[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22319]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRAGIN AND PIKE INSURANCE

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                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2009

  Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the centennial anniversary of Cragin and Pike Insurance in 
Las Vegas.
  In 1909, the first insurance company in Las Vegas opened its doors in 
newly incorporated Clark County, Nevada. Peter Buol, the original 
owner, provided real estate and insurance services to the citizens of 
the newly established City of Las Vegas. The business philosophy 
established by Peter Buol was carried on by partners Ernie Cragin and 
William Pike. Their combined dedication to and vision for our community 
contributed immensely to the political, economical, and environmental 
development and history of Southern Nevada.
  Ernie Cragin served as Las Vegas Mayor for 25 years and was 
instrumental in establishing the Helldorado Days celebration and parade 
downtown. He also worked to bring the U.S. Army's Aerial Gunnery 
School, which is now known as the world famous Nellis Air Force Base to 
Southern Nevada.
  William Pike, who began as an assistant to Peter Buol and would later 
own the company, witnessed the construction of the Hoover Dam and 
helped many of the workers meet their financial and insurance needs.
  After the passing of Ernie Cragin and William Pike, Paul McDermott 
and Frank Kerestesi continued the name of Cragin & Pike Insurance. The 
current partners--Tom Kerestesi, Mark McKinley, Greg McKinley and Tom 
Burns continue the Cragin & Pike tradition of personal service by 
providing insurance, risk management and surety products to Southern 
Nevadans.
  On September 24, 2009, Cragin & Pike Insurance celebrates 100 years 
of continuously doing business in Southern Nevada. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in celebrating Cragin and Pike Insurance on their 100th 
Anniversary.

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