[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMEMORATING THE RETIREMENT OF JESS LAIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LANCE GOODEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2024

  Mr. GOODEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jess Laird, a 
banker and community servant, who will be retiring from 36 years of 
service to the First State Bank of Athens on March 12. Jess 
passionately dedicated himself to his community for decades, 
consistently putting the needs of his neighbors, friends, and family 
before his own.
  During his 36 years at First State Bank, Mr. Laird advanced from Loan 
Officer to President and CEO. In addition to his roles at the bank, he 
served in leadership roles at the Athens Rotary Club, as President of 
the Athens Economic Development Corporation, in the Athens Chamber of 
Commerce, and on the UT Health Athens Board of Managers. In his free 
time, Mr. Laird was involved with the Athens Teenage Baseball 
Association where he coached as his sons played baseball.
  As he steps down from his duties, I wish him, his wife, two sons, and 
three granddaughters all the best. I am proud to represent the city of 
Athens, which owes a great deal to Jess Laird, and I applaud him for 
his lifelong dedication to his family, career, and Athens, Texas.

                          ____________________