[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 58 (Friday, May 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E811-E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE CAMDEN NATIONAL BANK ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Camden 
National Bank, on the occasion of its 100th year. On May 12, 1906, the 
United States Department of the Treasury issued a charter for the 
operation of the Camden National Bank. Since that time, the bank has 
been a ``home-owned, home-operated bank'' with faithful and loyal 
employees.
  Throughout the bank's existence, it has overcome periods of serious 
financial instability including the boll weevil infestation, the Great 
Depression, and the war years. Although the bank has faced such 
challenges in the past, it continues to grow and prosper. In March 
2004, the Camden National Bank opened its first branch in Greenville, 
Alabama.
  One of the most remarkable qualities of the Camden National Bank is 
its list of faithful employees. In its 100 years of existence, the bank 
has seen only four presidents. The first president elected was Mr. 
Edwin Walker Berry, a former high school principal and mayor of Camden. 
Upon Mr. Berry's retirement in 1934, Mr. Joseph McReynolds Moore was 
elected president of the bank, followed by Mr. A.L. (Les) Johnson, Sr. 
in 1952, and Mr. A.L. Johnson, Jr. who remains president today.
  In addition to the presidents, vice presidents, and founding 
directors, there are several other employees that have substantially 
contributed to the growth and success of the bank. For example, the 
bank's first employee, Mrs. Dorothy McNeil, was hired as the bookkeeper 
in 1941. The Hugh C. Dale Directors' Building was named to honor Mr. 
Hugh C. Dale and his years of service, including 43 years as a 
director. Mrs. Barbara Ivey was elected vice president and cashier in 
1972 becoming the first female vice president of the Camden National 
Bank. Also, Mrs. Lola Saulsberry was the first African American 
employee of the bank when she was hired in 1982 and was later elected 
assistant cashier in 1995.
  The Camden National Bank, over its 100 years, continues to have a 
``hometown bank'' atmosphere. With the help of its loyal employees who 
have contributed to its success, the Camden National Bank continues to 
thrive in its accomplishments and its service to the people of Camden 
and Wilcox County. It is my

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sincere hope that the Camden National Bank will continue its success in 
south Alabama for another 100 years.

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