[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1398-E1399] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING ROBERT G. WILMERS FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WESTERN NEW YORK COMMUNITY ______ HON. BRIAN HIGGINS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 29, 2005 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert G. Wilmers, a man whose business expertise and community compassion has made a significant difference in Western New York. Since 1983 Mr. Wilmers has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of M&T Bank Corporation. At that time, M&T was a local, Buffalo based bank with holdings of approximately $2 billion. Over the last 22 years, under Mr. Wilmers leadership, the company has grown to one of the 20 largest banks in the United States with [[Page E1399]] over 650 branches, managing over $50 billion in assets and employing over 13,000 people. While his financial accomplishments have been quite significant, his commitment to building a better Buffalo region has been equally profound. Last year Mr. Wilmers and his wife, Elizabeth, were recognized by the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County for corporate and personal donations to a number of local charities including: the Buffalo Zoo, the Darwin Martin House, Shea's Performing Arts Center, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Wilmers has also taken a special interest in building a better future for Buffalo children through promoting education. This focus has involved contributing to enhancements at Buffalo Public School No. 68-- Westminster Community Charter School and helping sponsor the search for a new superintendent for the Buffalo Public School System. Furthermore, Mr. Wilmers has lent his finance skills to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Board, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and a business leaders association called the ``Group of 18.'' While Mr. Wilmers will continue to be involved professionally at M&T Bank, after over two decades of success, he has decided to relinquish his position as President and CEO of the Corporation. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and gratitude I stand here today to recognize Robert Wilmers, a man who has dedicated his life to economic, community and social development. On behalf of the residents of Buffalo and Western New York, we are grateful for your enduring commitment to this area and wish you health and happiness in your new semi-retirement role. ____________________