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