[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 82 (Tuesday, May 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE COMMERCIAL BANK OF GRAYSON'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2016

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
leaders of The Commercial Bank of Grayson on 125 years of financial 
service to the people of Carter County and the surrounding area.
   The Commercial Bank of Grayson began business in early 1891, filling 
a void as Grayson had no financial institution. On May 1, 1891, the 
bank's first available statement of condition showed total assets of 
over $15,000. The need for the bank and its acceptance by the community 
was demonstrated by its early success. The first cash dividend was paid 
to stockholders in 1894. Since that date, a cash dividend has been paid 
every year. No additional stock has ever been sold; increases have come 
through retained earnings.
   Twenty-six local citizens invested in the original capital stock of 
the bank. Dr. John Wilson Strother was the principal stockholder and 
became the chairman of the bank's first Board of Directors and the 
bank's first president. He was also an active physician, farmer and lay 
preacher. Dr. Strother served as bank president until his death on 
January 8, 1935. Today, his great-great-grandson, Mark Strother serves 
as the bank's president and chief executive officer. This fifth-
generation banker and his executive team works with a staff of 70 
professionals whose top priority remains the same as it was in 1891--
quality service for their customers and communities.
   Since the bank began business during the term of Benjamin Harrison, 
it has served its customers continuously. The doors of The Commercial 
Bank have remained open through recessions, money panics, and the Great 
Depression. The Commercial Bank has continued to provide its customers 
with a wide array of financial services. Times have changed and so have 
the products desired by, and made available to, customers. The 
Commercial Bank has remained at the forefront of the financial 
industry's modernization in order to better serve current customers and 
attract new ones. Today, the bank remains independent and locally-
owned, as well as being Grayson's second oldest business.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
spirit of entrepreneurship, partnership, and achieving the American 
Dream. For 125 years, The Commercial Bank of Grayson has created jobs 
and supported local businesses in their effort to help make Carter 
County a better place to live. I commend the vision of the founders and 
those who continue to support the mission of this institution and their 
dedication to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian 
region.

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