[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           LEONARD ABESS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Leonard Abess, Jr. a Miami, Florida banker who openhandedly and 
unselfishly took $60 million out of his own pocket to give bonuses to 
former employees and the current staff on the payroll at City National 
Bank of Florida to thank them for their years of service.
  Current chairman and CEO of City National Bank of Florida, Mr. Abess 
made the decision after selling a majority stake in Miami-based City 
National Bancshares in November 2008. He took $60 million of the 
proceeds and gave it to his tellers, bookkeepers and clerks. All 399 
workers on the staff received bonuses. Additionally, Mr. Abess tracked 
down 72 former employees so they could share in the windfall. Some 
longtime employees received bonuses based on years of service which 
amounted to tens of thousands of dollars, in some cases more than 
$100,000.
  In April 2008, Mr. Abess announced that Caja Madrid, the second-
largest bank in Spain, was buying City National for $1 billion. With 
more than $2.75 billion in assets, City National ranked among the 
largest community banks in the country and was one of the few remaining 
independent banks in Florida.
  When Abess said, ``We want to be the biggest bank in Florida . . . 
I'm not walking away from my customers or employees,''--he kept his 
word. The deal would allow Mr. Abess to continue to run the bank and 
retain his title, as well as a 17 percent stake. Most importantly, 
local City National offices did not close and were not sold off.
  Mr. Abess' selfless generosity proved that although we are currently 
in an era of economic downfalls, unethical behavior and corporate 
conspiracy, one can still stand strong on their own charitable, 
altruistic morality. Now, Mr. Abess will receive a prized bonus of his 
own when he will have the opportunity to watch President Barack Obama's 
speech to a joint session of Congress from First Lady Michelle Obama's 
box on February 23, 2009. Ms. Geneva Lawson, a 51 year employee at City 
National Bank of Florida, will also accompany Mr. Abess to see history 
in the making.
  It is an honor to have the privilege to recognize this valued leader 
before the United States House of Representatives. I salute Mr. Leonard 
Abess, Jr. on behalf of his selfless deed and great acts of gratitude, 
and believe that all Americans can learn from his benevolence, 
commitment and passion. I wish him every happiness and success.

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