Archived Press Releases

Waukegan Savings Bank To Host Business After Hours Event in Gurnee

February 2010: Waukegan Savings Bank will be hosting a Business After Hours event Thursday, March 18th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Vista Hotel and Convention Center in Gurnee located at 6161 West Grand Avenue. Our business after hours event will feature a unique forum for attendees. "Driving Action In 2010" will be a town hall style meeting where you can learn about new innovations in online marketing, social media, and more. WSB, Lake County Partners, Envisionit Media Inc. based in Chicago, and Diamond and Huels Accounting Firm will be providing valuable information to attendees. To RSVP directly, click here.

Attendees will gain valuable information on programs available to help their business be successful and learn more about Lake County's economic forecast. Frank Brisbois, Interim President of Lake County Partners will be our guest speaker for the evening. Networking begins at 5:30 with refreshments being served. The event is free businesses and we look forward to seeing many of you there.

Waukegan Savings Bank Co-Presents Fielders Fan Fest 2010

January 2010: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to team up with the Lake County Fielders, Buffalo Wild Wings, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and The In-Laws #10 Restaurant to present Fielders Fan Fest 2010. The event will take place February 21st - February 23rd at 3 different locations throughout Lake County. To learn more, click here.

Waukegan Savings Bank Co-sponsors Waukegan Park District 2010 Polar Bear Plunge

December 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce it will be working with the Waukegan Park District and other great businesses to co-sponsor the 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Friday, January 1, 2010 from 10 - 11 am at Waukegan Beach. All proceeds benefit Waukegan athletic and scholarship programs for the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County. Anyone taking the plunge will receive an event long-sleeve t-shirt, hot chocolate, and snacks. Please call 847-360-4762 for more information.

WSB To Host Free ID Theft Prevention Seminar

November 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank will be hosting a Free Identity Theft Prevention Seminar at our office on Golf Road Wednesday, December 16th. There will be a morning session that beings at 9AM and an afternoon session that beings at 3:30 PM, with each lasting around 45 minutes. Mark Geraci, WSB Financial Planning Center Representative, will be your host for the event and will be taking attendees through a brief program that will provide valuable information on how individuals can safeguard their personal information. Refreshments will be served and there will be raffles at each session. To learn more, contact Mark at (847) 596-4434.

Waukegan Savings Bank To Host Business After Hours Event In Gurnee

October 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank will be hosting a Business After Hours event Thursday, October 29th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Vista Hotel and Convention Center in Gurnee located at 6161 West Grand Avenue. Attendees will gain valuable information on programs available to help their business be successful and learn more about Lake County's economic forecast. Frank Brisbois, Interim President of Lake County Partners will be our guest speaker for the evening. Networking begins at 5:30 with refreshments being served. The event is free businesses and we look forward to seeing many of you there.

Waukegan Savings Bank To Host First Time Home Buyer Seminar

October 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank will be hosting a FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminar at our West Office on Saturday October 10th beginning at 1PM. WSB mortgage bankers will be providing helpful information to potential home buyers on the purchase process, loan programs available, and current market conditions. Also, refreshments will be served and there will be shopping and dinner raffle prizes. To register, please contact Noemi Hernandez at 847.596.4474 or Cesar Landa at 847.596.4475.

Waukegan Savings Bank Teams Up With Waukegan Leadership Council

September 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to team up with the Waukegan Leadership Council in support of their 2009 Fiestas Patrias Family Festival on September 19th. In addition to participation in the Fiestas Patrias Parade, WSB will be sponsoring the festival's youth soccer tournament as well as having raffle drawings at our booth. To learn more about the festival, call (847) 553-6701 or visit wlcleadership.org.

WSB Launches New Secure Online Account Opening Solution

August 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce the launch of our new secure online account opening and funding solution for our potential and current retail banking customers. Individuals will now be able to open and fund accounts through a single session on our website.

“There is a large demand in the market for increased online banking capabilities. We wanted to provide our customers with a proven and reliable solution that would enhance their online banking experience,” said Anthony Primack, President and CEO of Waukegan Savings Bank.

Waukegan Savings Bank is dedicated to providing a simple, convenient, and secure online financial experience for our customers. To open an account, click here.

WSB Teams Up With Park District For 2009 AIF

July 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is a proud partner of the 2009 American Independence Festivities. The event takes place Sunday, June 28th at Bowen Park in Waukegan. Food vendors begin at 11:30 am with a petting zoo, pony rides, children's activities, and musical entertainment beginning at 2:30 pm. For additional information, call (847) 360 - 4700 or visit waukeganparks.org.

WSB Teams Up With XLC For 2nd Year of 102 Days of Summer

June 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is a proud co-sponsor of WXLC-FM's 102 Days of Summer. All summer long, WXLC will be visiting local fairs and festivals throughout Lake County with live remotes and prizes for festival attendees, including prizes from Waukegan Savings Bank. Stops this summer include Waukegan, Gurnee, Grayslake, and Libertyville.

Waukegan Savings Bank Begins Partnership With Lake County Baseball

May 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce our partnership with the new Lake County Fielders baseball franchise set to begin play in 2010. “We are constantly implementing original and quality partnerships to reach out to both our immediate and broader market,” said JT Primack, Director of Marketing and Sales for Waukegan Savings Bank. “Our online banking technology has created many opportunities for growth geographically including and beyond our immediate market area and we continue to see the benefits. The Lake County Baseball ownership group has put a quality product on the field and in the community of Schaumburg for many years. We are excited to be a charter partner of the new club coming to Lake County and know the community will enjoy the new franchise for many years to come.”

In the months leading up to opening day 2010, Waukegan Savings Bank will be sponsoring many fan friendly events for the new ballclub including Caravan Week, Meet the Manager and Meet the Team Parties, the Season Ticket Holder Pick-up Party, and the Fielders Baseball Staff Introduction Press Conference. Fans can also view the official Waukegan Savings Bank "Countdown To Opening Day Clock" by visiting fieldersbaseball.com beginning June 1. Click here to learn more.

Waukegan Savings Bank Annual Scholarship Award Winners For 2009

April 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce the following graduating high school seniors have been awarded a $500 scholarship from the Waukegan Savings Bank Scholarship Program:

Christina Colver - Waukegan High School
Celina Garza - Waukegan High School
Brittany Karno - St. Joseph H.S. (Kenosha)
Tracy Omorogieva - Zion - Benton High School
Samantha Paredes - Waukegan High School

"We received many applications from area students with excellent academic credentials and community involvement," said JT Primack, Director of Marketing and Sales for Waukegan Savings Bank. "This is always a very competitive process for students and each of these talented individuals who are receiving a WSB scholarship award deserve to be rewarded for their dedication and achievement. They were at the top of their respective classes." Selection criteria includes academic performance, letters of recommendation, and involvement in community and school programs. Graduating seniors for the class of 2010 interested in applying for a Waukegan Savings Bank scholarship can learn more by clicking here.

Waukegan Savings Bank Launches Spanish Language Online Banking

April 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce the launch of a Spanish language version of our online banking Internet site. The website is targeted at the growing number of Hispanic clientele making financial transactions online. “Our new Spanish online banking site helps reinforce our commitment to serve the Hispanic community,” said Anthony Primack, President and CEO of Waukegan Savings Bank. “Because a very high percentage of our personal account holders are enrolled in Internet Banking, we know it is a convenient service that now can be used by our increasingly diverse customer base, including those who prefer making financial transactions in Spanish.” To access Waukegan Savings Bank Spanish Online Banking, customers can click here or visit ibankwaukegan.com to learn more.

Waukegan Savings Bank Co-Sponsors SER/Jobs For Progress of Lake County Bowlathon

March 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to team up with SER/Jobs For Progress of Lake County and Co-Sponsor with other area businesses the SER 2009 Bowlathon Fundraiser. The event will take place Saturday, April 25 from 2 - 5 PM at Bertrand Bowling Lanes in Waukegan. Companies are also welcome to enter teams and participate at the fundraiser. SER/Jobs for Progress, Inc. is a community based Hispanic organization in Lake County, Illinois committed to improving the quality of life for all people seeking social, economic and personal development through education, advocacy, and other development opportunities. For more information, visit serlake.org.

WSB Online Education Center Goes Live

February 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce our online education center has launched. The WSB Online Education Center will allow customers to explore all functions of both personal and business online banking through video tutorials. "We keep a constant dialogue with our customers. Many expressed the desire to have an online information center dedicated to the features of our online banking services," said Anthony Primack, President and CEO of Waukegan Savings Bank. "In response, we have developed an interactive resource that offers valuable information and assistance to our customers." The WSB Online Education Center will also feature information on identity theft protection to assist customers in protecting themselves against fraudulent activity. To view our new online education center, visit ibankwaukegan.com.

WSB Adds Secure Remote Deposit Services

January 2009: Waukegan Savings Bank is proud to announce it is offering WSB Secure Remote Deposit Services. This service will allow our commercial customers to scan their deposit tickets and deposit items from their business. By doing so, these items are electronically transmitted to the bank and deposited into their account. "As part of WSB e-Com^SM, our secure remote deposit is ideal for a variety of industries including property managers, healthcare providers, universities, and all businesses that have a high volume of check deposits," said Anthony Primack, President and CEO of Waukegan Savings Bank. "The addition of this technology is important to us as we continue seeking out ways to provide our customers with the most value." For more information, contact a WSB business banker at any of our locations or see our website ibankwaukegan.com.

WSB New Business Internet Banking Services

December 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce our new online business banking platform (WSB e-Com^SM) will go live February 2009. "Strong feedback from our business customer base has shown a need for online business banking services, " said Anthony Primack, President and CEO of Waukegan Savings Bank. "Additionally, as we grow more heavily into the commercial market in the Chicagoland area, it has been our goal to provide the most value, flexible, and feature-rich solutions to area businesses. We will move one step closer in doing so with this launch." WSB e-Com^SM will be the Internet access point for managing business finances. Business customers will have immediate access to information reporting, check inquiry and images, account transfers, ACH transactions, and much more. For more information, contact a WSB business banker at any or our locations or see our website ibankwaukegan.com.

Waukegan Savings Bank Co-sponsors Waukegan Park District 2009 Polar Bear Plunge

December 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce it will be working with the Waukegan Park District and many other great businesses to co-sponsor the 10th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, January 1, 2009 from 10 - 11 am at Waukegan Beach. All proceeds benefit Waukegan athletic and scholarship programs for the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County. Anyone taking the plunge will receive an event long-sleeve t-shirt, hot chocolate, and snacks. Please call 847-360-4762 for more information.

Waukegan Savings Bank Presents Chamber Membership Breakfast

November 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to present the Chamber Membership Breakfast on Tuesday, November 18th at Saddle Ridge in Waukegan. The event is free to members. Registration begins at 7:30 am with the program beginning at 8:00. WSB Financial Advisor Scott Smith will be the guest speaker and will be discussing the financial markets. To R.S.V.P., contact the Lake County Chamber of Commerce office at (847) 249-3800 by November 14th.

Waukegan Savings Bank Customer Appreciation Day October 17

October 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank Customer Appreciation Day is October 17 all day. Stop in as we say thank you to our loyal customers. Prize raffles will be held all day and refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you!

Win Thousands of Dollars In Free Gas From Waukegan Savings Bank and 102.3 XLC In September

September 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank and 102.3 XLC are giving away thousands of dollars in free gas the entire month of September with the WSB XLC Great Gas Giveaway. To win, all you have to do is listen to XLC. Be the correct caller or texter and you will win a free gas card, from Waukegan Savings Bank and 102.3 XLC.

WSB New Retail Internet Banking Service Goes Live In September

August 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank announced it will be launching its enhanced Internet banking service with leading-edge functionality, including real-time transactions, more consolidated access to WSB accounts, and customer self-service. The enhanced service will be available immediately to Waukegan Savings Bank Internet banking customers on September 22. "We continuously strive to be a market leader in providing the best value for financial services. With this in mind, Waukegan Savings Bank customers will enjoy our new Internet banking platform with enhanced capabilities and leading technology upgrades," stated Anthony Primack, President and CEO of Waukegan Savings Bank. Customers will be receiving a letter in the mail from WSB providing them with additional information and can either log on to ibankwaukegan.com or call to learn more.

Waukegan Savings Bank Locations To Get New Signage

July 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank locations will have a new look in the next few weeks as new signage is installed at the bank's offices. The new ground signage will feature time and temperature displays along with newly designed structures. The Bank's building signs will also reflect current WSB colors and branding. WSB has taken precautionary measures to ensure as the new signs are installed, customer traffic flow is disrupted as little as possible. Completion of the project will occur in early August.

Waukegan Savings Bank Proud Co-Sponsor of WXLC-FM 102 Days of Summer Throughout Lake County

June 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is a proud co-sponsor of WXLC-FM's 102 Days of Summer. All summer long, WXLC will be visiting local fairs and festivals throughout Lake County with live remotes and prizes for festival attendees, including prizes from Waukegan Savings Bank. Stops this summer include Waukegan, Gurnee, Grayslake, and Libertyville.

Waukegan Savings Bank Proud Partner of 2008 American Indepedence Festivities

May 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is a proud partner of the 2008 American Independence Festivities. The event takes place Sunday, June 29th at Bowen Park in Waukegan. Food vendors begin at 11:30 am with a petting zoo, pony rides, children's activities, and musical entertainment beginning at 2:30 pm. For additional information, call (847) 360 - 4700 or click here.

Waukegan Savings Bank Begins Annual Scholarship Award Program: First Recipient Awarded

April 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce Noemi Guzman is the winner of the First Annual Waukegan Savings Bank Scholarship Award. Noemi, a senior at Waukegan High School, will be attending college in the fall with a major in the medical field. Waukegan Savings Bank will be awarding scholarships to area students that achieve outstanding academic performance on an annual basis. For more information on The Waukegan Savings Bank Scholarship Program, click here.

Waukegan Savings Bank Sponsors Relay For Life^®Team and Raises Money For the American Cancer Society

April 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is proud to participate in this year's Relay For Life^® that takes place June 21 - June 22 at Bevier Park in Waukegan. The WSB Relay team will be having a series of fundraisers where all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The night of Relay, Waukegan Savings Bank will also participate in the evening's many exciting activities. Relay For Life^®, the American Cancer Society's signature event, is a fun-filled overnight experience designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer. We look forward to seeing many of you at this year's Relay.

Waukegan Savings Bank donates to Waukegan Public Library's new Early Learning Center

March 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank was pleased to present a check for $1,000 to the Waukegan Public Library in support of their new Early Learning Center scheduled for completion in September. "Elizabeth (Stearns) and the library staff are doing a fantastic job at creating innovative and family oriented programs for Waukegan," said JT Primack, Director of Marketing and Sales for Waukegan Savings Bank. He went on to say, "We are very excited to be working with the library and building a strong partnership that will benefit Waukegan area residents for many years to come." The library has stated the purpose of the Early Learning Center is to provide a stimulating child-centered learning environment for children ages 0-7 years and their families. It will focus on the development of pre-literacy and literacy skills so all children in Waukegan will be better prepared to become successful students.

Waukegan Savings Bank Presents 5 Hours To A Better Business

February 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to present this year's 5 Hours To A Better Business in conjunction with the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held at the Waukegan Ramada Inn located at 200 N. Green Bay Road on February 20 from 7:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m. Business owners and managers that would like to attend can download applications by clicking here - 5 Hours To A Better Business.

Waukegan Savings Bank Begins Teaching Financial Literacy Classes at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County

January 2008: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce it will begin teaching monthly financial literacy classes at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County beginning January 16, 2008. WSB will be conducting the classes at the Boys and Girls Club’s 450 Keller Avenue location in Waukegan from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to begin teaching financial literacy classes at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County," stated JT Primack, Director of Marketing and Sales for Waukegan Savings Bank. He went on to say, "The FDIC MoneySmartSM curriculum is built on assisting individuals of all ages with their money skills. Financial education fosters financial stability for individuals, families, and entire communities. The more people know about credit and banking services, the more likely they are to increase savings, buy homes, and improve their financial health and well being. With this in mind, Waukegan Savings Bank will continue taking a leadership role in Lake County promoting financial literacy."

If you are a teacher or other person representing a particular school or entity and are interested in receiving more information about Waukegan Savings Bank’s financial education programs, contact JT Primack at 847-623-6400.

Waukegan Savings Bank to Co-sponsor Waukegan Park District 2008 Polar Bear Plunge

December 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce it will be working with the Waukegan Park District and many other great businesses to co-sponsor the 9th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 from 10 - 11 am at Waukegan Beach. All proceeds benefit Waukegan athletic and scholarship programs for the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County. Anyone taking the plunge will receive an event long-sleeve t-shirt, hot chocolate, and snacks. Please call 847-360-4762 for more information.

Waukegan Savings Bank Teams Up With YMCA For Annual "Halloween At The Y"

November 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank was pleased to team up with the YMCA of Lake County for their annual "Halloween At The Y" event that took place October 26. The first 50 families to arrive at the YMCA's Haunted House were admitted free, courtesy of Waukegan Savings Bank. The YMCA of Lake County is located at 2000 Western Avenue in Waukegan.

Waukegan Savings Bank Offers Rewards For Increasing Financial Knowledge

October 2007: Recognizing the importance of financial education, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has created a program titled, Money Smart, which is available in both English and Spanish. Their computer based instruction (CBI) is a friendly and easy to use learning tool that teaches ten computerized money management lessons. The CBI can complement formal classes or enable people to study independently at their own pace. Each module takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Students receive ongoing feedback and, upon successful completion of each module, can print out a personalized certificate of completion.Waukegan Savings Bank, an FDIC Money Smart Alliance member, is now offering rewards for completion of the ten modules, which are: 1. Bank on It – an introduction to bank services 2. Borrowing Basics – an introduction to credit 3. Check It Out – how to choose and keep a checking account 4. Money Matters – how to keep track of your money 5. Pay Yourself First – why you should save, save, save 6. Keep It Safe – your rights as a consumer 7. To Your Credit – how your credit history will affect your credit future 8. Charge It Right – how to make a credit card work for you 9. Loan to Own – know what you’re borrowing before you buy 10.Your Own Home – what home ownership is all about.

Participants must live in Lake County, Illinois, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, or can be current customers of Waukegan Savings Bank living in the Chicagoland area. Students will be able to print a personalized certificate upon successful completion which should be dated by the student. WSB will offer a 1/4% increase on CD rates to participants upon receipt of the certificates of completion for the first eight modules (1-8), offer a 1/4% reduction on a mortgage loan with the certificate of completion for modules 1 - 9, and a 1/4% reduction on a home equity loan with the certificate of completion for module 1 - 10. The individual lessons are currently available on Waukegan Savings Bank’s financial literacy page at www.ibankwaukegan.com.

Waukegan Savings Bank To Co-sponsor Boys and Girls Club of Lake County "Dare To Dream Day"

October 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank is proud to team up with Papa John’s Pizza, Outback Steakhouse, and Panera Bread to co-sponsor the Boys and Girls Club "Dare To Dream Day" 2007. "Dare To Dream Day" is a great opportunity for students to talk with corporate professionals and entrepreneurs as well as attaining information on financial aid for college. This year’s keynote speaker will be former Chicago Bulls’ player Bob Love. The event will take place at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, located at 724 S. Genesee Street in Waukegan, on October 3, 2007 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WSB Announces New Senior Commercial Lending Officer

September 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Mary Manning as Vice President of Lending Operations. She will oversee the lending operations of the bank as well as work with area businesses to assist them in achieving their financial goals. Mary comes to Waukegan Savings Bank with over 30 years of banking experience in the Chicagoland area. "Mary brings a high level of expertise in commercial lending in addition to her depth of knowledge with residential and consumer loans. We are very happy to have her on board," stated Anthony Primack, President/CEO. Mary further adds, "We have a great opportunity to continue building strong relationships with the people and businesses of Waukegan and the Lake County area. I am very excited to be part of WSB family." Mary resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband.

WSB Announces New Director of Marketing and Sales

August 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank has announced the hiring of JT Primack as Director of Marketing and Sales. He will oversee the marketing and sales programs of the bank. JT comes to WSB with over 10 years of banking experience and has led very successful bank marketing programs. A graduate of Indiana University and Illinois native, he is excited to be in the Chicagoland area. "The opportunity to work for a high quality organization such as Waukegan Savings Bank and in the Chicagoland area is a privilege. I am excited to work with our exceptionally professional and talented staff as well as the community of Waukegan, Lake County, and the surrounding areas of Chicagoland for many years to come." JT will reside in the Chicago area with his family.

Waukegan Savings Bank Names VP of Retail Operations

August 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank has announced the promotion of Carol Edge to Vice President of Retail Operations. She will oversee the retail operations of the bank. Carol has been with WSB for the past 5 years and has been in banking for over 25 years. A graduate of Husson University, she is excited to continue working with the staff and customers of Waukegan Savings Bank. "Our organization holds itself to the highest standard both with our employees and meeting our customer’s expectations. Waukegan Savings Bank is a very special organization and our present and future is very bright." Carol resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and two daughters.

Waukegan Savings Bank Announces New President & CEO

July 2007: Waukegan Savings Bank has announced the hiring of Anthony Primack as President/CEO effective July 16th. Mr. Primack comes to Waukegan Savings Bank with over 30 years in the banking business. A graduate of DePaul University, Mr. Primack's banks have achieved significant increases in shareholder value through large growth in assets, earnings, loan portfolio, and deposits.

Mr. Primack started his career with Chicago-area banks in Berwyn, Illinois, so coming to Waukegan Savings Bank is a return home of sorts. “My heart has always been in the Chicago area so I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to serve Waukegan Savings Bank and the Chicagoland area. Waukegan is doing some exciting things and I look forward to growing this institution in what promises to be a growing community.”

Board Chairman, Sandra Petroshius said she and the board were ecstatic to have had great interest from a number of highly-qualified candidates. “Mr. Primack’s experience and sensibilities closely match the Board’s. We’re looking forward to working with him as we continue to shape Waukegan Savings Bank as the area’s preeminent community bank.” Mr. Primack will reside in the Waukegan area with his wife.