ChoiceOne Financial Services : Bank Donates to Cedar Springs Library with Step Challenge

ChoiceOne Bank's Culture Committeerecently launched a 'step challenge.' It took place among its 14 branch offices. The branch with the most steps at the end of the challenge won. The winning branch donated a $500 check to an organization of their choice.

The ChoiceOne Cedar Springs Branch won the step challenge. The branch had nearly 40,000 steps. They chose to donate the $500 to the Cedar Springs Public Library (CSPL).

'We chose the library because they are very prevalent in Cedar Springs and they are always very appreciative of any support they receive from the community,' said ChoiceOne Bank Cedar Springs Branch Manager Stacy Helsel. The Library sponsors many activities for people of all ages throughout the year and asks for little in return. Most activities have little to no cost to participate. We wanted to help so they could continue to promote programs for all ages.'

ChoiceOne Bank's Culture Committee was created two years ago. President and CEO Kelly Potes formed the committee. This was after updating the Bank's mission and vision. With a mission to provide superior service, high quality advice and show our utmost respect to everyone we meet, and a vision to be the best bank in Michigan, this team was given the task of helping employees. The Culture Committee launched a Health and Wellness Program in 2018 and the 'step challenge' paired well. The program encourages healthy lifestyle choices related to eating, exercise, and mental health. Healthy lifestyles and community support blend well for a community bank like ChoiceOne.

'Your Library staff here at the CSPL are all VERY PROUD of our hometown ChoiceOne Bank employees who really out-stepped 13 other branches to win this challenge,' said CSPL Director Donna Clark. 'We're so grateful to ChoiceOne Bank for the heart you showed and the effort you made to bring your great gift home to your Library. We are thrilled to channel it back into the community through various library services and resources.'

'Community is important because it brings everyone together for one common cause,' said Helsel. 'It encourages people to get to know their neighbors. That's especially important for us at ChoiceOne.'