Longsine, Assistant Branch Manager Aubrey Abrahamson, and Area Manager Sharon Hack attended the luncheon.

Three North District employees recently attended the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon. This event brings area professionals together to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the local business community.

A highlight of the luncheon was keynote speaker and country music artist Chase Bryant, who shared his journey of mental health, including struggles with depression and his recovery from a suicide attempt. His heartfelt message of resilience and mental health awareness engaged the entire audience and was a reminder of the importance of supporting each other, personally and professionally, in our community. 

Community Engagement Manager Katie Longsine said the luncheon was a valuable experience and an opportunity for the team to continue building and strengthening our relationships with business leaders and community partners. 

Team gains helpful tips for impactful connections at Lunch & Learn

Community Engagement Manager and HSBPA Board Member Katie Longsine, Howard Suamico Lead Teller Brittney Koeberl, HSSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith, and Pulaski Assistant Branch Manager Caitlin Maloney at the Lunch & Learn.

Three North District team members—Community Engagement Manager Katie Longsine, Howard Suamico Lead Teller Brittney Koeberl, and Pulaski Assistant Branch Manager Caitlin Maloney—attended the Howard Suamico Business & Professional Association’s (HSBPA) Lunch & Learn event, which featured Howard Suamico School District’s new Superintendent, Dr. Mark Smith, as the presenter. Katie is also an HSBPA board member. 

The session topic was “Impactful Connections: Building Meaningful Relationships for Professional Success.” Dr. Smith led an interactive discussion focused on ways to form genuine and impactful connections and how to build and nurture relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. 

Katie said this event provided an opportunity to network with many local professionals and helped the team learn additional strategies for strengthening relationships. These strategies will help with daily interactions with customers and coworkers and as part of the team’s community engagement efforts. 

OUT OF OFFICE

Brittney Koeberl and family hit the links in Kohler Fall Challenge

Howard Suamico Lead Teller Brittney Koeberl, her fiancé, Austyn, and future in-laws played in the Kohler Fall Challenge last weekend.

Howard Suamico Lead Teller Brittney Koeberl, her fiancé Austyn, and her future in-laws played in the Kohler Fall Challenge on Oct. 19 and 20. The two-day best-ball tournament consisted of playing 18 holes at Blackwolf Run and 18 holes at Whistling Straights.

Brittney and Austyn have a strong passion for golf. They play as a twosome for the Spring and Fall Kohler Challenges and in a golf simulator league in the fall and winter at Next Gen in Bellevue, WI.

In spring, Brittney and Austyn won first in their flight and a closest-to-the-pin event, awarding them a prize of $4,000 — equivalent to two free foursome rounds and a free twosome round at either course! This past weekend, Brittney’s in-laws won in their flight and scored two free foursome rounds! It was a gorgeous, sunny weekend and is always fun to participate in, Brittney said.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Customers thank bank employees for professional, over-and-above service

Customer feedback cards arriving in recent weeks highlight the great work and caring service provided by our teams. Check these out!

This one notes that the customer has worked with three different branches over 30 years and has “always had outstanding, professional service.”

This feedback provider says: “Best service I have received. If I was local, I would transfer my accounts to North Shore.”

This one simply says: “Always very friendly and helpful. Love this bank!”

These two also have great comments! The top says: “92nd Oklahoma bank people very helpful.” And the second says: “Always excellent service,” and, in answer to the question “Are there any additional services you would like offered?” says: “A North Shore Bank near us.”

Wow! So many great compliments. Congratulations to all!

Customer Loyalty Tip of the Week

Try to go the extra mile for your customers, rather than looking for service shortcuts. It will set you apart from the competition.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

• WICPA Tax Conference | Monday, November 11 (8 AM) to Tuesday, November 12 | Brookfield Conference Center and via WICPA CPE Livestream
• Milwaukee Business Journal Power Breakfast Presented by North Shore Bank | Thursday, Nov. 14 (7:30 AM) | The Pfister Hotel | 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee, WI

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: What are you thankful for? 

Heading into the holiday season, we’d love to share some of the things North Shore Bank employees are grateful for in a round-up right before Thanksgiving.

If you’d like to share your thoughts and a photo, if applicable, please email shorelines@northshorebank.com by Wednesday, Nov. 13.