[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE SUN VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 1998

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Sun 
Valley Chamber of Commerce, which is celebrating its 73rd year by 
gathering materials for a time capsule. I have been proud to represent 
Sun Valley for many years, and I am honored that the Chamber has asked 
me to contribute this Congressional Insert to the capsule.
  It is only fitting that the Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce, one of 
the most historic organizations in the San Fernando Valley, is 
assembling a time capsule. The Chamber was formed in 1925 as the Roscoe 
Chamber of Commerce. One of the charter members was A. Louis Forsch, 
whose grandson, Gary, is still active in the Chamber today.
  The Chamber shut down during the Depression and World War II, 
reopening in 1946. Within just a few years the Chamber was sponsoring 
parades, picnics and campaigns to beautify the community. In 1949, the 
Chamber spearheaded a successful drive to change the name of the area 
from Roscoe to Sun Valley. Three years later, Mrs. Florence Shea became 
the President of the Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce. According to the 
Chamber, Mrs. Shea was the first female president of any chamber in the 
United States.
  Today the Chamber is a dynamic force in the San Fernando Valley. 
Along with providing essential help to local businesses and working 
closely with service agencies and government, the Chamber in recent 
years has been the driving force behind the huge and successful July 4 
celebration at Hansen Dam.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the Sun Valley Chamber of 
Commerce, which is doing its part to ensure that the history of the San 
Fernando Valley will be available to future generations. I only wish I 
could be around to witness the unveiling of the time capsule.

                          ____________________