[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1917-E1918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MR. JOHN C. RAKKOU

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to laud the accomplishments of 
Mr. John C. Rakkou as a businessman and a dedicated member of his 
community. Mr. Rakkou is the President and CEO of the Interbank of New 
York and the recipient of this year's Humanitarian and Philanthropic 
award presented by the Cyprus Federation of America.

[[Page E1918]]

  Mr. Rakkou was born on April 17, 1938 in the small town of Korisos in 
the prefecture of Kastoria, Greece. He received his first college 
degree in forestry in 1959 and later honored his country by serving in 
the Royal Army of Greece until he was honorably discharged in 1961. 
After marrying his wife in September of 1961, the couple immigrated to 
the United States in 1962. In pursuit of higher education, Mr. Rakkou 
enrolled at The City University of New York where he received his 
Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He later completed his Masters Degree 
in Economics from CUNY.
  After graduation, and with the addition of two children to his 
family, Mr. Rakkou joined the Atlantic Bank of New York, initiating 
thereby a long and successful career in banking. While there he stood 
out amongst his colleagues for his dedication, extreme work ethic, and 
overall performance, which subsequently contributed to his professional 
advancement to Executive Vice President in charge of the Commercial 
Lending Activities Division of the bank. Mr. Rakkou's past performance, 
degree of expertise, and dedication to his profession were more 
effectively demonstrated in 1993, when he joined, as President and 
C.E.O., the Interbank of New York. It was at this small community bank, 
where Mr. Rakkou found pleasure in serving his community by creating 
and providing jobs for community members and contributing to the 
economic improvement of the area.
  Mr. Rakkou furthered his genuine love for his neighbors, by joining 
the Community Board of St. Spyridon Church in Washington Heights, where 
he was elected president for 2 consecutive years. He served for several 
years as a member of the School Board of the Th. Tsolainos and C. 
Goulandris Parochial School in New York. Mr. Rakkou was appointed to 
the Board of Trustees of the St. Michael's Home for the Aged in 
Yonkers, NY, and served as treasurer for 3 years. In addition to these 
and many other accomplishments, in 2002 Mr. Rakkou was honored with the 
Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award that pays tribute to individuals 
who have made outstanding contributions to America.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Rakkou for 
his tireless dedication to his community both professionally and 
civically, and I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in honoring 
the distinguished Mr. John C. Rakkou.

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