[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A TRIBUTE TO THE WEST ST. LOUIS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES M. TALENT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the West St. 
Louis County Chamber of Commerce on the event of its 40th anniversary. 
This chamber has faithfully served the cities of Ballwin, Clarkson 
Valley, Ellisville, Manchester, Valley Park, Wildwood, Winchester, and 
parts of unincorporated St. Louis County, MO.
  Established on May 13, 1957, as the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, 
the chamber was founded to enrich the communities of the West St. Louis 
County corridor. At its first meeting held in the basement of Ballwin 
Elementary School, the chamber dedicated itself to improving the 
quality of education, highways, and sewer systems. From these humble 
beginnings, the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce has grown 
into one of the most dynamic and progressive chambers in this region. 
With 385 members and 601 representatives, the chamber continues to 
advance commercial, industrial, and civic interest, as well as 
enhancing the community environment within cities and unincorporated 
areas.
  The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce currently is involved 
in numerous activities including: monitoring local, State, and Federal 
legislative issues of specific interest to business; maintaining a 
proactive status to improve transportation facilities and services; 
publishing an annual ``Buyer's Guide and Membership Directory'' which 
is distributed to 50,000 residents; soliciting of new businesses and 
residents to the area; acts as a clearinghouse for information for 
prospective new businesses; and offers its members opportunities for 
networking, advertising, education, and referrals.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating the membership 
of the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce on this occasion. I am 
confident that the chamber will continue to lead the West St. Louis 
County corridor well into the next millennium.

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