Community Starts Within: Celebrating the People of Coulee Bank
At Coulee Bank, community banking is more than a tagline; it’s how we show up every day for our customers, our communities, and each other. Our success is deeply connected to the people behind the work, and Employee Appreciation Day is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the dedication, care, and energy our employees bring to everything they do. When our team feels valued and supported, it shows in how they serve with purpose, build genuine connections, and strengthen the communities we call home. At Coulee Bank, appreciation, community involvement, and a little fun go hand in hand, and our employees are at the center of it all.
Community Involvement Creates a Symbiotic Relationship
“As a community bank, community involvement is integral to everything we do,” says Rachel Munger, PR Manager at Coulee Bank. Giving back either monetarily or through time helps our communities succeed, creating a symbiotic relationship. Our core belief is to do the right things, whether that be for our customers, colleagues, or our communities at large. “Our involvement in the communities isn’t just something we do on the side; it is central to everything we do at Coulee Bank,” she explained.
When employees can make a tangible contribution to the lives of those around them, it helps give purpose to the day-to-day activities at the bank. Employees enjoy having opportunities to go out into our surrounding communities to work with organizations that benefit our neighbors. It creates a meaningful way to take a break from the humdrum of daily routines.
Community Efforts That Resonate with Employees
Last spring, an employee in the Twin Cities recommended a place called Crescent Cove. This organization is a respite and hospice home for children based in the Twin Cities. While there are more than 4,700 hospice homes for adults, Crescent Cove is only the third designed just for children and their unique needs.
Coulee Bank colleagues in the Twin Cities made a meal for the families staying at Crescent Cove. Munger said, “The team really enjoyed their time and felt that the volunteering efforts were well worth it.” A team will return to the care facility in March 2026 to dedicate time to serving Crescent Cove’s mission to offer care and support to children and young adults with shortened life expectancies.
How Volunteering Creates a Better Experience for Employees and Customers
“When our team members are actively involved in local nonprofits, they develop deeper relationships and a stronger understanding of the people and businesses we serve,” explained Munger. Community involvement builds empathy and connection, whether they are volunteering at a financial literacy class, serving on a nonprofit board, or participating in a local fundraiser. This allows them to gain a firsthand perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. Employees can then anticipate customer needs and respond with thoughtful, relevant guidance.
Ultimately, when we invest in our community, we invest in our customers. “A stronger community creates strong business, strong families, and stronger relationships, and that is the essence of community banking,” said Munger.
Creating Connection in the Workplace
While giving back strengthens our communities, creating moments of connection and enjoyment within our walls is just as important to the employee experience at Coulee Bank.
Lori DuMars, HR Generalist, said, “At Coulee Bank, we want you to bring your true self to work—an environment where you can laugh at yourself while focusing on the job at hand.” She noted that you spend 23.7 percent of your time at work in your lifetime, so it’s important to feel valued as an employee and enjoy the time you spend there.
Creating Moments that Matter
The Fun Committee meets monthly to brainstorm activities for colleagues to participate in. “Since we are spread out at six different locations, the activities we plan are flexible. Each branch can choose a date and time that works for them,” said DuMars.
These activities include a variety of different games, potlucks, pumpkin decorating contests, March Madness tournaments, and dress-up days. These activities provide essential brain breaks. Employees find that these activities increase productivity and focus while decreasing burnout. It also helps boost creativity and problem-solving skills. “Even though it can be difficult to break away from the grind, employees can do so without feeling guilty. It also fosters connection in the workplace with a little fun sprinkled in,” said DuMars. These brain breaks that the Fun Committee plans allow employees to reset so they can feel refreshed and ready to give our customers and the work at hand their full attention.
Employees also use the Community tool within an internal platform to publicly recognize colleagues who go above and beyond in their daily work. Each month, a Recognition Committee reviews submissions and selects outstanding colleagues who exemplify each of Coulee Bank’s core values. While separate from the Fun Committee, this program is another meaningful way Coulee Bank and its employees show appreciation for the people behind the work.
Where Planning, Celebration, and Appreciation Come Together
Each year, the Fun Committee plans a holiday party. DuMars says it typically takes about nine months to plan the party. This committee finds a venue, plans the food and entertainment, creates the invitations, and handles any other logistical piece that goes along with event planning.
This past year, the Fun Committee planned a Roarin’ Twenties party at Celebrations on the River in La Crosse, WI. The event not only allows colleagues to relax and reflect on a year of hard work but also honors those reaching service milestones and those recognized for living out Coulee Bank’s five core values.