South Shore Chamber of Commerce Director Elizabeth Peetz, Milwaukee County Supervisor Steven Taylor, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, North Shore Bank President and CEO Jay McKenna, Branch Manager Heather Somers, District Manager Brian Bozek, and Oak Creek-Franklin School District Superintendent Daniel Thielen cut the ribbon at the new Oak Creek branch.

It was a great morning as North Shore Bank President and CEO Jay McKenna unveiled the new Oak Creek branch during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 14 to an enthusiastic crowd, including members of the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County Supervisor Steven Taylor, many local business leaders, and bank employees.

President and CEO Jay McKenna speaks to the audience at the ribbon-cutting.

Jay thanked District Manager Brian Bozek and Oak Creek Branch Manager Heather Somers for their hard work in establishing the new branch, then spoke about North Shore Bank’s long history in the community. The first Oak Creek branch opened 20 years ago. The new location, across from the Drexel Town Center, 200 W. Drexel Ave., opened on March 4.

“Our commitment to this community has never wavered, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming our customers in this newer, larger space in the vibrant Drexel Town Square area,” he said.

President and CEO Jay McKenna with the Oak Creek branch team: (from L) Branch Manager Heather Somers, District Manager Brian Bozek, Personal Banker Kelly Berglund, Mortgage Loan Officer Nikolas Sendelbach, Teller Samantha Mars, McKenna, Teller Kristin Derzay, and Associate Advisor Investment Services Joel Leibengood.

Brian, the emcee of the event, said the response from the community to the new branch has been outstanding. “Already in just the one week we’ve been open, we’ve heard incredible feedback from customers, community members, and employees alike, and we can’t wait for the excitement to only grow from here.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley addresses the crowd.

South Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristin Jastroch and Crowley also addressed the group at the ribbon cutting.

Tellers Kristin Derzay (front) and Samantha Mars at the ribbon-cutting.

In honor of the brand-new branch, North Shore Bank is holding a Community Free Coin Counting Fundraiser.

The public is invited to have their coins counted for free and donate all or a portion of their coins to help Cedar Hills Elementary School build a new playground. The bank will match the first $500, with the free coin counting running from now until April 12. Branch Manager Heather Somers serves as the school’s PTO treasurer.

Anyone interested in donating also may reach out to the branch.

Congratulations, Oak Creek branch, on your new home and growth opportunities ahead!