KAREN HARBISON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT BELGRADE STATE BANK

On Thursday, Aug. 29th, Belgrade State Bank, Potosi facility, hosted an afternoon of celebration with food and refreshments to mark the 50 years of service by Mrs. Harbison at Belgrade State Bank. Karen said she loves her customers, seeing people and the work family that has grown so much over the years. 50 years is a great accomplishment!
Belgrade State Bank celebrated an employee milestone that was one for the ages on Thursday, Aug. 29th, 2024. Karen Harbison, currently a Loan Officer at the Potosi Main Branch, celebrated her 50th Work Anniversary.
As someone who has dedicated many years to the bank, Hunter Ives, Marketing Member, was able to take a moment to ask Karen a few questions about her many fond memories at the bank.
The interview follows:
“What inspired you to join the bank 50 years ago, and what has kept you here all these years?”
Karen said, “My mother had worked at the bank about 16 years at the time and Mr. Turner asked her if I wanted to come in after school and file checks. That was probably 1972-73.”
Ives then asked Karen: “How did you manage to stay motivated and passionate about your work over five decades?”
Karen answered with: “When you work with the public and a variety of different team members, you stay motivated just to keep up. Believing in what you do and the product or idea you are selling keeps you passionate. Knowing you may be making a difference in people’s lives is what is important.”
Ives asked Karen: “Have there been any colleagues or mentors who significantly impacted your career? How did they influence you?”
“For me”, Karen said, “it was Mr. Harold Turner, Selma Akers, Don Turner, Jon Turner and Chris Horton.”
“Mr. Turner taught me how to manage people and have a community mindset. Selma shared a lot of bank knowledge and good work ethic. Don was always there to spread a lot of overall bank knowledge that helped me along the way. Finally, Jon Turner and Chris Horton. These two are teaching me something new constantly.”
Next, Ives asked Karen: “What advice would you give someone starting their career at the bank today?”
Karen: “I would tell them to learn all you can, ask questions, do your job and don’t worry about what the other Team Members are doing. Don’t gossip about things and take concerns to your Manager. Also, be kind to others. Some people may get on your nerves at times, but guess what, you probably get on theirs too.”
Next, in terms of personal impact and legacy, Ives asked Karen: “How has your work at the bank influenced your personal life?”
Karen replied with: “Definitely it has given me and my family a comfortable life financially during Charlie’s illness and passing. I don’t know how I would have made it without my bank family. I knew my co-workers had my back. I also knew everyone at work shared my pain. Now my family might say it influenced it in a different way if I had a bad day at work; HA!”
Ives then asked Karen: “How do you feel about reaching this incredible milestone, and what’s next for you?”
Karen: “Hopefully I work a few more years. I am incredibly blessed to have the good health that I have at my age. I am grateful to still be working at a place that means so much to me.”
In closing thoughts, Ives asked Karen one final question: “As you look back over 50 years, what are you most grateful for?”
Karen stated that “I am grateful for a paycheck. But seriously, working for a Christian family who truly cares for their Team Members, customers, community and church. I have been so blessed with all the wonderful co-workers I have had over the years.”
Mrs. Harbison enjoyed a great afternoon of fellowship on Thursday, Aug. 29th with catered food, cake, cookies and literally hundreds of visitors throughout the afternoon at the Belgrade State Bank Potosi Facility.
Congratulations and good luck to Karen for her continuing career.