Summer, more like simmer.

We took a small break from blog this summer to work on our tans. Actually, I have been pretty short-handed at my Bowman branch and just have not been able to get to our blog. On with the show.

This summer heat frankly made me a little cranky! Day to day stress doesn't help much either.  I'm not sure our bodies or minds were set up to run as quickly as we do these days. I continue to hear about Apps, programs, and devices to get information to us quicker. The world is moving faster and faster. While doing research and shopping on my computer the other day , I caught myself getting irritated while I had to wait a few seconds as it loaded.  Had I really become this impatient?  Seriously? What if we just decided to slow down a bit? Would that really be so bad?

This week I have been trying to redirect my day to happier thoughts and more relaxing activities since having this Ah-Ha moment (as Oprah would call it).  I try to breathe deeply.  Take my air in slow and let it out even slower.  You can actually feel your heart slow down. I really love music.  I think music can totally change your mood.  On my way to work, I've really tried to play something happy or something I can sing out loud to in the car.  I'm not sure if the people around me enjoy it, but I do! Lastly, I really will try to get some exercise.  To borrow a friend's phrase, some people are greyhounds and some people are hound dogs. I'm a hound dog.  I'll never be an IronMan participant but I have the same sense of accomplishment after walking/running/biking for an hour or so.  These things seem to work for me, maybe they will help you on your quest to slow down and enjoy each day!

Kimberly

Success

Recently I wrote an article for our NBA newsletter. In collecting information for my article I asked a few of our customers about success. Mr. Jimmy Jenkins said he wanted to give it some thought.  Two days later he stopped in to leave me his thoughts.
"It is my observation that if one is to be successful in one's profession and personal life two of the most important traits are a good attitude and a strong faith. A good attitude will have a positive impact on one's career by helping to develop a sound work ethic and a meaningful relationship with others. The individual possessing these two qualities will "stand out" above the crowd. Regardless of one's position in life adversities will come. This is where faith enters. Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it ahead."  - Jim Jenkins

With every passing day, I realize how much I love working with our customers.  When I take the time, which is not very often, I really learn from them. 

Best Wishes for a wonderful weekend,
Kimberly

Bring on Summmmmmmer!

Summer is almost here.  Frankly it feels as though it's been here for quite a while already! I'm referring to our extreme temperatures here in Central Arkansas.  Wow, is it already this HOT?
It seems like our Spring skipped us, going from our mild Winter straight to Summer. I must confess, Summer is not my favorite season.  Sure, I love a good pool or lake day, but 73 degrees all year would be just fine with me. However, I will tell you some of the things I do enjoy about Summer. 
Even in late May, you can hear parents and children all a "buzz" about where they are going on vacation.  There are kids getting to enjoy camps, such as Beginning Basketball or Fashion Jewelry camp, like my niece Macie attended this week. Everyone shows off their tan in their newest, casual sandals and shades.  I see people riding by with their convertible tops down and their music up.  My birthday is also during the Summer, that doesn't hurt either. 

Over at our Pershing and Main St. location in North Little Rock, they are showing their favorite things about Summer as well.  Gretchen would love to invite you to stop by and let her know your favorite thing about this time a year.  Also, be on the look out for our popcicle and lemonade Fridays during these hot months!

See you at the pool,
Kimberly

P.S. Don't forget Summer also means we are 6 months from Christmas.   It's a great time to open a Christmas club account to save those $$$$!

What's a Woman to Wear!

From time to time Jocelyn and I thought we might throw in some fashion finds and tips for women in business like ourselves.  Jocelyn are I are shoppers extraordinaire and so are several of our co-workers.  We love to find a great deal!  Occasionally I realize later though, that the great deal I got on those $9.99 shoes was not such a great deal after all, when I leave the bank at night with my feet killing me. Now I proceed with caution when the deal seems to good to be true.  Quality is the key!  
At National Bank of Arkansas our dress code is Business Casual. This code was selected several years ago. It is nice because we really are not a "stuffy" or "formal" atmosphere bank.  We want to relate to our customers in a professional, yet comfortable environment.  With that in mind, Business Casual is still sometimes hard to define for women.  We like it because it means we are not required to wear a suit every day but we know it does not mean we can wear jeans.  Sometimes it is hard to find that middle ground. So some tips I have found over the last few years are as follows: 

1) If it is something you would wear on a Saturday afternoon to "hang out", you probably should not wear it to work.
2) If you have the slightest doubt in your mind about whether it is acceptable, it is not!
3) I always try to follow the rule "dress for the job you want".
4) Your office/desk is also an extension of you. You may be wearing the nicest thing you own, but if your desk is cluttered, dirty or covered with diet soda cans and snack wrappers, it will not matter.
5) Foot Petals for women shoes are the best thing I have ever found for making high heels comfortable (Dillard's)
6) When in doubt, be "over dressed", not "under dressed" for the situation. 

We hope you find these tips useful!  We would love to hear about any tips you may have to share!

Kimberly

Holiday!

Madonna sang about it, there are movies on it, and we always look forward to it...ahhh a holiday!
So I spent the last holiday, as I suspect many of you did, with my mother.  I consider myself lucky to live close enough to drive home for Mother's Day brunch.  Every year we dress up, bring our gifts, eat and celebrate Mom.   Unfortunately for her, she is still Mom and most of the time gets stuck with the brunch check. (sorry Mom) 
May is a big month for holidays.  This week I ran across an article talking about all the holidays and rather unknown holidays in May.  There is of course May Day, and Cinco De Mayo for our spanish friends but, did you know about National Clean Your Room Day? What about National Dance Like a Chicken Day? May 20th is Be A Millionaire Day and the 23rd is Lucky Penny Day.  We can help you at the bank with the last two mentioned (do not forget our Premium Rewards High Interest Account).  The one we are focused upon here at the Bowman branch is Memorial Day.  When you stop by our Bowman location we are handing out hearts for you to write your loved ones name on and hang on our wall.  We know this holiday originally began in 1868 to honor our fallen military. We certainly are doing that, along with others we want to remember. We hope you will take a moment on this upcoming holiday to think about those who so bravely went before us.
Have a great weekend,

Kimberly

Living With An Attitude of Gratitude

I’ve been hearing quite a bit lately about gratitude. I think I’m finally listening. There is a difference between the two. “Thank you” has always been easy to say to my friend or my Dad, but am I focused on living that way every day? Probably not. Now I am not into any kind of “new age” thinking, but I can see how focusing on gratitude or appreciating what we do have, can at some point, overcome our dismay about what we don’t .

Just like when I was learning to ride a bike, I would repeat “don’t hit the tree, don’t hit the tree”.  I hit the tree!  Finally I learned to focus on something else, and went sailing right past that tree with a “Look Mom, no hands”! 

Many “gratitude” teachers advise writing down 5 things that make you grateful each day.  Each night when I write in my journal of gratitude, one sentence is always “grateful for my job”.  Most days it’s followed by “grateful for my co-workers and friends”.  I can’t imagine what my life would be like without my co-workers, friends, and the opportunities working at NBA has provided for me. 

I guess the point to my story is that being focusing on what we have, can have a huge effect on our daily life. Believe me there are days I wake up grouchy, wanting this or that, but when those days hit, I’m learning to change my focus.   

With gratitude,

Kimberly

What is your story?

Did you know April 27th is National Tell a Story Day?

For many years my niece and nephew have asked me to tell them stories at bedtime.  It's always so hard to think of a good one. I have a hard time making up stories, so often I try to think of something funny and suspenseful from my childhood. Macie and Madden love to hear about me and their mom as little kids.  Macie's favorite though, is one I told about this enormous gray grasshopper invading my dressing room one time at the mall.  I'm not sure why, kids are funny.
Do you know the story of National Bank of Arkansas? NBA is locally owned and started with humble beginnings, but our future is brighter than ever. The bank is 30 years old this year (if walls could talk).  We actually have a few bankers who have been at the bank for nearly that long. Yes, through the years they have married, started families, continued education, moved to different departments within the bank, volunteered in the community and helped a lot of customers do the same. Yes we have several who have been with the bank 20 plus years. Now there is a really neat story about how Mr. Bob acquired the bank a little at a time, by accident but we'll finish that story another day. There is also the story about how we started in the trailer branch and how years later we finally jumped the river.  All of those are neat to hear, but my point is that the real story of NBA is in the people who work here and the people we have helped. Each of us have experienced weddings, birthdays, babies and retirement celebrations, the things that truly make life worth living...the things that make the story of you. As I mention these, I know you are thinking these celebrations are between co-workers, but we also celebrate these same life changing events with our customers.  You see providing financial security and helping some one's hard earned money grow, is what we do.  This gives our customers peace of mind to conquer the world as part of their story.
We are so thankful to our customers because they are the real story of NBA.

Kimberly

Saying Goodbye

You may have heard that one of our dearest co-workers is leaving us.  In fact, it's my boss, Bryan Hill.  I knew this day would come. We are all estatic about his new opportunity, but at the same time we are very sad for what it means for those of us left behind.  Bryan is leaving to become a full time associate pastor at a wonderful church in Florida. We love that he has been blessed with this opportunity. Bryan is very involved with his church. He is a great leader and demonstrator of the Christian faith. He's the Tim Tebow of the banking world.  Several of us are taking on new tasks, meeting, and learning.  Even though it's exciting to learn more about the bank and how and why it runs, it's still hard for us.  We've all been teary eyed for weeks now.
The fact is, we are like a big family here at NBA and it's hard when someone leaves. I have spoken to Bryan almost everyday for 10 years. I have spent more time with him (and some others) in the last few years, than I have spent with my own blood relatives.  We are like other families, we fuss and disagree sometimes, but we would do anything for each other.  I know Bryan feels the same. He has done countless things to help me and others and we will miss him.  
I encourage you to come by NBA to see him this week. His last day is Friday.  It will be hard but we wish him the best!

Kimberly

Finding A Home

So, my husband and I are looking for a new home.  You see, we recently were married and frankly, we need some more space!  Well, maybe I need some more space.  Girls have a lot of stuff!  Anyway, it's been hard. What neighborhood do we want to be in? How bad is the traffic there? How far is it from work? Finding a house is different than finding a home.  We've seen several houses, but a home is somewhere you feel comfortable. You can be yourself, let your hair down, and it's a space you LOVE!  I imagine in my head, that there are big green trees, a big porch, and a lot of sun-filled windows. I can relax in this peaceful environment. 
Another place where I hope you can relax, is at NBA.  We strive to make banking hassle-free, uncomplicated, with great benefits.  I feel great working at NBA because I know we are doing our best everyday to make this feel like home. We want to call you by name, answer the phone with a smile and call you back the same day!  I'm not sure this happens everywhere. For we employees here at NBA, it's our home for several hours a day.  We love it!  Come into National Bank of Arkansas, we hope it's a place you can relax and enjoy- "your home away from home".

Personal Strength

Have you ever considered your personal strengths, or "strinths" as my Grandma Mabel would say?  Last week, Jocelyn and I were challenged by our bossman Bryan to read and take a short quiz identifying our strengths.  This would apply not only in the work place, but in everyday life.  When Bryan mentioned it, I thought the book sounded interesting but I also thought "I probably know what mine are already".  So Sunday, I took on the challenge.  After I finished the quiz, it gave me all sorts of insight about how I function.  You know what, I was surprised at a couple of the results.  My first strength to pop up was Responsibility.  I knew that one for sure. I feel responsible for everyone and everything. It expressed that these are pretty dependable folks who do not mind being open and honest about who they are. They intentionally avoid people who aren't so honest and open about their strengths, short-comings, or successes (all true). Some of my others were Positivity and Empathy.  Input was the strength I was surprised about the most. Before I read the explanation, I thought to myself  "oh great it says I'm one of those people who must always give their opinion (input) about everything".  As I read on, I discovered that I actually want to learn more about everything. I need to know the facts.  This is so true! In fact, I vaguely remember getting in trouble for this as a kid. I can just hear it now "Kimberly Ann, it's this way because I'm telling you it is, that's that, no more questions".  Isn't that funny? I needed to know even at 6 years old! 
 I also was surprised last week as we looked at our strengths within National Bank of Arkansas. I don't think most people realize the experience in banking that our Branch Managers possess. Not one has been employed with the bank less than 7 years! This is huge! I had no idea or had never realized what knowledge they all possess and what communities they are involved in to help make our customers feel so comfortable about banking with NBA! These numbers even escalate as you look around the bank's other departments. I couldn't help but think how special and unique this is in banking.
My point is every once in a while you should stop and take a look around at what makes you so special! 


Kimberly

Popcorn anyone?

At the end of the day I am just about ready to throw in the towel. You with me? My body is tired but my mind still wonders..about what you might ask...Family! After a full day at work I am ready to head home and be with my family just like everyone else. Yesterday was a little different. As I walked out of the bank I noticed my tire was nearly flat. AAH!  There was no way I could make it home with out filling it up first. It turned out to be a huge fiasco,  my husband and I didn't arrive home until after 9:00pm. Needless to say I was a little worn out! This evening had not gone as planned.
As I walked through the door I headed to the kitchen to wash the tire dirt and grime from my hands. As I began to scrub, my tired gaze was focused out our kitchen window and all of the sudden I had the biggest smile I'd had all day.  I noticed the corn stalk on the window sill had begun to have what appeared to be the first signs of kernels! It was huge! Just the other day I had seen nothing but a tiny stalk. (I know you are thinking I must have been delirious) It just so happens that I am originally from Indiana and I love corn! That was not my only reason for such great excitement! Flashing through my mind was how this corn stalk in my kitchen started from a tiny seeding in a tiny plastic container, that my son proudly brought home at the beginning of this second grade school year, and how we had taken great care of it together. With much anticipation of its growth we can't wait to plant it outside and watch it multiply!

That is how we at NBA help our customers grow! We often start with one relationship, maybe a high interest checking account that has endless growth and potential. Before you know it we are here for your first car loan and after that a home loan. My point today is that all along your journey with NBA we will be here to care for you and help you grow.

Jocelyn

Saving for those " Rainy Days"

I know we really needed the rain but I have to say rainy days make me a little blue.  When I heard there would be rain for a few days I thought about what I had been saving for a rainy day. I really couldn't think of anything except laundry...blah. Laundry must be done whether it's rainy or not. 
As I continued to consider what could be done in this blue state, my thoughts changed to what gloomy or rainy days mean for other people. I am so blessed that my definition of gloomy is defined in weather terms and literally means rainy, dark and cloudy days.   To others, rainy or gloomy days have a whole different meaning. There are a lot of folks in these gloomy/rainy days currently. To most people saving for your future and retirement is crucial but what about saving for the unexpected - these rainy days? This has always been a concern for me.  Heck, saving for Christmas has always been a concern for me.
Until recently I was what I called a single income family, meaning it was me and only me to count on for income. There is information everywhere about what to do with your money, "Invest it here, save it there". It's a big decision! What's a girl to do? How do we know what is best for our "rainy day"?  Today I was reading a blog called Lifehacker.com.  I was pleasantly surprised to see an article with some advice on "How to Save for the Unexpected". The first thing it listed was a Rewards Checking and Saving Account. This was great news to me!  This is great news for our customers!  We have these Premium Saving Accounts! Here at the bank we have lots of options for saving money.  We can help with Saving accounts and even guide you to someone who can develop a plan for you and your family. I'm so happy to say that it looks like we at NBA are providing great resources to help people save for those rainy day times in life.
(To find our more about these accounts log on to www.nbabank.com)

Kimberly

How does a mommy have time.....

For those of you who have children in sports you are most likely familiar with what you are about to read. Practice, Practice and more Practice. I just recently signed both of my children up for baseball this season.  One child is starting t-ball and the other 8u, which I found out means 7-8 years of age. It seems we have practice nearly every day of the week except Sunday...so far. How in the world do you keep up with all of this practice? Not only that, a practice or game may be scheduled but can change at the drop of a hat, not only just like the weather but because of the weather!

I am asking myself what will I do for two or four hours while they practice???

Here is what I have come up with so far- enjoy the time! Who can pass up the smell of those hot dogs on the grill and the warmth of the sun on my face. In fact if you want sun, you're sure to get it when you go to a baseball game. I already have my first burn of the year! What I have found so far that I like best about the practices and games are the sounds you hear at the game. Besides the chatter of parents, is the crack of the bat hitting the ball. There is nothing like hearing that sound, jumping up and hoping for a home run for your team! Before you know it, you are meeting new people...Ahh a chance to learn about what people do when they are not at the ballpark? The answer is WORK...my comfort zone.  After all I know nothing about baseball, except where the bases are located, but I know a lot about working for NBA. I always carry my business cards and I even handed out a few this weekend. Who knows, if I'm lucky maybe I will get a new NBA customer! Now that's a home run!

My Conclusion is that "it's going to be great". Watching my children, enjoying the sites and sounds that surround a baseball field, meeting new people, and grabbing a dog.  What I like best of all ...watching all the smiles light up on all of the parents' and children's faces in those exciting moments.  Feels like I am right at home. The same way I feel at NBA. This mommy is making the time. Who could ask for more?

Go Team!

Jocelyn

For the Jimmy's in our Lives

Even if you are not a Jimmy Buffet fan, you must admit he creates an energy frenzy probably anywhere he goes.  Frankly the sound of his name momentarily takes me back to a beach from last summer with palm trees and blue water as far as the eye could see.  Last night was no different.  Jimmy put on a wonderful show but when I looked across the crowd I saw more than music show. Each time the lights flashed over the sea of people I saw friends and families laughing, singing and dancing. I thought to myself what a great time everyone was having, from my seat anyway.  I thought, "Doesn't everyone need a Jimmy in their life?".

Usually on my way to a concert I always wonder, will it be a good show? Did I waste my money? Will I be disappointed? Honestly, barring some unforeseen accident, I had no doubt that I could depend on Jimmy to put on a good show and a good time.

Here at NBA we also have a Jimmy we can depend upon.  Actually we have three.  Jim Baker our Business Development in Conway, Jimmy Ard our Maintenance Technician/Courier and the third is Jim "Jimmy" Renk our President. He goes by Jim but he is a "Jimmy" through and through.   All of these Jimmy's are crucial to our every day functions here at the bank. Jim Baker is always there with a helping hand,  Jimmy Ard makes sure our facilities are functioning to their best, and Jim Renk makes sure we employees are functioning at our best.  We depend on these three so our customers never wonder on their way to see us at National Bank of Arkansas, whether they too will be disappointed.

Kimberly

In honor of the Oscar's

I love watching the Oscar's! I know I'm not alone. Frankly I love watching the fashion at the Oscar's. Who will Cameron Diaz wear and what is that on Angelina's arm? It's exciting to see the glitz, glamour and upcoming trends in evening wear.  Last night I noticed on my favorite actress of the night Michelle Williams, a gorgeous coral peplum dress. Give me a  P, give me an E...I love the peplum dress.  As I watched her glide, no float down the red carpet, I started thinking about the last peplum dress I wore and how much I loved it. It was 1994, my first day at work in a new office and I wore, what I thought, was a beautiful grass green, white polka dot peplum dress. (For all you fellas out there, a peplum dress has an extra long ruffle around the waist). I felt like I was on top of the world that day.  I loved that dress but I did not love the job.  What a difference a few years made in finding my way to National Bank of Arkansas. Jocelyn would agree, we really love it here.  Our coworkers and supervisors make our job of taking care of our customers so easy.  We have the opportunity to change the way banking is done in this community and we love it. We hope you love it too.
Jocelyn and I would love to hear what you love about your job or even your last peplum dress!


Kimberly

National Bank of Arkansas -We're here !

Kimberly and Jocelyn- We are area managers here at NBA. We will be reporting what makes National Bank of Arkansas such a great place to bank and work.  Check back with us each week as we report on NBA changes/updates, employee features and all around banking insight for today's customer!

See you soon,




Kimberly