[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1606] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO ALLEN LEFKO ______ HON. IKE SKELTON of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 18, 2002 Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a longtime community and business leader in Jackson County, MO, will be receiving the Humanitarian of the Year Award at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation annual gala dinner, ``A Salute to Hometown Heroes.'' Mr. Allen Lefko has demonstrated a strong commitment to the area and its economic development and has helped to ensure a brighter future for all residents and businesses. Mr. Lefko has developed and maintained an excellent reputation through the years by his many achievements. He is the founder, President, and CEO of Noland Road Bank; Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Bank of Grain Valley and Grain Valley Bancshares, Incorporated; President of the Independence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; President of the Independence Rotary Club; member of the Independence Regional Health Center Board of Trustees; founder, President, and Treasurer of the Association for Industrial Development for Independence; President of the Suburban Banker Association and the Kansas City Clearing House Association; President of the Grain Valley Economic Development Council; and Choices program sponsor and instructor. Mr. Lefko has volunteered much of his time to the communities of eastern Jackson County. He has served on many YMCA and Boy Scout committees and has been engaged in such important committees and boards as the Grain Valley Arts and Beautification Council Fund, Grain Valley Senior Citizens Nutrition Program Fund, and the Association for Industrial Development for Independence Scholarship Fund. Mr. Lefko has also participated in the I-Share Campaign, the selection of Rotary/City of Independence Teacher's Truman Scholarship Fund recipients, Independence and Grain Valley Chambers of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the Grain Valley Assistance Council, and he was an auctioneer for the Grain Valley Assistance Council annual fund drive. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that my colleagues will join me in wishing Allen Lefko all the best. We thank him for over 40 years of dedicated service to eastern Jackson County. ____________________