[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARIZONA BANKERS ASSOCIATION

 Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I rise today to note that the Arizona 
Bankers Association will commemorate its 100th anniversary next month--
on November 13.
  The Arizona Bankers Association was founded in 1903 by bankers from 
across what was still known as the Arizona Territory. The association 
was established to represent Arizona's diverse banking industry as it 
developed and grew to meet the financial needs of the early settlers. 
While at first its members served a sparsely populated territory, they 
now serve on the fastest growing States in the Nation. today, the 
Arizona Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes from every 
corner of our great State, employing over 10,500 people.
  The Arizona Bankers Association's success and longevity are testament 
to the commitment and dedication of the banks and bankers who comprise 
its membership. The tremendous economic growth that draws so many 
people from other parts of the country to Arizona is due, in no small 
part, to the financial services and capital that are provided through 
the association's member banks. These institutions have nearly $3 
billion outstanding in loans to small business and some $42 billion in 
total loans and leases.
  To the member institutions of the Arizona Bankers Association, I 
offer my best wishes on achieving this impressive milestone and on 
beginning their second century of advocacy, service, and leadership. I 
look forward to continuing to work with them to provide Arizonans and 
Arizona's businesses with the financial services and credit that will 
lead the state to even greater prosperity in the years ahead.

                          ____________________