June 5, 2025

Jeanne Sidner

AROUND THE BANK

VR van makes its debut, ready to delight communities all summer and into fall

Customers and community members can experience fully immersive worlds inside our new mobile virtual reality van.

The Kenosha Kingfish mascot enjoyed checking out the new virtual reality van.

Our brand-new virtual reality van made its first appearances this week, first at Hot Dog Hundo Night for the Kenosha Kingfish on Tuesday, then at the corporate headquarters on Wednesday. The van, a new and exciting addition to our community outreach, allows community members and customers to step into a fully immersive 360-degree environment, featuring tranquil forests, bustling city streets, and even underwater worlds—all for free. It’s our way of bringing “Bank Your Best Life” alive with an unexpected twist.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to being much more than a bank. Instead, we’re here to bring unique and fun experiences to life,” said Kate Johnson, Vice President, Marketing. “We can’t wait for our communities to discover, play, and explore with us.”

Following a great reception at the Kingfish game, the VR van arrived at corporate headquarters on Wednesday, giving employees the opportunity to experience it firsthand. We partnered with several local vendors, including game developers Holosoft, Van Life Custom Vans, HQ Graphics and Wrap, and NEWaukee, to create the van and the VR experience. 

The new VR van is sure to be a hit at events throughout the summer and fall.

Keep an eye out for opportunities to see the van this summer and into fall at community and bank events, including:

With the headsets on, visitors to the van, like these kids at the Kingfish game, can immerse themselves in forests, cities, and underwater worlds.

 

RETIREMENTS

Celebrating Cindy Lohrey’s helpful spirit as she prepares to retire

Cindy Lohrey with daughter Emily Curro, Emily’s husband Tony, and Cindy’s husband, Jason, at Emily’s wedding. Cindy looks forward to more time with family in retirement. 

Cindy Lohrey, AVP, Payroll & Benefits Manager, is stepping into her well-deserved retirement at the end of this week. Now she’ll have plenty of time for family, a Disney adventure, and her favorite hobby, crocheting. 

Cindy joined North Shore Bank in 2011 after receiving a call from Chief HR Officer Molly Schissler about an opening for a payroll manager. Cindy and Molly had worked together at a previous company, so Molly knew Cindy was the right person for the job. Banking would be a new industry for Cindy, but with over 30 years of experience in HR, she was definitely up to the task. 

Molly’s call sparked Cindy’s interest in working here, but it was our people and culture that inspired her to complete her career here. Cindy said two things stand out as she reflects on her time at North Shore Bank. “First is the HR team,” she said. “This team has been solid from the moment I joined. Molly always seems to find a way to hire the best people for our team.” The collaborative spirit of her coworkers fostered an environment where Cindy felt she could thrive.

She also credits her coworkers outside of the HR team for making her time so awesome. “It is very special to me to end my career at a company that is based on family,” she said, adding that she has the unique joy of sharing a workplace with her daughter, Credit Analyst Emily Curro. They’re in different departments, so they didn’t interact a lot at work, but Cindy said it’s been special to her to know her daughter is here. “I’m very proud of her!” she said.

Along the way, Cindy’s main goal always has been to help people—with payroll questions, navigating a leave of absence, or even preparing for their own retirements. An important quote from Mr. Rogers has served as a bit of a North Star, sticking with her over the years: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” “I always wanted to be one of the helpers,” she said. “I hope I can be remembered that way.”

Based on what her colleagues said, it seems that will come true. Molly said she has been proud to have Cindy on her team and glad they had the chance to work together again. “I was so happy that she agreed to come work for us. I knew she was very talented and hardworking, and she would be a great part of our HR team. I am incredibly happy for Cindy’s retirement—not because I won’t miss her, but for her to be able to pursue more of her passions and enjoy more time with her granddaughter. I wish her nothing but the best,” Molly said.

Milene Below, Vice President, Training & Internal Communications Manager, said Cindy impressed her from Day 1. “She’s knowledgeable, patient, always willing to help others, and a true UKG Pro queen,” Milene said (UKG Pro is our HR and workforce management solution). “Thanks for all the laughs, and enjoy retirement!”

Janet Rosenthal, AVP, Talent Acquisition Manager, said she will miss interacting with Cindy on a daily basis. “Cindy welcomed me with open arms when I joined the HR team,” she said, and that generosity extended in other areas as well. “She is known around the bank for making special blankets for someone dealing with an illness, welcoming a grandchild, or just because.”

The baby dragon Cindy made for Amy.

Training Specialist Amy Ruffalo was on the receiving end of that generosity. “I will be forever grateful for the support she gave me when my husband was dealing with some health issues. From hugs to blankets to navigating FMLA, her support helped me get through it,” she said. Her favorite memento, a crocheted baby dragon, will be sitting on her desk, reminding her of Cindy every day. “I wish her all the best in this new chapter in life!”

Two more colleagues also wished her well. HR Specialist Morgan Stark said she will miss Cindy’s kindness, and Training Specialist Ryan Melcarek called out Cindy’s patience. 

Daughter Emily says she’s loved her time working with her mom, having lunch together, and carpooling to work: “My mom has spent her time here helping so many people, and I loved seeing that firsthand. I am excited for her to do more of the things she loves, like more babysitting! Just kidding. Congrats on retiring, mom!”

As for what’s next, Cindy will enjoy the summer with her family, spending more time with her husband, Jason, who is already retired, and her 3 1/2-year-old granddaughter, Kinsley. “She is the joy of my life!” Cindy said. They’re headed to Disney World soon to celebrate Cindy’s retirement. After that, she’ll be looking for some meaningful volunteer opportunities. 

And as she goes, she leaves us with this parting tip: “Be the helper. It will come back to you tenfold.”

Congratulations, Cindy, and enjoy your retirement!

 

PERSONAL CELEBRATIONS

Wallschlaeger graduates with bachelor’s degree from UW-Green Bay

Joshua Wallschlaeger is surrounded by his family on his graduation day.

Joshua Wallschlaeger, Lead Teller at the Howard Suamico branch, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay on May 17. Joshua received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on analytics. 

Congratulations, Joshua! 

 

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Customers express gratitude for excellent service

Recent customer comment cards praise North Shore Bank employees for their excellent service.

A customer stated that he “enjoyed the entire experience with North Shore,” while another appreciated receiving “very courteous service” and noted that our website is “easy and excellent.” 01887 Still another expressed gratitude for Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Ruiz in Muskego, saying, “Stephanie is fabulous!”

A customer who paid off a loan said North Shore Bank is a “great place to bank, very helpful.” And another customer said he would “absolutely” borrow from us again, noting that he received “above excellent service.” 

Way to go, North Shore Bank team!

 

PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to people receiving promotions in May 2025!

The following individuals were promoted in May 2025. Congratulations!

  • Dena Smet was promoted from Teller to Associate Banker.
  • Dawn Conley was promoted from Travelling Associate Banker to Travelling Lead Teller. 

 

FINANCIAL EDUCATION & LITERACY

Curious about retirement? Empower’s June session is for you

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, with many big questions to consider. Many of us wonder whether we’re saving enough, how much we’ll need to maintain our lifestyle, and when we can realistically retire. Questions about Social Security and how it factors in also bubble up. If these are issues you’re thinking about, the Education by Empower series for June may be a great place to start.

Empower’s series for June is titled “Retirement Readiness.” The live sessions on this topic are scheduled for June 17, 18, 25, and 26 and are available in both English and Spanish. For more information, check Ask Seymour, click here to see a flyer from Empower, visit the Learning Center on Empower’s website, or scan the QR code above to learn more and register. 

 

Customer Loyalty Tip of the Week

Vendors are customers, too. Treat the people who provide you with products and services with the same respect you treat your paying customers.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

  • Music at the Pavilion | Thursday, June 5 (6:00 PM) | Gehl Performing Arts Pavilion at Firemen’s Park | Park Avenue, Germantown
  • Art64 2025 | Friday, June 6 (5:00 PM) – Saturday, June 7 (4:00 PM) | Root Common Park | 1409 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI
  • Jammin’ in the Park | Friday, June 6 (5:00 PM) | Veteran’s Memorial Park | W182S8200 Racine Ave., Muskego, WI
  • Fare in the Square & Outdoor Movie Nights – Lilo & Stitch | Wednesday, June 18 (4:00 PM-8:00 PM) | Drexel Town Square | 361 Town Square Way, Oak Creek, WI