40+ years ago, Fischer became a lifelong banker
If you know Lyneen Fischer, it won’t shock you to learn she’s celebrating 40 years at our company this month, given the many roles she’s held here. And in fact, her banking career actually started even earlier.

“I worked in a small community bank in Kiel, Wisconsin, from 1979 to 1981. I started there in high school, through our co-op program,” the VP says. “Those were true bankers’ hours — 9 to 3, Monday through Thursday, and on Friday 9 to 8, for the farmers to bank.”

“I have had the good fortune of working with Lyneen for the past 36 years,” says customer assistance manager VP Colleen Egan, another Badger Bank employee. “Her vast knowledge and experience are outstanding, and she is one of the best detectives you will ever meet.” Read our interview with Lyneen now!

From ashtrays to email, life at the office has changed

“Change is the only constant.” That quote is attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, born in the fifth century BC, and it’s just as true over two millennia later. It’s certainly the case when it comes to the in-office experience at North Shore Bank throughout our first 100 years.

A time traveler visiting one of our branches before the year 2000 would see a very different tableau from today’s — not just in terms of clothing and hairstyles, but people and technology. Before the internet and computers evolved to their current state, long lines of customers were typical and paper was everywhere. Phones rang frequently — constantly, some days — and when a caller wanted to leave a message, you reached for a pen and paper rather than transferring them to voicemail. Read more about how things have changed at our offices over the years!

Double your chances to win in kindness challenge!

The 100 Acts of Kindness challenge gives employees the chance to win a prize while spreading goodwill — and now your chances are even better! More on that below. First, here are some of the latest entries:

At our Ashwaubenon branch, teller Sam Hall helped assistant branch manager Stevie Nemetz when her car got stuck in the fresh snow outside the office last week.

“Sam was out shoveling and came over right away — he even broke his shovel trying to help!” she said. “He was trying to get me unstuck for a good 40 or 45 minutes.” A passing motorist eventually stopped to assist, and finally the car was free. Stevie said, “I asked the driver if I could pay him, and he said no. So I said if he needed a great banker, I work here at North Shore Bank and would love to help him with any financial goals!”

And at Muskego, personal banker Matthew Cieslak continued last week’s “Wipe Off the White” theme.

“While I was in the break room washing dishes, I noticed out the window that all of our wipers were up during the ice storm,” community engagement manager Stephanie Ruiz said. “Matthew had snuck out without us knowing and done it! I thought this was so kind and thoughtful of him.”

Challenge bonus entry period: Starting today through March 12, each act of kindness performed, captured in a picture, and submitted by 10 pm Monday, March 13, will count as two entries. “Act now” to increase your chances of winning one of these these great prizes: eight hours of PTO, 250 Bucket List (Seymour Salutes) points (two prizes available!), or a six-month membership to the car wash of your choice (a $200 value)!

Remember, you’re allowed to perform and submit multiple acts of kindness for the challenge! More info here! •••

Cudahy celebrates bank’s birthday

‘The team at Cudahy was also ready to party during last week’s bankwide celebration of the 100th anniversary of official incorporation of the North Shore Building & Loan Association.

If you still have a photo of your branch’s celebration, feel free to submit it and we’ll include it next time! •••

Throwback Thursday: Employees craft for good causes

North Shore Bank has a long history of making a difference in our communities — and at times, we’ve emphasized the “making.” For instance, in May 2004, employees at our Ashwaubenon branch crocheted blankets for the Green Bay YWCA’s Teen Parent Center to give to young mothers and their babies.

As the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported in a front-page feature on the branch’s project, Ashwaubenon employee Carol Schroeder-Puzen got it started after crocheting a bunch of items for her new granddaughter. With yarn and time to spare, she asked her co-workers if they’d be interested in learning to crochet themselves and making blankets for the center.

All seven employees learned from Carol after work, and then worked on their blankets on breaks and at home. “They jumped in with so much enthusiasm,” she told the newspaper.

Perhaps that’s not surprising, since it wasn’t the first time Ashwaubenon team members had gotten crafty together. An item in the Spring 2000 edition of Shorelines reported that “Ashwaubenon staff get together after work to share craft skills and learn something different. They participate in field trips to quilt shows, the botanical gardens, cake-making classes, gourmet cooking.”

Several years later, Pulaski staffers got written up in Pulaski News for a similar show of goodwill, when they donated more than 150 items to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s cardiac intensive care unit. All of the donated items — which included blankets and quilts, hats, and more — were either handmade or purchased by branch employees. The project was a partnership with insurance organization Catholic Financial Life Chapter 299.

Has your branch or department put their crafting talents to work for a good cause? Let us know about it! •••

Open a new checking account, earn up to $350
Prices keep rising — but we’re here to help. Through March 31, customers who open a personal checking account with us for the first time can earn up to $300 with qualifying transactions — and get an additional $50 rebate when they use their North Shore Bank debit Mastercard on groceries.

Tell your friends and family to take advantage of this offer. It’s easy: Just sign up online for a Platinum Checking, Perks Checking, or Free Checking account and use the promo code MAR300BONUS.

Be sure to share our fun posts for this promotion on Facebook and elsewhere online. See more information at northshorebank.com/get300. •••

Gagliardi gets birthday surprise

BSA/AML specialist Lisa Gagliardi got a nice surprise this week, when her friends video tellers Jessica Cranley and Yazmin Evangelista had a birthday celebration ready for her. “I thought I was just going to visit and have lunch,” Lisa said. “They had decorations, flowers, a cake, and gifts waiting for me. It was very sweet and shows what kind and caring ladies they are! They are two of my best friends at NSB.” Happy birthday, Lisa! •••

New Hires for March 2
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Howard-Suamico universal banker Faith Gunderson is from Oconto Falls and previously worked as a teller at N.E.W. Credit Union, where she started at age 15. She is majoring in accounting at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. “I have a few hobbies,” she says. “During summer, I cruise around on my motorcycle and go fishing once in a while, and in the fall I go mudding on the trails, either with my UTV or ATV. During winter, I ride my snowmobile around and go to the ice drags.”

Indirect lending regional account manager Jason Nugent is from Fridley, Minnesota, and previously worked as a market rep in Minnesota for American Credit Acceptance. He started playing hockey when he was 4, and is still on “a real ‘old man’ team today.” He says, “Truth be told, I only sub now, as it takes way too long for me to recover, but nevertheless, it is fun. My real enjoyment now comes from watching my two daughters play — I have an 11-year-old goalie and 8-year-old high-flying forward who keep me busy in the stands.” Here he is with his older girl at a player/parent game this week. “She had a frown because I scored a hat trick on her.” (The pink helmet, minus padding, used to be his younger daughter’s.)

Grafton teller Colleen Wochinski is originally from Iowa; she lives in Cedarburg now and will celebrate 20 years in the Milwaukee area this summer. She has some prior banking experience, but has mostly worked at retail shops including bookstores and toy stores. “When I can, I love to travel,” she says. “Some of my favorite destinations have been Ireland, Glacier National Park in Montana, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.” •••

Last chance for advance tickets for home showcase
What’s going on with you? If you or someone in your family has a special event — a concert, show, sporting or charity event, or another important moment — send the details to shorelines@northshorebank.com. We’ll include information about select events to let your colleagues know about all the cool stuff happening with the North Shore Bank team.

Looking for more to do? Here are suggestions from the bank’s event calendar:

Advance tickets for the Brown County Home Builders Association Spring Showcase of Homes are available for $12 apiece through tomorrow, Friday, March 3, at our Allouez, Ashwaubenon, Green Bay East, Green Bay West, Howard-Suamico, and Pulaski branches. On Saturday, March 4, tickets go on sale at the full price of $15. The showcase will take place this Saturday and Sunday and next Thursday, March 9, through Sunday, March 12. More info here.

Our Northland branch will host a diaper collection drive for Jake’s Network of Hope through Tuesday, March 14. A third of families in the United States struggle to provide clean diapers for their babies. New, unopened diapers and wipes are wanted. There is a special need for size 6 diapers and 4T/5T pull-ups, but any contribution is welcome and appreciated. More info here.

The next installment of our Path to Wealth seminar series takes place the evening of Wednesday, March 29, at our Jackson Park branch. Area manager Alfredo Martin and community lending manager Miguel Pesqueira will cover the topic of financial goals and how to achieve them. More info here. •••