[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 58 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E895-E896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PAYING TRIBUTE TO AND HONORING 75 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY 
                                BANKING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, on May 9, 1930, a group of 
Minnesota community bankers held their first official meeting in 
Glenwood, Minnesota, in my district. The agenda that day was to focus 
on how to respond to the broad challenges facing the nation, as well as 
the specific challenges to community banks--the stock market crash the 
year before, a nation struggling to get back on its economic feet, a 
rash of bank foreclosures, and the rapid growth of chain banks.
  This meeting of 28 bankers grew from a one-state organization, 
focused on state issues, into today's Independent Community Bankers of 
America (ICBA), the largest constituency of community banks in the 
nation. 2005 marks ICBA's 75th anniversary. In 1962 the bankers 
returned to their original mission and set up the Independent Community 
Bankers of Minnesota (ICBM), to focus again on issues specific to 
Minnesota.
  This year also denotes a special milestone for the state association, 
ICBM. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty proclaimed May 9th Independent 
Community Bankers of Minnesota Day, commemorating the founding of the 
only state association that exclusively serves the independent 
community banking industry.
  Initially, industry consolidation and interstate banking heightened 
the need for legislative representation of community bankers. Today 
that need remains strong as community banks continue to serve a vital 
role in our state and

[[Page E896]]

national economies by consistently reinvesting deposits in the 
communities they serve in the form of agricultural, educational, small 
business, real estate and consumer loans. Moreover, as industry 
consolidation continues, community banks stand out as the only 
financial institutions that keep control in local hands.
  ICBM serves nearly 300 statewide members through its unique 
programming. In addition to its annual convention, various publications 
and wide-ranging committees, ICBM offers valuable services and products 
through its partnerships and associate memberships; a technology 
tradeshow; legislative representation; education resources; and 
networking opportunities.

  ICBM continues the tradition started 75 years ago of innovation and 
community concern while it partners with the Pohlad Family Foundation 
to offer T.E.A.M. (Training, Educating, And Mentoring) Future Bankers, 
a unique summer youth jobs program that introduces students to 
community banking and invests in the futures of the next generation of 
community bankers. This year, 75 interns will be hired statewide to 
work in this valuable program. Every intern also will be invited as a 
guest of Twins owner Carl Pohlad at a baseball game on June 19th.
  On the political side, ICBM launched a separate non-profit in 2004 
called Debate Minnesota, a unique effort to bring civility back to 
Minnesota politics by hosting a series of roundtable debates that focus 
on issues. The Star Tribune, the state's largest daily newspaper, in an 
editorial on Election Day 2004, had this to say about Debate Minnesota, 
``Their concept for candidate debates is what made them stand out this 
year. The result was a series that drew considerable local media 
coverage, and expressions of appreciation from participants and 
observers alike. Debate Minnesota established a good name for itself in 
its first year. Debate Minnesota ought to be back, in more places and 
races in 2006.''
  From 28 original founders to a nationwide network of 5,000 banks, 
ICBA and ICBM continue to bring much-needed diversity and leadership to 
the banking world as well as the communities in which their members 
serve. I would like to commend both organizations for their innovative 
spirit and community dedication, and wish them well on their journey 
toward their 100th anniversary.

                          ____________________