Mythical dwarves, big new construction projects, multiple awards, and misbehaving 3-year-olds — Muskego has it all! Branch Manager Katie Presser and her team share what makes their location so great. Our featured department last week was Facilities & Services.
The Muskego team, from left: Mary Eckel, Emily Glapinski, Mel Grode, Sara Speich, and Katie Presser.
Personnel
Katie Presser, Branch Manager
Mary Eckel, Personal Banker
Emily Glapinski, Teller Supervisor
Melissa Grode, Teller
Sara Speich, Teller
What is your community like? What’s it known for?
At one time, one of the most well-known attractions in Muskego was Dandelion Park amusement park, which closed in 1977. Today, Muskego is known for its growing population, surrounding lakes, and several community gatherings, such as Jammin’ on Janesville, MuskegoFest, and the town’s annual parade. Muskego is also known for the decades-old urban legend of “Haunchyville” — a wooded area on Mystic Drive where a conclave of dwarves supposedly live in homes that are built to scale.
What annual or regular events are big deal at the branches?
We’ve participated in Jammin’ on Janesville twice in the past five years. And First Fridays in June and August bring people from all around to the newly constructed Janesville Road — there are food vendors, music, and kids’ activities, making it a great time for everyone. Other events include the Muskego Waterbugs water ski show on Little Muskego Lake every Wednesday evening. And to bring summer to an end is the four-day MuskegoFest, which ends with the annual Muskego parade down Janesville Road. Our Personal Banker, Mary Eckel, is an ambassador for the Muskego Chamber of Commerce. She is very involved in the community and does an amazing job representing North Shore Bank at all of these events!
What are some important moments or people in the branches’ history?
The transition from Maritime Savings Bank to North Shore Bank in 2010 was a noteworthy moment for the Muskego branch. Though it was challenging, the community gathered around us and welcomed the newest North Shore Bank branch to the city of Muskego.
Does your branch have any favorite or special customers?
Greg and Michelle opened up a new business, Twisted Cork, in Muskego about a year ago. The wine bar has been very successful, and we at the branch make a point of visiting it after work to enjoy a refreshment.
What services or products seem to be most important to your customers?
We have a hard time selecting just one product or service that our customers find important, since we have such a wide variety of customers. One service that our customers, old and new, enjoy is that we still have coin counters. Two other financial institutions along Janesville Road have gotten rid of their coin machines within the past few months. That we offer it as a free amenity to our customers is just an added bonus for people who bank with us.
Any personal celebrations or milestones among the people at your branch recently?
We have had many exciting events and celebrations at our branch recently! Melissa Grode was named “Teller of the Quarter” for the second quarter of this fiscal year. In May, we welcomed Katie to the team as our new Branch Manager. Emily Glapinski helped the branch earn a “Full Compliance” designation on her first audit as Teller Supervisor. Mary has attended several ribbon cuttings recently to help welcome new area businesses to the community, and was pictured in Muskego’s 2015 Community Guide & Business Directory. Both Melissa and Sara Speich recently earned their platinum badges and black ribbons for their outstanding customer service. And the branch worked extra hard to earn the title “Branch of the Month” for June!
Is there some music, or a TV show or movie or book or anything that’s notably popular among the people at your branch?
We are an eclectic group, all with varying tastes in music, TV, and books. We all share a love for comedy movies, and try to give one another a laugh by sharing movie quotes randomly through the day. Another thing we all agree on is excitement for the 2015 Packers season! (Oh — and we all love food, too! We enjoy having food days and monthly potluck parties in the branch.)
What’s a great story from your branch?
One of our youngest customers, 3-year-old Matty, often comes in with his mom when she does her banking. We always ask him if he wants a sucker, and of course, his answer has always been yes! But one day, that answer changed. Matty said: “I can’t. I didn’t listen to my teacher at school today. I was bad, so I’m not allowed to have a sucker.” Awww!
Any exciting developments on the horizon?
It has just been announced that construction will begin on Parkland Mall, a brand-new $33 million development on Janesville Road. The new project will feature a Sendik’s Food Market, 99 condominium units, and an additional 54,000 square feet of retail space. The lot has been vacant since the late 1990s, so the community is very excited for this completion of downtown Muskego. This is exciting news for our branch, as we are directly across the street from the construction site — right in the heart of Muskego! We’re excited to watch the progression of this project and look forward to welcoming our new neighbors to the community and to North Shore Bank!