[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE--THE YORK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TURNS 100

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                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, January 13, 1997 marked the 100th 
anniversary of one of south central Pennsylvania's most important and 
prolific organizations. Originally established in 1898 as the York 
Merchant's Association, the York County Chamber of Commerce has 
continued to faithfully carry out its mission to expand economic 
opportunities for commercial, mercantile, and industrial companies 
while enhancing accessibility to area products.
  York County has benefitted immeasurably from the existence and 
activity of the Chamber. Ranging from the $1.5 million raised by the 
Chamber in 1925 to connect the neighboring communities in Lancaster 
County via the Wrightsville Bridge, to the development of a 
communications link between Chamber members and worldwide customers via 
the Internet, the Chamber has always been working to bring people 
together in the best interest of our community. They have succeeded 
over and over again in making York a better place to live.
  But York is not the only beneficiary of the Chamber's efforts. During 
its early years, the York County Chamber of Commerce helped lead the 
national effort to recognize and promote business interests by becoming 
the eighth charter member of the nearly formed Chamber of Commerce of 
the United States in 1908. This grassroots leadership has not only 
helped to propel the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the prominent place it 
holds today as one of the top voices for the business industry, but 
also to place the York Chamber among the top 10 percent of chambers 
nationwide.
  Despite a few changes in name and location, the York County Chamber 
of Commerce has remained the guiding force for local businesses for 100 
years. That is why we should take the time to recognize this important 
milestone in the history of York County and its business community. 
Without their efforts, York County would not have achieved the level of 
prosperity we enjoy today. I am pleased to associate myself with this 
important organization and join them as they celebrate their 
centennial.

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