Oak Creek — “where city meets the country” — is growing fast, thanks to offering its people a perfect blend of urban and suburban life. And North Shore Bank has been part of that growth over the last 10-plus years, participating in and sponsoring city events, and dealing with the occasional dead mouse. Branch Manager Senka Shkreli fills us in. Our featured department last week was Mortgage Loan Servicing.

From left: Senka Shkreli, Marie Hamilton, Rebecca Dougherty (now at Northside), Todd Mahutga, and Sarah Luckas. Not pictured: Bethany Ackerman.

Personnel
Senka Shkreli, Branch Manager
Bethany Ackerman, Teller
Marie Hamilton, Teller
Sarah Luckas, Teller
Todd Mahutga, Universal Banker

What is your community like? What’s it known for?
Oak Creek continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in Milwaukee County. In addition to population growth, over the last 10 years, the city has seen significant retail and industrial growth. Oak Creek has also been aggressively working on redeveloping the former industrial property at Delphi Automotive as the Oak Creek town square. Reminiscent of a traditional downtown, the new development will include a real Main Street — Oak Creek’s first — with a new city hall and library surrounded by retail stores, restaurants, shops, businesses, and apartments.

Many of our residents moved here to enjoy the suburban/rural atmosphere while at the same time taking advantage of the urban services provided by the city. This is reflected in Oak Creek’s motto: “Where city meets the country.”

What annual or regular events are a big deal at the branches? Any big ones coming up?
Music and charity events are always big in this community. Last November and December, North Shore Bank sponsored the Evening of Blessing and Oak Creek’s annual community Christmas tree lighting. Many of our branch personnel were in attendance. The Evening of Blessing offers an opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Last year, 300 residents of Oak Creek participated in both events.

What are some important moments or people in the branch’s history?
The Oak Creek branch opened on Oct 1, 2004. Marie Hamilton remembers that first day and all the customers who were lined up in the parking lot to get an autograph from artistic gymnast and three-time Olympic medalist Paul Elbert Hamm. He won the all-around competition at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Does your branch have any favorite or special customers?
We have many special customers, but little William Beaudry — he’s probably about 8 or 9 — stands out from the rest. The branch has been able to see him grow up, and he is always so excited to tell us about his adventures.

What services or products seem to be most important to your customers?
Every product and service the bank offers is just as important as the others. Each customer uses a wide range of our products and services, thanks to our profile process. I would also say that the HELOC and the 10-year first conversion option have been the biggest hits, as far as helping Oak Creek customers meet their financial goals.

Any personal celebrations or milestones among the people at your branch recently?
September will mark Marie’s 11th year with the bank.

What’s a great work story from the branch?
A customer of ours brought in coins to cash in. Inside the big bottle of coins was a dead mouse. It caused quite a stir! The customer went through all of his other coins to make sure he had no more surprises for us.