[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 154 (Thursday, December 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S11785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMUNITY BANK

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I stand here today to recognize 
an institution that has remained a staple in Carmichaels and the 
Southwestern Corner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the past 
one hundred years. Community Bank, N.A. has persevered through 
recessions, depressions, World Wars, other failed financial 
institutions, bank foreclosures, market chaos, and mergers and 
acquisitions without ever having to close its doors. Community Bank, 
N.A. remains a consistent financial force to its community by providing 
sound, uninterrupted service to its customers for one hundred years. I 
would like to warmly congratulate this financial institution for its 
solid judgement and thoughtful service to the people of Southwestern 
Pennsylvania. Community Bank is not only a reliable bank, but is a 
friendly neighbor and has truly contributed to the history and hometown 
atmosphere of Carmichaels and other communities in which the bank 
serves.
  When The First National Bank of Carmichaels opened its doors for 
business on July 1, 1901, Frank Mitchener was elected president of the 
Board of Directors, and J. Ewing Baily was its first vice president. 
Stephen A. Burtner served as treasurer and the remainder of the 
original board was comprised of Samuel Bunting, Isaac B. Patterson, 
George W. Strawn, N.H. Biddle and Oscar Hartley. Mr. Dowlin drove a 
buckboard to the Farmer's and Drovers Bank in Waynesburg to get the 
cash for opening day. Forty-one original stockholders combined to give 
the bank a capital stock of $25,000.
  Richard L. Baily, kin of one of the original founders, and former 
bank president and Chairman of the Board for over 70 years, is known in 
Southwestern Pennsylvania for his selfless service to the communities 
in which the bank serves. Baily tells the story of a lady who once came 
to the bank to borrow money to buy shoes so her children could go to 
school. Her husband was unemployed and they lived in a rented house, 
but she had heard the bank loaned money for worthwhile causes. ``I 
didn't think I needed to review her assets, and I'm sure she would not 
[have understood] the term, collateral,'' Baily said. He loaned her the 
money, and the woman, like most other townsfolk, has remained loyal to 
the hometown bank that has been loyal to them, in good economic times 
and bad. The tradition of local loyalty and service continued through 
Charles R. Baily (son of Richard) whom also formerly served as a 
director and chairman of the bank's board. ``Community bank is a local 
landmark that provides financial direction and services to our 
community friends and neighbors. Hometown commitment has been our 
bank's pledge for the past 100 years, and that's what it will continue 
to be,'' says Community Bank Chairman/CEO Ralph J. Sommers, Jr.
  Known as Community Bank, N.A. since September 1987 (a change in name 
only to better reflect its larger community growth), the locally-owned 
and operated financial institution has had a consistent growth in 
assets, staff, geographic market area, and the numbers of civic and 
community organizations to which it has contributed.
  Today, Community Bank, N.A. has some $220 million in assets, is 
publicly traded as CMYC, boasts 10 branches in Greene and Washington 
Counties, employs about 100 people in satisfying jobs, and contributes 
thousands of dollars and many people-hours to scores of local civic, 
charitable, and philanthropic organizations.
  The bank's growth is largely attributed to sound management 
practices, investments in technology, and community commitment at every 
level. Local deposits remain in the communities the bank serves in an 
effort to better improve the economic vibrancy of local businesses and 
the quality of life of residents. Unquestionably, the bank's most 
valuable assets--its customers, employees, and shareholders--
collectively play an integral role in the prosperity of the bank and 
the communities it serves. The pioneering spirit of that first group of 
founders in Carmichaels continues in those who have followed, with 
unparalleled customer service and a community commitment of an 
incalculable life expectancy.
  From this amount of information, you can see what a huge role that 
Community Bank has played in the establishment of the economy and 
history in Greene and Washington Counties. They are not just a 
financial institution, but a reliable and friendly staple to the people 
of the area. I enthusiastically ask my colleagues to join me in 
commending Community Bank as they celebrate their Centennial.

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