[Page S11413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CURTIS HAGE

<bullet> Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Curtis Hage of Sioux Falls, SD, on the occasion of being installed as 
Chairman of America's Community Bankers. The people of the great State 
of South Dakota share my pride in Curt's accomplishments, and I know 
they join me in congratulating him on becoming the first South Dakotan 
to rise to the Chairmanship of this important organization.
  Throughout his long and distinguished career, Curt has worked to 
provide financial opportunity to South Dakota. For the past 30 years, 
Curt has guided Home Federal Savings Bank in new and innovative 
directions. Home Federal was named South Dakota's Best Bank by Money 
Magazine in 1995, when Curt was President & CEO. Under Curt's direction 
as Chairman, Home Federal in 1997 became the first bank in South Dakota 
to introduce Internet Banking. From its humble beginning in 1929, Home 
Federal has grown to over 30 branches, and Curt has played a critical 
role in that success story.
  In addition to his professional dedication, Curt is a true leader in 
the South Dakota community, and has earned the respect and friendship 
of so many of us fortunate to spend time with him. Curt represents the 
goodness and diligence that we find in so many of our South Dakotans, 
and he will do us proud as Chairman of America's Community 
Bankers.<bullet>

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