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Mrs. Stock's Park Bench
In the near future, additional wrought iron fencing will be erected at the park, thanks to the community donations received by the committee. Mrs. Stock’s Park Committee is still in need of funding for the fencing, so if you wish to make a donation, please contact Michelle Loren at the Hillsdale City Recreation Department at 517-437-6457.
The schedule for the 2013 summer concert series at Mrs. Stock’s Park has been set – look for more information about the musical acts soon!
County National Bank was awarded the 2012-2013 “Mentor Participant of the Year” by Kathy Kelley, coordinator of the Buddy Reading Program at Williams Elementary School in Jonesville. Five CNB staff members participated in the weekly reading sessions with the elementary students. Displaying their award are (left to right): Sandy Grimm, Amber Kohler, Catherine Dumaw, and Lois Howard. Not pictured is Cindy Dwyer. The CNB staff enjoyed their time helping the students read and were happy to support the school’s efforts.
Congratulations to Don Germann, branch officer at the Jonesville CNB Office, who was awarded Jonesville’s Citizen of the Year. Don is involved with numerous organizations and events in the Jonesville community and is deserving of this award.
Due to the recent occurrence of fraud, the state of Washington has been added to the list of restricted states for signature-based and “card not present” (CNP) ATM/Debit Card transactions. PIN-based transactions are not restricted at this time.
For your reference, the complete list of states currently restricted for signature-based ATM/Debit Card transactions (not PIN-based transactions) includes:
Washington, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and California (both signature-based and PIN-based transactions are restricted in California). We will continue to monitor fraud activity and will make updates as necessary.
Internationally, all countries – with the exception of Canada and Mexico – are currently restricted for signature-based and PIN-based transactions.
If you have any questions or are planning to travel to any of the restricted states or countries, please contact our Customer Service staff at 888-322-1088 and we may be able to temporarily accommodate your needs. Thank you for understanding that this measure is for your security and protection.
Nico Leyva writes for Nerdwallet, a consumer finance blog that promotes financial literacy and looks for the best ways to save you money.
Kids are fickle creatures. They change their minds without a moment’s notice, and oftentimes it can seem like they are making life difficult on purpose. Fortunately, this is just a part of the learning process—children are testing and playing with the world around them, trying to understand how it works. But they are also impatient, and constantly in need of immediate attention. Which is why many children have trouble understanding the concept of saving. When they want something, they want it right now!
A big step in teaching your children about saving is helping them develop patience. Patience is key to the adult banking life, and the lack thereof is a major reason for personal financial failure. People can be impulsive, and spend their money recklessly. Which is why it is very important to start learning personal responsibility at a young age.
More money means more options. An easy way to make saving interesting is with an incentive. Your child could spend their money on candy, but if they save up they could buy that skateboard, or that basketball, or that videogame they want. Their options grow with each dollar they save. Point out that if they save enough, they could buy something really big—and with their own money! Sure, you tend to be the source of the money, but you’re teaching basic saving skills to your kids that will inform the rest of their lives.
Here are a few tips and tricks to get your kids excited about saving.
• Allowance saving program – Give your child a monthly or bi-weekly allowance and reward them with a fun prize or bonus dollar if they manage to save any of it by the time the next allowance rolls around. Remind them often that there is something special waiting for them if they save. You’ll know that it’s working when they end each month with more than they started.
• A good, old-fashioned piggy bank – A piggy bank is a powerful motivator. Nobody is happy when theirs is empty. Before you know it, your child will be lunging for loose change to add to their collection. They’ll also be less inclined to use the money in their piggy bank, at least until it’s too full to add any more. Then, you can give them the option of finding a bigger piggy bank or spending some of their savings. Always encourage them to save at least a little bit.
• Savings account – If you’re worried about the security of your child’s money, you can deposit the amount in your savings account. Your child can keep track of their savings on a worksheet, so they know how much they have and where it is. Tracking their savings reminds kids the money belongs to them and also gives them an early start to learning how to balance a checkbook. Put the worksheet on the fridge and offer prizes each time your child reaches a particular saving level ($5, $10, $20, etc.).
• Online games – Another way to make saving fun is through computer games. Online money games challenge children to make decisions and think on their feet. Your kids won’t be upset, because these games put fun first. They won’t even realize they are learning about saving and money management. Plus, they’ll gain valuable math and reasoning skills just by playing.
Teach Children to Save is a national campaign that promotes the partnership between banks and schools by teaching and helping young people develop lifelong savings habits. The 2013 annual awareness day, Teach Children to Save Day, is Tuesday, April 23rd.
County National Bank is again participating in this important effort. Last year our bankers visited about 40 classrooms and presented to over 900 elementary students. Our bankers read grade-level appropriate books, like Bunny Money, Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday, and Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock, and they also prepare interactive activities and lessons on the topic of savings. Activity books and goodies are left for the teacher to distribute.
Bankers are experts at money management, so it’s a natural fit for us to be involved in financial education efforts. We have scheduled classroom visits throughout the month of April, and we’re excited to be a part of Teach Children to Save!
At the “Best of Jackson” awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 6th at Ella Sharp Museum, it was announced that County National Bank was voted “Best Bank” by the readers of Jackson Magazine.
We are very proud to have been nominated for the award and especially proud to have won in the “Best Bank” category. We appreciate the recognition and the opportunity to serve our great customers. We are committed to the being the best community bank we can be!
County National Bank recently received an award from the Salvation Army of Hillsdale County for collecting the most money in a countertop kettle for the organization’s 2012 kettle drive. The kettle was one of several placed in the bank’s lobby during the holiday season and, through the generosity of our customers and staff, it collected $1031.80. CNB is proud to support the efforts of the Salvation Army.
Craig S. Connor, president and CEO of County National Bank announced the Board of Directors approved the promotions of Sharon Burns and Kelly Jensen in their December meeting.
Sharon L. Burns, second vice president – controller was promoted to second vice president – C.F.O. As C.F.O. Sharon will have overall responsibility for the financial responsibilities of County National Bank.
Sharon has been with the Bank since 2010, as well as having previously worked with a well-known area CPA firm.
Sharon has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in organizational management from Spring Arbor University, and recently obtained her Certified Public Accountant accreditation. She has been active as a PTA member and committee chairperson at a local school, has served on the Board for a youth soccer organization as treasurer, and also has been involved in various areas at her church. She and her family reside in the Addison area.
Kelly D. Jensen, assistant vice president and branch officer was promoted to second vice president and branch administrator. Kelly will have the responsibility of branch operations, with all branch managers and officers reporting directly to him. His over 35 years of experience as a banker and branch manager will be of great value.
Kelly has been with the Bank since 2000, where he has served as a branch manager for four of the Bank’s offices. He previously worked for another area bank, beginning his bank career in 1976.
Kelly attended JCC focusing on business classes as well as attending the American Institute of Banking. He also completed the Michigan Banker’s Association Commercial Lending School, and various other courses through them. Kelly serves as treasurer for the Exchange Club of Jackson, treasurer for the Together We Can Make A Difference House, and is a member of the Trinity Wesleyan Church where he also leads the music ministry of the Church. He and his family reside in the Jackson area.