No rain check necessary

Northwestern Financial Review, Sep 15-Sep 30, 2004

Sherri Carroll, employee at MarkleBank, Markle, Ind., isn't about to let a little rain dampen her enthusiasm for work.

Carroll, who is a teller at the $212 million bank's Warren office, faced a tough commute one June morning after a few days of heavy rainfall caused the pond on her property to overflow onto her driveway, completely blocking her access to the road. "We live about a quarter mile off the main road and it's not uncommon, when there's lots of rain, for the pond to cover the driveway," Carroll said. What might be considered uncommon, however, was Carroll's determination to get to the bank despite the obstacle rippling before her.

"My husband carried our canoe from out in back of the house and we put it in the pond and I paddled to the other side of the driveway," Carroll reported. "Then I walked across the road to where my in-laws live and borrowed their vehicle so I could get into work."

While her co-workers had a little laugh over her adventure, secretly they planned to honor her for her dedication to the bank. Last month, Carroll received MarkleBank's Above and Beyond Award. The recognition is presented quarterly by the board to employees who show a level of commitment and dedication that is above and beyond the call of duty.

Carroll admitted she was shocked by the recognition. "I had no clue they were doing this," she laughed. "It wasn't that big of a deal."