HR0118 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0118 LRB095 10993 KXB 31300 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On March 5, 2007, James P. Ghiglieri II will be installed as Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, the nation's largest association of community banks, representing over 5,000 members in over 18,000 locations, and employing over 260,000 people; and

WHEREAS, In his role as Chairman Mr. Ghiglieri will be the top spokesman for the nation's community banks, fighting for fair competition, diversification of financial resources, and the viability of American communities; and

WHEREAS, In the year 1919, a young Italian immigrant named Bernard (Barney) Ghiglieri, at the age of 24 established a community bank in the coal mining town of Toluca, Illinois in order to provide loans to the working class families of Toluca, pooling their savings in order to make loans for them to establish homes, raise families and start businesses, obtaining credit based not just on their ability to pay, but also on their character; and

WHEREAS, "Barney" Ghiglieri established his own roots in the small and friendly town, raising his own family, including a son, James I, who, as a young adult, worked at the bank, eventually becoming its president; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ghiglieri I continued his father's tradition of deep involvement in the community and all of its civic activities; he rose to become president of Illinois' only bank trade association, fighting for the continued viability of Illinois' community banks and all they represented to small town economic life; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ghiglieri I and his wife Dorothy "Dot" raised their own family in Toluca, including two daughters, Cathy and Carol, and a son named Jim; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ghiglieri II rose to become the president of Toluca's only bank, like his father and grandfather before him; in the tradition of his father, he gave to his profession by volunteering his time serving in the leadership of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, the largest banking association in Illinois, and the only Illinois banking association which exclusively represents Illinois' community banks; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ghiglieri II became the Chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, serving his profession while continuing his deep involvement with his community and his family, which consists of his wife, Mary Kay, his sons Matthew and James III, and his daughter, Kristin; and

WHEREAS, All of Jim's family, co-workers, neighbors, and peers consider Jim Ghiglieri II an outstanding banker, citizen, professional, and father who is highly deserving of this honor; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we warmly congratulate James P. Ghiglieri on his appointment as Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, and his continued commitment to his profession; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to James P. Ghiglieri II, as a symbol of our esteem.