[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING COMMERCE BANK

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                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Commerce Bank. 
In a few days, Commerce Bank will receive the Saint Joseph YWCA Women 
of Excellence Award for Employer of Excellence.
  Commerce Bank has worked to make banking an outstanding career choice 
for women. Since 1986, the business has continually provided 
opportunities for Saint Joseph women. High achievement is encouraged by 
Commerce through educational assistance, career training opportunities, 
and scheduling flexibility. While maintaining their regular work 
schedules, several female officers and employees have obtained or are 
currently working toward college degrees. Currently 61 percent of 
Commerce Bank's employees are women. From Secretary to Senior Vice 
President, women are entrusted to fill critical positions.
  Commerce has also been widely recognized for its commitment to 
community volunteerism. In the 10-year history of the Commerce 
Commendation Award, Commerce Bank of Saint Joseph has won the award 
nine times; five of those awards have gone to female employees. 
Commerce's female employees are engaged in a wide range of community 
activities including the Partners in Education program, tutoring school 
children, and even taking part in the Red Cross Hurricane Relief 
effort.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Commerce 
Bank, an exceptional employer in Missouri's Sixth Congressional 
District that has made banking an outstanding career choice for women. 
Commerce Bank's commitment to excellence is inspiring, and I am honored 
to represent so many of its fine employees and officers in the United 
States Congress.

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