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TO COMMEMORATE PALMETTO STATE BANK, ITS EMPLOYEES, AND RETIREES, ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY, AND EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.
Whereas, 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Palmetto State Bank by R. O. Bowden in Hampton County; and
Whereas, Palmetto State Bank began as the Loan and Exchange Bank, a small, storefront exchange bank on Lee Avenue in Hampton which through conservative lending practices became one of few South Carolina banks to survive the Great Depression; and
Whereas, in 1955, the Laffitte family purchased the Loan and Exchange Bank, assuming control of an institution housed in a building with two bare electric light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, three adding machines plugged directly into the lights, and worn, wooden floors patched with metal squares. All accounts were posted by hand at the bank, which only had six employees; and
Whereas, as the bank prospered, it grew and was renamed the Palmetto State Bank in 1970. The bank relocated its main office to First Street in 1982, later expanding with branches in Allendale, Beaufort, Bluffton, Estill, and Fairfax; and
Whereas, although noted for prudent lending practices, Palmetto State Bank has made loans secured by mortgages held on indisputably interesting subjects, including mules and liquor stills; and
Whereas, Palmetto State Bank proudly serves as a valued corporate citizen, funding scholarships to the University of South Carolina at Salkehatchie and The Citadel, and annually granting a scholarship to a graduate of Wade Hampton High School. Its employees actively serve their communities, volunteering their time and energy to support educational, civic, and charitable organizations; and
Whereas, maintaining a steadfast commitment to its customers, the bank plans to commemorate its centennial with a special 100th anniversary celebration from June 25-29, 2007, with numerous activities focused on expressing the Palmetto State Bank's gratitude to its customers for their loyal patronage. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commemorate Palmetto State Bank, its employees, and retirees, on its 100th anniversary, and extend best wishes for continued success in the future.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Charles A. Laffitte, Jr., Chairman of Palmetto State Bank.
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