[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING GENE HOOPER'S 50 YEARS IN BANKING

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Gene 
Hooper's service to the banking community of Middle Tennessee. Gene and 
his wife, Vera, are residents of Cookeville, Tennessee.
  Fresh out of high school, Gene began working at Third National Bank 
in 1954. There, he formed a partnership with Homer Tidwell, and the two 
young men teamed up to win the American Institute of Banking's National 
Debate Contest.
  Gene continued working for Third National Bank for more than 20 
years. In 1976, he joined the Bank of Putnam County. At the time, the 
bank was preparing to open its second office in Cookeville. Under 
Gene's leadership, the Bank of Putnam County has grown into a two-bank 
holding company with 12 offices in four counties.
  Gene has been a leader in banking, as well as a leader in the 
community. He has served as an officer in the American Institute of 
Banking, and he has served on the government relations committees for 
both the Tennessee Bankers Association and the American Bankers 
Association. He also is an active member of the Cookeville Chamber of 
Commerce and Cookeville Noon Rotary.
  Gene has accomplished much in his 50 years of service. I thank him 
for his good advice over the years, and I congratulate him on his long 
and distinguished career.




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