[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 50 (Friday, April 6, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S3701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL BANK 2000 MALCOLM BALDRIGE NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD 
                               RECIPIENT

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to applaud one of 
the many outstanding businesses in New Mexico and one that has 
distinguished itself remarkably today.
  Today the Los Alamos National Bank was one of four recipients of the 
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for the year 2000. Bill Enloe, 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Los Alamos National Bank, and 
Steve Wells, President of the bank, were on hand to receive this 
distinguished award from President George Bush and former Commerce 
Secretary Norman Mineta.
  While I was unable to attend the ceremony, I understand that the 
employees attending the ceremony from Los Alamos National Bank gave 
Bill and Steve a rousing reception that matched the magnitude of the 
award and the weight of the crystal presented to Bill and Steve.
  Los Alamos National Bank (LANB) is an independent community bank in 
northern New Mexico that employs 167 employees and serves the 
communities of Los Alamos, White Rock and Santa Fe. LANB received the 
Baldrige award in the small business category.
  While the Baldrige examiners and judges recognized LANB for its 
quality and business achievements, I would like to recognize LANB for 
its outstanding response in the wake of the Cerro Grande fire that 
struck in May 1999. LANB's decision to provide zero interest loans to 
those who lost their homes in the fire was not something mandated by 
the government, it was something they felt was the right thing to do. 
LANB's decision to postpone mortgage payments for residents was also 
the right thing to do. This type of service is rare in today's business 
market, but truly reflective of what it means to be a community bank 
and one that provides exceptional service to its customers in times of 
prosperity and in times of need.
  Years ago LANB recognized that if it wanted to remain an 
independently owned bank, it would have to rise above all other banks 
and strive for excellence. It's ability to accomplish that goal was 
recognized today. LANB now stands with only 39 previous Malcolm 
Baldrige Award recipients. I congratulate Bill, Steve and their fine 
staff on their accomplishments and commitment to the people of northern 
New Mexico.

                          ____________________