FROM THE CEO
Jack L . Kopnisky
President & CEO Sterling National Bank
Thank you for reading through our most recent issue of Connect . We hope it offered you inspiration and practical ideas for building your business through the wise use of technology .
This time , we ’ re taking a look at culture — and strategies for cultivating yours .
Just as we see shifts in the broader marketplace , workplace culture is continuing to evolve . The key question : how can your business adapt in order to build a culture of success that moves your business forward ?
We tackle this head-on in our feature article ( page 16 ). There , we ask important questions , offer useful tips , and share real case studies that can help you take a good , hard look at your own business . Such awareness can help you define your strategies for establishing a robust internal culture and identify strengths that you can take to market .
We also seek to show how your business ’ s various functions relate to company culture . Interested in Operations , R & D , or Production ? See pages 6-10 . Involved in Sales & Marketing ? Take a look at page 15 . Or , if Finance and Accounting is your specialty , visit page 21 . There are also snapshots of how HR plays a vital role on page 23 .
At Sterling , our objective is always to deliver on our promise of extraordinary service . We trust that the ideas , examples , and practical tips found in this issue will do just that — helping you to meet or surpass your business ’ s goals .
EXTRAORDINARY
Women of Sterling
Culture strengthens connections and empowers associates personally and professionally . In 2016 , Sterling National Bank launched Extraordinary Women of Sterling to increase support for their female workforce . Connect talked with Suzanne Copeland , founder and 2016 Chair of this initiative .
Q : WHAT IS THE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN OF STERLING PROGRAM ? COPELAND : Designed for female employees at Sterling , the program provides personal and professional development , training , and internal networking opportunities . We meet monthly to discuss relevant business topics that rotate quarterly . Participants engage in panel discussions , participate in small group workshops , and hear presentations from outside speakers . Our sessions recently focused on executive presence , career advancement , knowing your industry , and taking care of yourself .
Q : WHAT ’ S THE BENEFIT OF THESE AND SIMILAR EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS ? COPELAND : Whenever you can bring positive personal and professional development into your organization , it improves employee engagement . It improves relationships within the company . This initiative is about learning leadership , influence , and how to be as effective as possible at work . More than 160 Sterling women have signed up for the program . Participation is open to any interested employees .
Sincerely ,
4 | SNB . COM // CONNECT CULTURE WINTER 2017