[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 355]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLES BANK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I stand before 
you today to recognize the many accomplishments of Peoples Bank and 
offer my congratulations on their 97th Anniversary in the Northwest 
Indiana community. To commemorate this special occasion, Peoples Bank 
will hold an anniversary celebration on Saturday, January 6, 2007, at 
the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana.
  Peoples Bank was established in 1910 and was organized with a focus 
to meet the many needs of its consumers. Peoples Bank was originally 
known as the First Polish National Building and Loan Association. 
During that time, it was the main hub for church and social activities 
in East Chicago, Indiana. Over several decades, the association's name 
changed numerous times, and in 1989, it was renamed Peoples Bank.
  Peoples Bank was the first savings and loan association to receive a 
federal charter in East Chicago after the Great Depression. In the 
1950s, the bank played an integral role in assisting former servicemen 
to build or purchase homes through G.I. Loans. At this time, Peoples 
Bank expanded its access to the Northwest Indiana community by moving 
into a multi-office operation. The Woodmar section of Hammond was 
chosen as the second office location for Peoples Bank.
  It was during the 1960s that Peoples Bank added another branch 
location in Merrillville. Due to the success of these initial offices, 
additional branches were eventually established in the area, including 
branches in Dyer, Munster, Schererville, and a second branch in 
Merrillville. In the year 2000, Peoples Bank opened its eighth branch 
location in Hobart.
  With all of this expansion taking place, Peoples Bank introduced a 
new corporate headquarters in 2003. Located on two acres, this four-
story building houses the many departments and offices necessary to 
operate such a professional organization, where the customers always 
come first.
  Peoples Bank's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Mr. David 
Bochnowski, has served as the leader of the organization since 1981, 
after serving on the board since 1977. With his guidance, along with 
all the hard work of the staff, Peoples Bank has continued to be an 
active force in providing superior customer service and assistance to 
all of Northwest Indiana.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Peoples 
Bank on their 97th Anniversary. Their dedication to the people of 
Northwest Indiana and their constant efforts throughout the years are 
worthy of the highest commendation.

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