Pieters glad to have traded corporate life for NSB
Having worked for Prudential for over a decade, Jeff Pieters knew his way around the financial services industry when he joined North Shore Bank in 2002. He also knew he wanted something different.

“The way North Shore is structured as a mutual institution, I knew it wouldn’t just be about pressure to make a profit,” the investment consultant says. “We keep our customers happy. I’ve always appreciated that about North Shore, and I think it’s one reason why, for so many years running, employees have said this is a great place to work.” Read more about Jeff’s 20 years with the bank now!

What’s your sign that spring is here?

When do you say spring is finally here? The calendar says the vernal equinox has passed, but we’re still seeing gray skies and chilly weather. What tells you that spring has truly arrived? Tell us at shorelines@northshorebank.com and we’ll share your answers in Shorelines! •••

New internal SOAR surveys roll out next week
Next week, a new round of internal department SOAR surveys begins. All employees are invited to provide feedback to the question “How easy is it to do business with ________?” to measure how well we deliver SOAR Together service to our colleagues. To simplify and enhance the response process, a few changes have been made:

• Each department or area will have a dedicated survey. Multiple departments will no longer be combined in a single survey (e.g., IT, Accounting, Marketing, etc.).
• A description of the surveyed department’s function will be provided, to help responders understand whom they are measuring.
• A link to employees working within the department will be included, to help responders identify people they wish to recognize.

Surveys will be deployed throughout the year, giving each department an opportunity to understand the quality of service they provide to the organization. We believe these new surveys will allow us to deliver more targeted and useful feedback, and we look forward to your responses! —Sue Doyle, SVP, head of retail banking •••

Hansen, Tegel speak at landlord training seminar

Community engagement manager Danielle Hansen and mortgage loan originator Robin Tegel appeared at a landlord training seminar put on by the Kenosha Police Department. The free seminar, which took place on March 19 and 26, provided current and prospective landlords, as well as real estate agents, with useful information about owning, managing, and renting out properties.

“When I learned about it, I asked if the bank could sponsor lunch for one of the days and have a few minutes to speak to the attendees about the business and mortgage side of things,” Danielle said. “Afterward, the police department asked if we wanted to continue partnering with them, so hopefully we get more opportunities like this.” •••

There’s still time to win Green Bay Blizzard tickets
Got customers or friends who are Green Bay Blizzard fans? There are still a few hours for them to win four tickets to see the Indoor Football League team at Ashwaubenon’s Resch Center, on one of seven dates in April, May, and June. The winner also receives a $250 gift card toward lodging and dinner.

For a chance to win, Wisconsin and Illinois residents just have to go here to follow North Shore Bank social media accounts and submit their contact information. (They can also find a link on our Facebook page.) Each account they follow will earn them between one and five entries in the giveaway.

Employees and their families are not eligible to enter, and the contest ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. Spread the word! •••

Platinum, Business debit cards include Boingo wi-fi
North Shore Bank debit cards keep getting cooler: Our Platinum and Business debit Mastercards now come with free Boingo wi-fi access at over 1 million hotspots around the world — including at 21 major airports. With hotspots at places like hotels and coffee shops as well, this is a perfect perk for frequent travelers and remote workers. Cardholders can register for their free wi-fi access at mastercard.boingo.com.

And of course, you can make contactless payments with any North Shore Bank debit card and earn My Cash Back Rewards — getting money back from merchants you’re already shopping with. Platinum debit cards also include up to $1,000 in annual coverage protecting your phone from theft or damage, including cracked screens, when you use your card to pay your monthly bill; as well as identity fraud expense reimbursement and more. You can see more debit card perks here. •••

Don’t fret about what could happen — focus on the work

Repeat as needed: It’s not my job to consider whether I win awards or promotions, salary increases or bonuses. It’s not my job to consider whether people like or dislike me. My job is simply to do the work. Fretting about outcomes only leads to anxiety, while concentrating on effort leads to peace. Don’t evaluate yourself based on dollars and cents earned or praise garnered. The only duty you have is to do things to the best of your ability. Just simply be when things get challenging. Clear your mind and take the day one step at a time. Make it your best step!

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

I CAN ONLY control what I can control; other people will do what they will do.

Art is what you get away with. —Marshall McLuhan

How did this meditation go for you? Share your experience at shorelines@northshorebank.com and you’ll be entered to win a copy of A Mindful Day: 365 Ways to Live Life With Peace, Clarity, and an Open Heart, by David Dillard-Wright.

If you’d like a daily email reminder to practice one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.” •••

New Hires for March 31
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Information Systems business analyst/product manager Suzanne Torn is from Hubertus and has previously worked as a scrum master, product manager, and business analyst. “Whenever I travel, I somehow unintentionally meet famous people,” she says. In Jamaica, she hung out with Bob Marley’s children (and musicians in their own right) Ziggy and Cedella on Cedella’s wedding day. In New York City, she bumped into former James Bond Pierce Brosnan at a restaurant and Leo DiCaprio while leaving the office she was at. “And in Florida, I met a great couple while walking on beach when we got stuck within a flock of birds and ended up talking for quite some time,” Suzanne says. “I did not realize until much later — while watching the movie Catch and Release — it was the actor Timothy Olyphant and his wife, Alexis.”

Customer assistance rep Raquel Urbina was born and raised on the south side of Milwaukee. She previously worked for Rishi Tea & Botanicals and T-Mobile partner Wireless Vision. “I am a very hands-on learner, and I also like to save money,” she says. “Before I had my daughter, I was teaching myself how to do a lot of the maintenance on my vehicle — YouTube and my owner’s manual were my best friends. I also like to watch The Office. I honestly could watch that series 100 times over. My favorite characters are Oscar Martinez, Kevin Malone, and Angela Martin. Best accounting department ever!” •••

Kidz Expo to offer free family fun
Looking for something to do? Here are suggestions from the bank’s event calendar.

The fourth annual Fox Cities Kidz Expo is coming up on Saturday, April 9, at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Appleton.

Presented by North Shore Bank and the Appleton Fox Cities Kiwanis Club, this FREE family event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers fun and education for all ages. More info here. •••