North Shore Bank Recognized as 'One of the Healthiest Companies in America’

National award recognizes companies committed to employees’ health and well-being

BROOKFIELD, Wis. – North Shore Bank today announced it has been recognized as one of the "Healthiest Companies in America" by Interactive Health Solutions (IHS), a national provider of employee health management programs. The award recognizes 103 U.S. companies who have demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of their employees by creating a corporate culture that encourages individuals to take charge of their health and maintain an active role in preventative care.

"North Shore Bank works hard to create a culture that encourages preventative care and good health – for example, our employees recently lost a combined total of more than 600 pounds in a ‘biggest loser’ competition with a $2,000 prize," said Judy Van Goethem, the bank’s vice president of human resources. "To be named one of the ‘Healthiest Companies in America’ is a reflection of our commitment to helping employees reduce their risks and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The award is a big honor, both for our bank and for our employees who work so hard to embrace good health."

IHS, based in Arlington Heights, Ill., selects its "Healthiest Companies in America" winners from more than 2,000 organizations that participate in its health management programs. Awards are based on clinical evaluations of employee participants across an index of key health factors, including smoking, indications for heart disease and diabetes, and other health status measures that can be at least partly controlled by individuals.

North Shore Bank’s 2008 results showed substantial improvements over its 2007 numbers. As a result, the bank remains consistently above IHS norms and in some cases, far above them, Van Goethem said. The reduction in health care claims reflects employees’ efforts to reduce their risk factor as well as overall improvement in the health of the bank’s workforce, she said.

"IHS is proud to recognize the achievements – and especially, the commitment – of the ‘Healthiest Companies in America’ and their employees," said Jim Banks, CEO of IHS. "The impact of preventative care extends from the individual employee, who may enjoy a longer, more active life, to the employer, who gains healthier, more productive workers and an effective means of impacting health-care costs."

North Shore Bank, headquartered in Brookfield, is one of the strongest banks in the country. It has assets of nearly $1.9 billion and 43 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. Current Wisconsin branch locations are in metro Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Menasha, the Green Bay area, Burlington, Union Grove and Door County. North Shore Bank also has two Illinois State Bank offices in McHenry County, Ill. The bank opened its 43rd office in Grafton, Wis., in October and is building its 44th office in Mequon, Wis. Locations and ATM's.