At INB, we know that relationships with coworkers create a positive workplace culture and overall employee engagement. We believe that because our team is engaged, we deliver experiences, products and services above and beyond customer expectations.

Kate Francis and Justin Graves

Thriving relationships foster an innovative and collaborative workplace, and the behaviors and values that employees cultivate outside of work have a direct impact on how they act at work.

In other words, when we at INB play together and help our community together off the clock, we offer an enhanced customer experience together every day.

Our employee events have evolved, but they are always a large part of who we are. In past years, INB has hosted everything from large company holiday parties to quarterly celebrations. We have gotten together for food and activities at the lake and gathered our families for a night at the Springfield Muni.

Activities Focus on Community

This year, we decided to focus on smaller events centered on philanthropy and community.

May brought the spring United Way Day of Action; all staff members were encouraged to participate. Employees from our downtown Springfield headquarters and our Sangamon County branches joined together to spruce up landscaping at the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield. This became an opportunity for not both community service and a chance for staff who don’t work together to get to know each other. The Day of Action isn’t the only opportunity for this; we have spearheaded and participated in the Healthy Food Drive for the Kid’s Café during the Springfield Public School’s spring break, for example.

Evan Westlake supports RMHC

INB commercial lender Evan Westlake throws his support behind Ronald McDonald House Charities. Evan serves on their board today.

This year, we put out a call for employees to offer suggestions for volunteer opportunities. From the list we received, we chose two: the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois and the Sangamon County Animal Control.

In June, we focused on the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). We participated in RMH’s annual charity golf outing. Two groups of INB employees volunteered to get drinks to the golfers – it was a very hot day! Another group also joined together one evening to cook a meal at the House, feeding 25 individuals a healthy dinner.

In June, INB also sponsored a group of more than 25 employees and their family members to participate in the Scheel’s 5K/10K Run/Walk with proceeds benefiting the RMH.

Moving for Ourselves and Others

Running with fellow employees isn’t unusual for INB, which started up a Running Club several years ago. Now in its third year, the INB running club has attracted nearly 50 participants and offers several group walks and runs each week.

Even though all participants run or walk at a different pace, the group waits for everyone to finish, which is encouraging and promotes teamwork.

“I love the support that everyone gives each other no matter what their abilities are,” said John Bryant, lead loan specialist at INB who leads one of the training groups. “I think it will only continue to grow and be supported by INB because it fosters positive working relationships and is an overall benefit to employee health.”

INB supports United WayMore running opportunities abound for the running group as the year continues. July brings United Way Month for INB, and the runners will participate in a 5K on July 22 with proceeds benefitting the United Way of Central Illinois. We also plan an employee trivia night on July 28 to round out our annual United Way campaign, and we hope to have 100 in attendance to enjoy the competition!

On an ongoing basis, INB communications coordinator Lindsay Van Zele organizes quarterly blood drives for the Central Illinois Community Blood Center. Hosting a donation center at the downtown location offers employees an easy way to give blood.

These opportunities to get involved in the community are crucial to our INB culture. Our locations span many communities, and our staff members are the face of INB. For our employees to be able to serve in the community, participate in unique volunteer events, and celebrate with their coworkers offers exciting opportunities to get to know each other better and become more engaged with our great organization and the Central Illinois area.