By Molly Schissler, SVP, Human Resources & Compliance
North Shore Bank is proud and pleased to announce our 2021 annual SOAR Award winners. We are so thankful for all of the nominations we received — it’s always a challenge to make the final selection. Without further ado, this year’s winners are:
For Community Involvement: Tim Gluth and Carolyn Lancour
For Outstanding Service: Eric Brooks and Jayme Clarey
And our Legacy Leaders: Cheri Cicona-Trudell and Nicole Daniels
Here are some edited excerpts from their nominations, explaining why they should be recognized as SOAR heroes…
“A former Scout himself, Tim Gluth is actively involved with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with his three sons and wife. Besides serving as a den leader, pack committee chairperson, and fundraising coordinator and helping with campouts and other outings, he took his experience as digital solutions manager at North Shore Bank to personally develop and lead a variety of virtual merit badge clinics for the Boy Scouts. And when the Business Banking team needed help with customer holiday gifts, Tim, his wife, and the boys assembled 600 boxes on a Saturday last November.” —nominated by Kate Johnson
“In the time I’ve worked for Carolyn Lancour, I’ve seen her make the most of every opportunity to be involved with her community, and she gives her team the chance to do the same. Whether it’s signing Christmas cards for the local nursing home, donating to local food charities, helping organize events, finding different ways to help the homeless in our area, or working with Borgen Project, she is always looking for ways to make the world a better place.” —nominated by Samantha Bradford
“Almost daily, Jayme Clarey is recognized with appreciation by our customers. She delivers a high level of customer service, always with a smile and inviting attitude. Some will stand in line to wait for her. If she has a bad day, we never know it — she is always professional and ready to help. She remains calm when things don’t go as planned, and thinks things through before responding. She always wants to ensure the customer has a positive interaction — their happiness and satisfaction are very important to her. I appreciate Jayme more than I could ever put in words.” —nominated by Robin Callis
“Eric Brooks embraces the very essence of the Outstanding Service Award with his positive can-do attitude, willingness to help others, and ambition to simplify the complex. Whether it’s a quick question about a current promotion or a request for an in-depth analysis of revenue, he is quick to acknowledge requests and provide a timeframe in which he can deliver. He recognizes that requests from branch employees are typically triggered by customer questions, and therefore makes sure to respond as quickly as possible. I have received countless emails and phone calls from employees telling me how much they enjoy working with Eric, and how incredibly helpful he is.” —nominated by Kate Johnson
“Cheri Cicona-Trudell is passionate about delivering the highest-quality customer care. In 2019, when one of our customers couldn’t get their Merchant working the night before they were to open their restaurant at the Wisconsin State Fair, she stayed with them late into the night, until she was positive they were fully connected and functioning. She lifts people up, mentors, and offers guidance to help her teammates accomplish their goals, and has been known to handcraft gifts for someone who might be feeling down or celebrating a joyful life experience. One of the hardest-working individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside, Cheri is wholeheartedly dedicated to her teammates and customers.” —nominated by Jody Moore
“Nicole Daniels‘s high level of energy, enthusiasm, dedication, and passion are an inspiration to the teams reporting to her. She is a great mentor for employees, and her knowledge and willingness to share it educate and empower those around her. Nicole’s people skills with both internal and external customers and her peers are a reflection of her enthusiasm and passion for her work. —nominated by Jeff Marsho