[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 74 (Monday, May 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING FIRST STATE BANK IN ST. CHARLES FOR ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 1, 2017

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a business in my 
district, First State Bank in St. Charles on its 150th Anniversary. 
This celebration will be held on May 10, 2017.
   In 1867, First State Bank planted its roots on Main Street in St. 
Charles, Missouri. First State Bank has been successful for one and a 
half centuries, because, among other things, customer satisfaction is a 
top priority and ownership of the bank is shared only between local 
shareholders and bank employees. Since its humble beginning, First 
State Bank has been an independent and locally-owned community bank 
serving St. Charles and St. Louis residents and businesses. First State 
Bank's fundamental approach to customer service is simple; treat every 
customer like a person, not just a number. This personalized service 
shows the dedication this bank has to its customers and the community. 
First State Bank prides itself as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership 
Plan) business, which allows for the employees to own part of the bank. 
As a bank that is privately-held, the institution answers only to its 
employees and local, private stockholders. This means that decisions 
can be made that are in the best interest of the customers and the 
local community.
   The growth of First State Bank has been steady and with that growth 
it now has 224 employees. In 2016 alone, it hired 48 new employees. 
First State Bank strives to maintain a philosophy to ignite energy and 
improve customer service and increase employee retention. This 
philosophy encourages the employees in four areas when it comes to 
serving the customers: play, make their day, be there, and to choose 
their attitudes.
   The commitment that First State Bank has to the community is 
commendable. Over 66 local and national non-profit organizations 
benefit from charitable donations by First State Bank. Employees are 
encouraged to volunteer and have committed their time and talents to 32 
local non-profit boards. Other organizations that appreciate First 
State Bank's generous employees are Oasis Food Pantry and Habitat for 
Humanity. Additionally, ``Team FSB'' willingly coordinates school 
supplies, winter coats, food drives, and collects monetary donations 
for various non-profits throughout the year.
   I ask you to join me in recognizing First State Bank on their 150th 
Anniversary. First State Bank is truly a community bank.

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