[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 120 (Monday, July 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE BANK OF CLARKE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Bank of 
Clarke County during its 135th anniversary year, and to congratulate 
all who have been affiliated with the bank and its holding company, 
Eagle Financial Services, Inc., for 135 years of successful operation 
of a nationally recognized community banking business that has provided 
excellent banking services for my constituents in the northern 
Shenandoah Valley and western Loudoun County.
  The Bank of Clarke County is steeped in a rich history. It was 
founded in 1881, fifteen years after the end of the Civil War, as the 
Bank of Berryville. Thereafter, through the turbulence and uncertainty 
of two world wars, a depression and several recessions, not to mention 
strong competition from larger banks, the challenges of the global 
economy, cyber-security threats and excessive government regulation, 
the able leadership of the Bank of Clarke County has guided the 
institution to steady growth and prosperity.
  The bank's business has been so consistent that, since 1986, it has 
increased its dividend each year, and, for the fourth year in a row, 
American Banker magazine has named it one of the Top 200 Community 
Banks in the nation.
  The Bank of Clarke County has been an extraordinarily constructive 
member of the communities that it has served. In addition to helping 
countless Virginians buy homes, start businesses, and invest in the 
future, it has generously contributed to a variety of worthy causes, 
including the Independence Day Fireworks at the Clarke County 
Fairgrounds and the classic car show in Leesburg, called Cruise-In, 
whose proceeds benefit the Tree of Life Ministries in western Loudoun 
County. Over the years, the bank has also made a huge difference to the 
quality of education of Clarke County students, making generous annual 
contributions to the Clarke County Education Foundation, including for 
the Jack Hardesty Memorial Scholarship which is named after a beloved 
former leader of Clarke County who was also a Director of the bank. It 
also funds the Bank of Clarke County Endowed Scholarship, which is 
presented annually to a Clarke County High School senior who will be 
attending Lord Fairfax Community College and majoring in business or a 
related field.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, during its 135th anniversary, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Chairman of the Board Tom 
Gilpin, President and CEO Johnny Milleson and all the hard working 
employees of the Bank of Clarke County and Eagle Financial Services, 
Inc., for claiming a special place in the history of Clarke County and 
the Commonwealth of Virginia as one of the top community banks in the 
nation.

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