DERRICK WILLIAMS T.W. BUDIG JESSICA HARPER
Talking politics with business leaders 2A Franken attempts Wall Street reform 10A Local man brokers high-priced art 48A
dakotacountytribune.biz dakotacountytribune.biz
DATE 10, ##, 2010 2009 JUNE
VOLUME 30, NUMBER # VOLUME 31, NUMBER 15
Dakota County Tribune Since 1884
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Bank strives for high morale even in tough economic times Citizens Bank Minnesota, which has a branch in Lakeville, puts focus on employee satisfaction
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INSIDE BIZ FORUM
The 2010 legislative session became a grudge match between Democrats and GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty. PHIL 4A KRINKIE FORUM
by Jessica Harper
Minnesota deserves a candidate for governor who represents the best interests of the middle class. SHAR 4A KNUTSON
DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
In times of pay freezes and budget cuts, employers often struggle with morale. However, one local bank has found a way to boost employee satisfaction despite the hard times. Citizens Bank Minnesota, which has a branch in Lakeville, has managed to create a fun yet professional work environment through various policies and team-building exercises. And it’s paid off, said Jean Geistfeld, marketing director for Citizens Bank. “When employees are happy, customers are happy,” Geistfeld said. “Focusing on the people who work for you is the most important thing.” The policies Citizens Bank adopted in 2002 focus on positive feedback, team building and community activism. “Our goal is to create a family here,” Geistfeld said. Supervisors make a point to celebrate successes with recognition and occasional high fives. A Focus Committee was formed to develop fun events and activities for employees to participate in such
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BUSINESS 101
Photo by Jessica Harper
BOB VOSS
Pam Comfort, administrative assistant at Citizens Bank Minnesota in Lakeville, greets customers as they enter or call the bank. Having someone designated to greet customers is one way Citizens works to enhance its customer service, representatives say. as chocolate chip cookie day and bubble day. The committee also adopted “Red-shirt Fridays” in which employees wear red shirts with yellow ribbons on the sleeves to show their support for U.S. troops fighting overseas. In addition to wearing supportive shirts, employees adopted 18 soldiers to whom they send care packages every month. “We’ve gotten lots of letters of thanks from them,” Geistfeld said. Employees also support local high school sports teams by wearing team colors during homecoming and attending games. While the bank encourages positive attitudes, it has put the kibosh on negativity. Two major policies are no whining and no gossiping. If someone is dissatisfied with someone or something, he or she is encouraged to address
Entrepreneurs cannot failureproof their businesses, but they can take simple steps to become and remain successful. 6A
BEST PRACTICES
KEVIN STIRTZ
Customer feedback is critical to a healthy business, and there are six simple ways companies can obtain it. 6A
Photo by Jessica Harper
Joe Gisch, vice president and branch manager of Citizens Bank Minnesota in Lakeville, describes the bank’s atmosphere as “progressive” and “warm.” it head-on rather than whine or gossip, Geistfeld said. The bank also recently began requiring employees to read “Thank God it’s Monday,” by See Citizens, Page 47A
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