[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E427-E428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING CITIZENS BANK OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE ON ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 2004

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a resolution honoring one 
of the foremost institutions in my district--Citizens Savings Bank & 
Trust of Nashville, Tennessee. Citizens Bank enjoys the distinction of 
being the nation's oldest continuously-operating minority-owned bank 
and is celebrating a truly significant milestone this year--its 100th 
anniversary.
  Minority-owned banks have played a crucial role in the economic 
development and revitalization of minority communities across the 
country. Through dedicated investment in the neighborhoods they serve, 
minority-owned banks have provided a vital source of economic 
opportunity and entrepreneurial capital for countless individuals and 
small businesses, especially those who had historically been 
underserved by other financial institutions. With combined assets of 
more than $48 billion and more than 3 million depositors nationwide, 
minority-owned banks continue to serve as pillars of economic stability 
and trust.
  Citizens Bank stands as a model example of a minority-owned bank that 
has made significant and lasting contributions to its community. 
Founded in 1904 as the One Cent Savings Bank, Citizens Bank has 
provided funding and economic assistance to entrepreneurs, civic and 
social groups, educational programs and public schools and 
universities.
  The bank has been especially notable for its service to African-
American churches in the Nashville area. Citizens Bank has served as a 
principal source of financing for the construction and operation of 
church-based day care centers, assisted living facilities, and other 
community-based centers that promote the social and economic well-being 
of Nashville residents. The bank has also donated a great deal of its 
resources to the economic empowerment of Nashville residents by 
offering free home-buying and consumer education seminars.
  I am proud to be the lead sponsor of a Congressional resolution that 
recognizes the achievements of Citizens Bank and the achievements of 
all minority banks across the country. It is my hope that this Congress 
will

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acknowledge the many contributions that minority-owned banks have 
provided to individuals, businesses and communities for generations. I 
also extend my sincerest congratulations to Citizens Bank for its 100 
years of service to the people of my district and offer my best wishes 
for another prosperous century of service.

                          ____________________