Recognizing the Retirement of Mr. Tommy Whitaker of Portland, Tennessee

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend and constituent Mr. Tommy Whitaker. On November 14, one day before his 70th birthday, Tommy retired after 45 years as an employee and 16 years as president and CEO of The Farmer's Bank headquartered in Portland, TN. Tommy is a proud Tennessean who has dedicated his career to serving the financial needs of his fellow citizens.

Tommy graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.B.A. before attending the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Tommy married his wife Shirley and raised two wonderful children-- Susan Hand and Joseph Whitaker--all while continuing to work for the Portland community. Today, he is the proud grandfather of Grayson Whitaker.

In addition to his many decades at the bank, Tommy serves the Upper Cumberland community as president of Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, and as a member of the City of Portland's Industrial Development Board. Previously, he served for seven years on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.

Tommy is one of Tennessee's most influential bankers and his strong character and devotion to service before self has gained him the respect of his community and beyond. It is truly an end of an era for The Farmer's Bank. During his tenure, the bank has had significant growth, has produced steadily increasing returns to its stockholders, and now has a strong team to move the bank forward for years to come.

As the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, I am grateful for Tommy's friendship, his service to Tennessee, and his commitment to put people first.

An inspiring leader with a human touch, I hope Tommy Whitaker enjoys his much-deserved retirement back in Middle Tennessee.

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