[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 132 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF THIRD FEDERAL SAVINGS

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my best wishes to 
the Third Federal Savings in celebrating 60 years of service to the 
city of Cleveland and its surrounding area. Since 1938, Third Federal 
has provided its customers with the best rates, service and value 
available.
  Because they wanted to help their neighbors save money and purchase 
homes, Ben S. Stefanski and his wife and partner, Gerome, envisioned an 
opportunity to charter a savings and loan institution designed to 
provide the community with safe and stable financing for anyone who 
wanted to own a home. Third Federal grew quickly in the post-war years, 
earning a solid reputation as a ``good investment'' that allowed for 
its expansion. In 1958, it took its first steps toward that goal by 
merging with Lincoln Heights Savings and then quickly added eight other 
offices and assets totaling $150 million.
  Such phenomenal growth could not have happened without Third 
Federal's commitment to its key principals. This institution has 
thrived on the values of personal respect, responsibility and trust. 
Because of the bank's strong sense of history, tradition of hard work, 
and its pursuit of a clearly defined business goals, it continually 
provides outstanding financial services to its customers.
  Today, Third Federal Savings issues more home mortgages than any 
other lending institution in Northeast Ohio and has acquired assets 
exceeding $5.6 billion. It is an organization that is built on personal 
service, stability and sound financial management. It is continuing to 
enjoy solid growth by controlling costs and constantly searching for 
ways to improve service.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating the 60th 
anniversary of this outstanding lending institution. Third Federal 
Savings has accomplished great success by following a simple vision: to 
help its neighbors to save money and purchase homes in Northeast Ohio. 
This vision has stood the test of time to guide Third Federal in its 
journey to present success now and will continue to do so in the 
future.

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