Boland shares thoughts on volunteer opportunities
As we noted last month, vice president and consumer lending manager Chris Boland was recently appointed to leadership positions for two organizations he’s involved with, NeighborWorks Green Bay and the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association.

He talked to Shorelines about how volunteering has helped his professional life and how to balance the commitments involved. “I am fortunate to have the opportunities that I do,” Chris says. Read what he has to say now!

Get $2,500 bonus for referrals to branch, Call Center
We’ve got a nice job referral bonus for positions at our branches and in the Call Center. Starting today through the end of September, you can earn $2,500 if you refer a qualified candidate for a branch or Call Center job and they are hired. This bonus applies only to branch and Call Center positions.

All employees except senior executives and HR staff are eligible. District, branch, and department managers are not eligible if the referral is for a role they are responsible for.

For your referral to qualify, the candidate must remain employed by North Shore Bank for 180 days, and both you and the candidate must be employed here on the payment disbursement date. The first half of a referral payment will be paid out after the new hire’s first 30 days, with the remaining half paid out after the 180 days are up. Get more information about the job referral program here! •••

Kingfish fans will find cold, hard cash in hot dogs
North Shore Bank’s Hot Dog Hundo is back again! At tonight’s game at Historic Simmons Field, Kenosha Kingfish fans will find cash in the wrappers of the first 250 hot dogs purchased from the Festival Foods Grill and concession stands. And one of those fans will find a $100 bill! Let your baseball-loving friends and family in the Kenosha area know. •••

T-Rats fans get tiaras, Kenosha South branch opens

North District employees handed out glittery tiaras to would-be royalty at Princess Night at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball game at Fox Cities Stadium on July 10. Kids 12 and under got tiaras as they entered, and also enjoyed a VIP tea party with princesses. “This was the first of four T-Rats events that employees will be helping out at for the year,” Northland personal banker Tisha Kucukaslan said.

And North Shore Bank announced the opening of our new, full-service Kenosha South location on Monday. The new space is right outside the previous location inside Festival Foods.

The 2,262-square-foot branch features a large lobby and a self-serve coin counter. It also offers extended hours at its drive-up video teller machines, where customers can make deposits and withdrawals, cash checks, make loan payments, transfer money, and do more. You can read more in the official press release. •••

Bank treats travelers to gas, helps Army vet help others

As part of our Bank on Kindness initiative, MLK Drive branch manager Angela Byrd stopped at an Amoco station on July 3 to pay for some lucky people’s gas. “One customer was preparing to perform an act of kindness himself, by helping with lawn care service for an elderly neighbor before he prepared to travel to be with family,” Angela said. “He was extremely grateful for the fill-up.”

And we recently gave customer Thomas a $100 Kroger gift card to donate to the New Berlin VFW, which he just joined after moving to Waukesha. “He was originally with the VFW in Greendale, but when he moved, New Berlin was closer,” area branch manager Carolyn Lancour said. “They welcomed him with a standing ovation into their post, and the ability to contribute something of such significance was very meaningful to him.” The VFW donates to a food pantry at Milwaukee’s Zablocki Center, which provides assistance for veterans in need.

Originally from Greendale, Thomas left when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and then landed in Oregon. He later worked as a “cold-case cowboy,” and his story was almost made into a movie. “Wilford Brimley was going to play his part, but the movie was unfortunately never finished,” Carolyn said. •••

Bank’s reputation brings in clients

New customers Cristina and Andrew recently thanked mortgage loan originator Claudio Lanza after closing on a lot in Fox Point, where they plan to build. “They recently moved from Illinois and will be building a house with us soon,” Claudio said. “They picked North Shore Bank because of our reputation.”

And employees at our Sussex branch and in Investment Services recently received these kind words:

I wanted to drop a comment on the service I have been receiving at the Sussex location. I came to NSB after a merger at my previous bank (that I had a long-standing relationship with). The service I have received from branch manager Mark Fairfield, teller Megan Butler, and every other staff member has been nothing short of amazing. Mark sensed my fear of switching banks and took the reins, and made me feel great about my decision to join NSB. I’m especially thankful to him for suggesting North Shore Investment Services and connecting me with Dennis White. In fact, I have been so happy with all of the services in just these past few weeks, that my partner will be bringing his investment and banking needs to the Sussex branch as well. I feel like I’ve found my new “banking home” and truly look forward to using many the service NSB offers.

What a compliment! Keep up the great work, everyone. •••

Bank, other groups partner on Latino loan fund
This month, the bank announced the creation of the Latino Community Revolving Loan Fund, which aims to address the financial needs of small Latino businesses in our communities. North Shore Bank is a partner in the fund, along with the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. We are contributing to the funding of the program and providing underwriting support. A revolving loan fund provides financial support and loan access to small businesses looking to grow or expand, but that otherwise may not qualify for commercial loans. The fund is revolving or self-replenishing, as the interest and principal payments from existing loans are used to issue new loans. •••

Just sit, breathe — and show up to practice every day

Mindfulness doesn’t require special accessories or expensive seminars. The most valuable lessons will come when you are able to set aside time and work on your own practice. Sit quietly. The guidance will be there.

Try this meditation for one minute every day, or longer if you want to:

I KEEP MY PRACTICE simple and steady. I show up every day, expecting to find what I need.

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!

If you’d like a daily email reminder to do one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.” —Pat Ingelse, AVP and PMP •••

Ready to tap and go? Get a contactless debit card now
Want a snazzy new contactless debit card for your North Shore Bank account? You can get one AND the chance to win a $75 Fanatics gift card.

Since spring, our customers have begun receiving their new contactless debit cards, allowing them to “tap and go” rather than swipe at the point of sale. Most customers won’t receive their contactless cards until their current debit cards expire (which could take up to three years), but our employees can jump the line and get their new cards now.

You should have received a survey on Monday. To get your new contactless card, make sure you complete it by Friday, July 30 and respond “Yes, please” to the first question. Each employee who responds to a follow-up survey in August will be entered for a chance to win one of five gift cards for $75 at sports apparel and fan gear retailer Fanatics. Employees who already have a contactless debit card can still participate in the follow-up survey — just choose option 4 when responding to the initial survey’s first question.

Questions? You can read more about how to use your contactless debit card here. •••

Refinance your auto loan today!
Through the end of August, North Shore Bank is offering a chance to refinance and reduce your auto loan payments. Those who qualify can get a 2.99 percent APR for up to 60 months on used vehicles and 72 months for new ones. There are no annual or application fees, and this offer is valid on loans of more than $5,000.

Refinancing your auto loan from another lender is a smart, fast, easy way to reduce interest and lower monthly payments. Let your customers, friends, and family know, and consider refinancing your own auto loan as well! More information here. •••

Service Anniversaries for July 2021
The following employees celebrate a milestone anniversary with North Shore Bank this month.

25 years
Greg Kroll, Mortgage Loan Officer

20 years
Randall Kutz, Vice President, Internal Audit

15 years
Karen Katarow, Teller, Franklin

10 years
Sara Coppersmith, Mortgage Servicing Team Leader
James Krcmarik, Vice President, Manager Commercial Workout

5 years
Takeisha Apklin Davis, Deposit Operations Representative
Megan Butler, Staff Auditor

Leave a comment to congratulate them!

“Raise the Roof” in Oak Creek to help fund community center
Enjoy a beer garden, from King’s Catering, and music by Clove and the Larry Lynne Band at the Oak Creek “Raise the Roof” outdoor concert this Saturday, July 17, at the Oak Creek Community Center. This fundraiser will help the community center improve its rooftop units, lighting, and parking lot. Entry is free. More info here. •••