[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               SMITH COUNTY CHAMBER: 20 YEARS OF PROGRESS

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 1994

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, strong businesses are the backbone of any 
community. That's especially true in small, rural communities.
  And in towns and cities where we find economic development, strong 
schools and athletics, and a good quality of life, we usually find that 
businesses have banded together to lead the way.
  Smith County, TN, is a perfect example. And this week, the Smith 
County Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 20 successful years of 
working to make the county a better place for all its citizens.
  In 1974, the Smith County Board of Commissioners and the Carthage, 
TN, Booster Club recognized that if the county was to be able to 
provide a place where future generations could live and work and raise 
a family then it had to build on its strong agriculture roots with a 
more diversified economy. The Smith County Chamber was born from that 
vision.
  The chamber brought together business and civic leaders who 
understood the value of investing in their communities. By pooling 
those resources with help from local, State, and Federal officials, the 
chamber and the county were better able to take advantage of the 
county's many assets.
  Access to major highways coupled with a strong work force helped 
attract new industries. The appeal of nearby Corps of Engineers lakes 
brought both new businesses and residents looking for a clean, quiet 
place to settle. Through the chamber's marketing efforts, service 
industries that could meet the needs of county residents and provide 
new jobs began to make their way to the county.
  Since 1978, Smith County has experienced tremendous growth in both 
business and industrial development and diversification from banking to 
health care. And all Smith countians are reaping the benefits. In the 
decade between 1980 and 1990, the county's per capita income more than 
doubled, far exceeding the State average.
  And as is true with any successful program, you can look around today 
and find some of those who first helped to get the chamber started 
still involved in its work. Their dedication and commitment have been a 
sustaining force in the chamber's success. More importantly, they have 
laid the foundation for continued success for the chamber and the 
county for the next 20 years.
  I welcome the opportunity today to pay tribute to the Smith County, 
TN, Chamber of Commerce, its members, and the community for 20 years of 
working for a brighter future.