[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK TEXAS FOR 100 YEARS OF 
        SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF KILLEEN AND BELL COUNTY, TEXAS

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                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2001

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the First National 
Bank Texas for 100 years of service to the people of Killeen and Bell 
County.
  Originally known as the First National Bank of Killeen, it was 
organized with capital stock of $25,000 on Feb. 27, 1901.
  It has provided uninterrupted service to Central Texans through two 
World Wars, the Great Depression, the construction of Fort Hood, the 
Cold War, 18 U.S. Presidents and the dawn of a new millennium. The bank 
also has been a trendsetter: the city's first elevator was located in 
its lobby in the 1960s and the bank introduced the first automated 
teller machine to the area in the 1970s. The bank continues to innovate 
in the areas of retail and Internet banking.
  Today, February 27, 2001, the bank, now known as First National Bank 
Texas, will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with a community-wide 
celebration.
  The bank, the oldest bank in Bell County, has had its ups-and-downs 
but ultimately it has flourished over the years. It now employs more 
than 1,100 Texans across the state, with 690 in Bell County. The bank 
is one of the largest nongovernmental employers in the area. Modern 
reminders of early bank leaders C.R. Clements and Will Rancier are with 
us today in the form of the C.R. Clements Boys and Girls Club and 
Rancier Avenue.
  I ask Members to join me in offering congratulations to the First 
National Bank Texas on a century of growth and service to Central Texas 
families and businesses.

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