[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31116]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING WILLIAM THOMAS (BILL) POWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the most distinguished 
and remarkable individuals in the Coachella Valley, a region of 
southern California which I have the privilege of representing.
  Mr. William Thomas (Bill) Powers has established an impressive record 
of achievement and service, both in his professional career and 
charitable activities. Since moving to the Palm Springs region in 1986, 
after a long and successful career in banking in Los Angeles, Bill 
Powers dedicated himself to enhancing our community's economy and 
improving the lives of its residents.
  Now, our community joins to honor this most deserving individual with 
the Desert Samaritans for the Elderly naming Bill Powers Good Samaritan 
of the Year 2003.
  A native Californian, Bill is renowned in our community for his many 
good works and strong stewardship of numerous worthwhile causes. At the 
same time, Bill has used his keen judgment and extensive professional 
experience to establish one of the leading financial institutions in 
California's Inland Empire, Pacific Western Bank.
  In Bill's own words he ``believes in the community and the people who 
live here. The best way I know how to give back to the community is 
through excellent service; I extend that philosophy in both my 
professional and personal life'' and our community is better for his 
commitment to this code.
  Bill and his wife, Anita, have raised a wonderful family. Their 
children, David and Christie, and their grandchildren, Jessica, Teddy, 
Tommy, and Hunter are a great source of pride to both Bill and Anita.
  Bill has distinguished himself in our area through his ability to 
combine his love of family with his desire to work tirelessly in both 
business and community causes. The list of charitable and civic causes 
that Bill has participated in over the years is literally to vast to 
list in total, however, it is worth noting that he has served as both 
President and Tournament Chairman of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, a 
professional golf tournament that has provided immense financial 
support to those in need in this region. In addition, Bill has served 
as President or board member for the United Way of the Desert, the 
American Cancer Society, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation, the 
Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, Desert Samaritans for the 
Elderly Board of Governors, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, 
College of the Desert Foundation, Yucca Valley Economic Partnership, 
founding director of the Desert Town Hall Speakers Forum, and as a 
member of the McCallum Theatre's Board of Trustees, to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, I consider it a privilege to call Bill Powers my friend, 
and ask that this brief tribute to this accomplished individual be 
placed permanently in the Record. I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________