North End branch wins Design Excellence award
The North End branch at dusk. Photo: Plunkett Raysich Architects.
This is cool: Earlier this month, our North End branch won a bronze Design Excellence Award from the Wisconsin chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, in the “Historic Projects” category. Read more about what’s behind this architectural win!
Virtual Shorewood Swing event maintains warm vibe
Universal banker Razalyn Brock and husband Nirmal show off their package of treats from the SEED Foundation for the show.
Swing With Shorewood looked different this year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shorewood SEED Foundation’s annual fundraiser for Shorewood public schools went 100 percent online, a shift from the gala events of previous years.
Left (top and bottom): Event sponsor logos appeared onscreen while students performed. Right: Shannon and daughter Izzy put on their prettiest dresses to make the show a fun girls’ night. “We cheered for each performer when they were finished,” Shannon said.
Along with an online auction that ran from April 2 to 11, the Swing Meets Showcase virtual event took place on Saturday, April 10, and featured a video stream of theatrical, musical, and other artistic performances by Shorewood students. Virtual attendees could also order food and beverage packages from the SEED Foundation to enjoy during the two-and-a-half-hour show.
“It was a bit different, but everyone still really enjoyed it,” Shorewood branch manager Shannon Weber said. “Although it is always really nice seeing everyone in person at the gala, this year you could really tell how much effort and care were put in to make it special for everyone.” •••
Four employees named Elan Elites for spring quarter
Four North Shore Bank employees were named Elan Elites recently for ranking among the top credit card producers nationwide. The Elan Elites program includes participants from across all of Elan’s financial institution partners, including banks and credit unions of all sizes. To reach this status is a significant accomplishment!
The four Spring 2021 Elan Elites are El Rey personal banker Vanessa Escobedo, Green Bay East personal banker Brenda Gillespie, Muskego universal banker Sara Speich, and Brookfield Square assistant branch manager Mariella Zarb.
When they book new credit card accounts between April 1 and June 30, 2021, the four Elites will be entered into a sweepstakes once for each activated account. The more accounts they book and activate, the more chances they’ll have to win a prize, including the grand prize of $1,000.
“I am so proud of these four individuals for being constantly aware of their customers’ needs, and connecting them to a card that fits their financial goals,” VP branch sales Craig Witz said. “Our customers are lucky to have such good banking partners!” •••
Seymour Salutes and Rising Stars for March 2021
Last month’s winners of our SOAR awards are Melissa Baccash, Sara Coppersmith, Emily Glapinski, and Amber Gruhlke. Read more about their achievements here!
Clients share positive feedback
The positive customer feedback keeps rolling in! “Great place to do business!” writes one customer. Another says, “The service was great.” “Phil was very helpful, friendly, + courteous — other staff also,” writes one more of assistant branch manager Phil Koebe and the rest of the team at Pulaski. And finally, one says of North Shore: “They are always a friendly bank looking out for the customer.” Keep it up! •••
Remind yourself to notice change, see opportunities
When life feels ho-hum, take a moment and look more closely — nothing ever stands still. Maybe a new restaurant has opened, or a new neighbor just moved in. What opportunities are out there hiding in plain sight?
Try this meditation for one minute every day, or longer if you want to:
I NOTICE LIFE HAPPENING in my own body — heart beating, lungs breathing. Nothing stands still. I can notice change without resisting it.
This meditation was adapted from A Mindful Day: 365 Ways to Live Life With Peace, Clarity, and an Open Heart, by David Dillard-Wright. How did it go for you? Share your thoughts and feelings in Shorelines and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the book! —Pat Ingelse, AVP and PMP
If you would like a FREE daily email reminder to do one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject line “Mindfulness reminder.” •••
Free online tools help users earn and manage money
On Facebook, the bank has been sharing tools and tips for managing personal finances. Here are a couple good examples of what the bank has to offer.
In our website’s Learning Center, you’ll find our Financial Wellness Portal, where an interactive coach can help users figure out ways to earn additional income. The coach walks users through options such as freelance work, temping, starting a small business, or taking gig-economy jobs (like driving for Uber). If you have customers, friends, or family who could benefit from this free tool, share the link!
We also posted about the “50/30/20 rule,” a simple budgeting guideline that says 50 percent of income should go toward needs, 30 percent should be spent on wants, and 20 percent should be put into long-term savings. Check out the portal for more information on the rule, including a 50/30/20 calculator that breaks down monthly after-tax income into the relevant proportions. And see everything available in our Personal Banking Learning Center here! (Note: You may need Chrome or another browser that isn’t Internet Explorer to open these links.) •••
Bluemel marks 15 years with North Shore Bank
Stephanie, showing off official proof of her 15 years.
Muskego branch manager Stephanie Bluemel celebrates 15 years at North Shore Bank this month. “Congratulations to Stephanie!” district manager Lauri Lunde said. “She is a manager who cares about helping her customers and her team, and she has been very successful at both.” •••
COVID-19 shots can interfere with mammograms
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Some women develop swollen lymph nodes under their arm after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. It’s a normal reaction and usually goes away on its own within days or weeks at most. But because these swollen lymph nodes show up on a mammogram — and, when they’re not the result of vaccination, can be a sign of cancer — don’t schedule a breast cancer screening mammogram too close to when you receive your COVID shots or shot. The Society of Breast Imaging recommends: “Try to schedule your screening mammogram before your first COVID-19 vaccine dose or at least 4 weeks after your second vaccine dose. This reduces the chance that swollen lymph nodes from the vaccine will appear on your mammogram.”
And in celebration of Earth Day today, UMR’s Healthy You magazine notes that outdoor gardening might help us fight disease:
“Spending as little as a half hour in the sun produces between 8,000 and 50,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D in your body, depending on factors such as your clothing and skin tone. Vitamin D is responsible for numerous body functions, such as strengthening your bones and immune system, but it has also been shown to reduce your risk of cancer and certain autoimmune disorders.” •••
Learn all about Girl Scouts, zoo brunch tickets for Mom
If you know any girls grades 4K through 12, let them know to swing through the Pewaukee branch parking lot this Monday, April 26, between 5 and 6 p.m. and find out what Girl Scouts can offer them. Grab a take-and-make activity kit and maybe a special prize too! More information here.
And if you’re looking for a fun way to show your mom you love her, tickets are on sale now for North Shore Bank’s outdoor Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 9. The meal will be catered by the Ivanhoe Pub and include a flower for Mom, a commemorative photo, crafts for the kids, and admission to the zoo — including the Giraffe Encounter, presented by North Shore Bank. Seating is limited, so get your tickets today! •••