[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2712]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MAE BETH PALONE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2017

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mae Beth 
Palone on her well-earned retirement from the Independent Bankers 
Association of Texas, after twenty-two years of dedicated service.
  After graduating from the University of Texas with a bachelor's 
degree in journalism, Palone's distinguished career began at the Texas 
Capitol in 1975 working for Representative Elmer Martin. She then 
faithfully served Representative Walter Grubbs, Representative Jimmy 
Mankins, Representative Foster Whaley and even assisted a newly elected 
Representative Rick Perry before he had his own staff, finishing her 
Capitol career in the service of Representative Robert Earley.
  Nearly twenty years later, she joined the Independent Bankers 
Association of Texas (IBAT) serving as IBAT's Government Relations 
Officer where she continued to cultivate her exemplary relationships 
with her legislative peers and promote the cause of community bankers 
in Texas. Palone's journalism degree was put to great use as the author 
of the script for IBAT's Annual Convention and other key IBAT events 
and communications. Palone was promoted to Vice President in 2000. She 
took the reins of the IBAT Leadership Division in 2004, the most 
treasured experience of her IBAT career, growing membership to over 590 
and implementing a regional governance structure as she mentored the 
future leaders of the Texas community banking industry.
  Despite her busy professional life, Ms. Palone also found time to 
give back to her community as a CASA volunteer as well as serving on 
the board of directors of her homeowners association. Palone is perhaps 
best known for her undying loyalty to her Texas Longhorns, attending 
every home football game and supporting them regardless of their 
ranking.
  Palone's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence 
have greatly benefited those who depend upon the Texas community 
banking industry. She has earned the respect and admiration of her 
peers.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the tireless efforts that 
Mae Beth Palone has made to the people of the great state of Texas and 
Texas community bankers. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Mae Beth Palone on her many years of loyal 
service.

                          ____________________