House Concurrent Resolution 108

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLES BANK OF RIPLEY UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, The Peoples Bank of Ripley is celebrating its 90th year anniversary on April 23, 2015, commemorating a rich heritage of customer service and community support, which began on April 23, 1925, when the State of Mississippi granted a charter to Fred Smith to operate a commercial bank; and

WHEREAS, when The Peoples Bank of Ripley opened its doors on Main Street on Ripley's town square, it was led during its early years by founder and president Fred Smith and board members Erst Long, Orbrey Street, J.C. Dixon and J.K. McBride, and one of the board's first actions was the hiring of Mrs. Ruth Henson as the bank's first employee; and

WHEREAS, in 1961, The Peoples Bank of Ripley opened its first branch office on Highway 15 North, and a few years later as the need for more space grew, the bank opened another branch on Highway 4 East before beginning construction on the current main office on Jefferson Street in 1973; and

WHEREAS, as The Peoples Bank of Ripley's family grew larger, the bank continued to expand its footprint, opening many more branches and offices and furthering the financial institution's commitment to customer service and convenience; and

WHEREAS, the Peoples Bank of Ripley is steeped with history, having served as County Depository, a Federal Housing Administration lender, and a Federal Depository in World War II, during which time it sold war bonds and stamps to customers who wanted to support the war effort; and

WHEREAS, throughout the history of the bank, it has been known for its charitable contributions of time as well as money, endowing scholarships at nearby colleges and senior colleges, including establishing a scholarship fund in 2001 at Northeast Mississippi Community College for Tippah County high school graduates, which it has continued to supplement over the years; and

WHEREAS, The Peoples Bank of Ripley has regularly donated a portion of its profits toward many worthwhile endeavors that promote civic and economic progress for its communities, in addition to sponsoring a variety of fundraising efforts, including 50's Day, an annual 5K run, cookbooks, rummage sales, catfish dinners and raffles; and

WHEREAS, over time, the bank has been led by several notable figures who have ensured that The Peoples Bank of Ripley maintained its integrity and loyalty to its customers, including: L.E. Watson, J.E. McBride, Bobby P. Martin, Laron Shannon and current President and CEO Mary Martin Childs; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize excellence when achieved by the state's citizens, including corporate citizens such as The Peoples Bank of Ripley, which has positively impacted the lives of the people of this state by providing them with a dependable and honest place to do business, a secure institution to entrust and grow their finances, and a caring and generous community partner:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate The Peoples Bank of Ripley upon the occasion of its 90th anniversary, and extend best wishes to the institution for many more years of continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to The Peoples Bank of Ripley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.