[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 162 (Monday, November 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THE CRYSTAL GLOBE AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I 
recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which will host its 
39th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at Avalon Manor in 
Hobart, Indiana. Each year, the Asian American Medical Association pays 
tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens and organizations for their 
contributions to the community. In recognition of their efforts, these 
honorees are awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award.
   The Asian American Medical Association has been a tremendous asset 
to Northwest Indiana. Its members have selflessly dedicated themselves 
to providing quality medical services to the residents of Northwest 
Indiana and have served their communities through many cultural, 
scholastic, and charitable endeavors.
   At this year's Annual Gala, the Asian American Medical Association 
will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's 
finest citizens and my dear friend, David Bochnowski. Dave serves as 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Indiana Bancorp, 
and its operating subsidiary, Peoples Bank. For his exceptional 
leadership and his outstanding contributions to his country, state, and 
community, he is worthy of the highest praise.
   Dave received his undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown 
University and earned a master's degree from Howard University. 
Additionally, he is a Vietnam veteran and earned the Bronze Star during 
his time of service to our country. Prior to his banking career, Dave 
served as a Special Assistant to Senator Birch Bayh and was a law clerk 
for United States District Court Judge James Noland.
   Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Bochnowski has been a leader 
in state and national banking associations, testifying before Congress, 
the Federal Reserve, and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) on 
issues related to banking and small business. Since 1981, Dave has been 
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Indiana 
Bancorp and Peoples Bank, which is headquartered in Munster, Indiana, 
and operates sixteen locations throughout Lake and Porter counties. 
Under Dave's leadership, Peoples Bank continues to provide exceptional 
customer service, following the same principles his grandfather 
implemented when he founded the bank in 1910. Peoples Bank has 
consistently thrived and has been listed among the top 200 community 
banks in America by US Banker magazine, from 2007 through 2015, based 
on a key banking industry performance indicator.
   Additionally, Mr. Bochnowski has selflessly served his community 
through his involvement in various organizations and civic activities, 
including the Legacy Foundation, Quality of Life Council, Purdue 
University Technology Center, Gary YWCA, and the Community Hospital 
System. He also serves as a member of One Region and the SEC Advisory 
Committee for Small and Emerging Companies and is a past board member 
of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. Due to his 
outstanding leadership and dedication to his community, in 2001, Dave 
was appointed Chairman of the Indiana Department of Financial 
Institutions by Governor Frank O'Bannon. In addition, he has been 
inducted into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame 
and is a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest 
citizen award.
   Dave's excellence in his field and commitment to charitable 
endeavors throughout the community is exceeded only by his devotion to 
his amazing family. Dave and his wife, Ann, have four beloved children: 
Benjamin, Julia, James, and John.
   My father has always stressed that it takes a strong man to be a 
gentleman. David Bochnowski is that gentleman. A gentleman whose 
strength of character, wish to leave the world improved, and sense of 
service, are traits we should all attempt to emulate. I've been blessed 
to have Dave as a friend, but we have all been blessed to know him. To 
quote Homer: ``He [is] a friend to man.''
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending the members of the Asian American Medical 
Association, as well as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, 
David Bochnowski, for their outstanding contributions to their 
community and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to improving the 
quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana is truly 
inspirational, and I am proud to serve as their representative in 
Washington, D.C.

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