House Concurrent Resolution 35

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLES BANK OF RIPLEY ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, The Peoples Bank of Ripley, a locally owned community bank with a rich heritage of serving the communities of Tippah County, Mississippi, reaches an extraordinary milestone this year when the financial institution proudly celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, on April 23, 1925, The Peoples Bank of Ripley was established when Ripley attorney and founder of the bank Fred Smith helped a local family achieve its dream of opening a much-needed bank by securing a charter from the State of Mississippi to operate a commercial bank; and

WHEREAS, although born during dire times in our nation's history marked by an unprecedented financial crisis, the new financial institution gained its footing under the wise leadership of board members, Mr. Smith as president, Erst Long, Orbrey Street, J.C. Dixon and J.K. McBride, who also served as cashier, and Mrs. Ruth Henson, the bank's first employee; and

WHEREAS, over the course of the last century, The Peoples Bank of Ripley has not only survived every financial crisis experienced by the United States from the Great Depression triggered by the 1929 Wall Street crash to the more recent Great Recession in 2008, the financial institution, which has grown from a bare-bones bank to a countywide business with six convenient branches and around 80 employees, has greatly expanded services for businesses and individuals alike and grown its assets to well over $500 million; and

WHEREAS, The Peoples Bank of Ripley, which sold war bonds and stamps during World War II to customers wishing to help in the war effort, is long known for its generous charitable gifts of time and money to the community, and over the years, the institution has donated money toward municipal street signs, school computer labs, scholarships, and so many other worthwhile causes that today, employees of The Peoples Corporation guide donation decisions as part of the organization's "charities group"; and

WHEREAS, notwithstanding its continued growth and success, The Peoples Bank of Ripley, boasting 75% of the market share of Tippah County, is steadfastly committed to meeting the needs of the people it knows best -- the families and businesses who call Tippah County home -- and to that end, the bank's unwavering focus remains on going the extra mile to offer a top-notch personal banking experience and those services that make the lives of their customers easier; and

WHEREAS, on the occasion of the 100th year of unparalleled continuous service by The Peoples Bank of Ripley to countless fellow Mississippians, it is most appropriate to give special recognition to this outstanding Mississippi institution which, from its humble beginnings to this day, has been a constant source of support and most importantly, strength and hope, in good times and bad, for not only the bank's customers but the entire community throughout Tippah County:

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 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding and extend our sincerest wishes to the institution for continued growth and prosperity for countless years to come.

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