Food is a source of strength.  But many this holiday season don’t have the money to purchase food so Monarch Community Bank is stepping up to the plate to assist the local food pantries. 

Throughout 2009, the Union City Branch collected money to help fill the Union City Food Baskets for Christmas.  Each Friday employees dressed casually but had to pay $1 to go to the Food Baskets.The branch encourages customers and employees alike to make donations.   In November a special collection was taken up for both “Green Backs and Green Beans”.  A total of 135 cans of green beans were donated along with $155 last week.

“We were pleased that our customers and the community came out to donate for this worthy cause,” said Jenelle Paust, Branch Teller Manger at the Monarch Community Bank Branch in Union City.

To celebrate the season, the staff at the Willowbrook Branch gathered together last night for food and festivities.  Here are a couple pictures from the evening.

Sam S. and Kelly L. are enjoying the party!

If you haven’t already made a donation to Toys for Tots, stop by one of our branches to make a donation.  Boxes will be picked up soon!!!

Denise Maurer and Nicole Pietruzska standing in front of Toys for Tots box

To have more consistency between our branches, starting January 1, 2010, there will be new hours at our branches, as stated below:

24 Grand St., Coldwater            Monday- Friday 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.     Saturday  8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

87 Marshall St., Coldwater   –  107 N. Park Ave., Marshall

                                           Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.    Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Union City Branch          Monday- Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:30   Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.    Saturday  9 a.m. -12 p.m. 

Willowbrook Rd., Coldwater  — Hillsdale Branch –15975 W. Michigan Ave, Marshall     

                                                Lobby    Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
                                                 Drive       Mon thru Fri 8 – 6  Sat 8 – 1 

107 N. Park Ave, Marshall     Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.    Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monarch Community Bank welcomes Joyce Cox as the commercial credit administrator for the bank.  Cox has worked in banking for 16 years and comes to Monarch from Citizens Bank in Jackson.  Her responsibilities will include managing the commercial loan processing and credit functions for the bank.

Over the years she’s served in various positions including loan operations specialist, commercial senior management assistant, credit department manager, and commercial portfolio underwriter.  Cox is a graduate of Robert Perry School of Lending, and a member of the Risk Management Association.

Cox is a resident of Hillsdale County.  When asked what she’s looking forward to in her new position she said, “It’s exciting to get back into community banking and being out and about in the community.  It will be nice to personally know the customers of the bank”.   Cox enjoys golf, quilting and reading in her spare time.  Her office is located at 87 Marshall St. in Coldwater.

We were so pleased to accept the award for Affiliate of the Year from the Branch Area Board of Realtors on Thursday night.  Pictured is Lenders, Tim Fox and Joni Manchester as they receive the award from the Branch Area Board of Realtors President, Dennis Dirschell.

2009 Realtor(s) of the Year Awards went to Dennis Dirschell and Angie Wages.

Also, congratulations to 2010 Board Members:  Dennis Dirschell, Sherry Haylett, Jami Lind, Mary Ann Ford, Rob Weidner, Barb Mullally, Jeanni Lint, Jim Borden, Dave Wright, and John Schroll.

Recognition for years of membership – John Blashfield, 15 years; Diana Gruner, 20 years; Janet Lane, 25 years; and Bea Wilbur 30 years!

Service awards for being on the Board were given to Sara Roper, Marilyn Ostrander, Denise Royer, and Joni Manchester.

Recongition was given to Janet Lane who recently retired after 25 years of membership.

Monarch Community Bank has announced the Employee of the 3^rd Quarter for the bank.  Denise Maurer, vice president and new accounts manager received the award.  Maurer was chosen by her co-workers for the award.  She has worked at Monarch for 10 years.

Prior to earning the title as new accounts manager, Maurer was a senior new account representative, teller supervisor, and IRA specialist.  Her current duties include providing excellent customer service, new account training, opening new accounts, and being a liaison for employees.

Maurer graduated from Coldwater High School and currently lives in Tekonsha with her husband, Jason.  When asked what she likes most about her job she said, “Helping customers and hearing their needs.  It’s rewarding to get them into the right product and building long-term customer relationships.”

Don Denney, Monarch Community Bank’s President and CEO was pleased to announce Maurer as the recipient at a recent employee meeting and said, “Denise’s professionalism and confidence in her work provides a great foundation for welcoming new customers and connecting with those that have been a customer”. 

Thanks to all of the people who came out to see the Marshall Holiday Parade last night.  Although it was chilly, Monarch staff kept warm by delivering thousands of candy canes to partipants.  We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!