[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12493]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING MONROE BANK & TRUST ON THEIR ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2008

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Monroe Bank & Trust 
as they celebrate their one hundred and fiftieth year serving the 
people in and around Monroe County, Michigan.
  One hundred and fifty years ago, Monroe Bank & Trust derived its 
humble origins from the courage of two innovative entrepreneurs who 
recognized the need for a place where community residents could safely 
keep their savings while also entering into a financial partnership to 
help them prosper. Beginning in the rear of a dry goods store, the 
focus of founders Benjamin Dansard and Louis LaFountain never waivered. 
Through many economic periods of boom and bust, the American Civil War, 
two World Wars and the Great Depression, MB&T has not only endured, but 
flourished.
  Mr. Dansard and Mr. LaFountain understood the needs of the largely 
farming area and from a small space in the Dansard General Store, took 
on a major role in the progress ahead. Sound financial management has 
led MB&T to become one of the largest community banks in the State of 
Michigan; however, the legacy of Dansard and LaFountain is more than 
just numbers. It is a story of courage and hard work and just as in the 
year 1858, today's team of professionals continues to provide service, 
convenience and the personal touch.
  MB&T's contribution to the community goes far beyond the outstanding 
financial services they offer. Their charitable financial support of 
organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way, Community 
Foundation of Monroe, the Guidance Center, the River Raisin Center for 
the Arts and many others exceeds $200,000 annually. Additionally, with 
over 80 percent employee participation, MB&T's ``Employees Now Linked 
in Service Together'' (ENLIST) program boasts over 120,000 man-hours of 
volunteer support provided over its 20-plus-year history to nonprofit 
organizations.
  With great respect and admiration for this tremendous corporate 
citizen, I ask that you join me in recognizing the many contributions 
of Monroe Bank & Trust over the past 150 years.

                          ____________________