[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8805-S8806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         100TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREATER SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce of Salem, Illinois, which will 
celebrate its 100th anniversary on July 23.
  A century ago, seven Illinoisans founded the Salem Business Men's 
Association, which was later renamed the Greater Salem Chamber of 
Commerce. As they stated in their original charter, its purpose was 
``to promote and encourage the location of manufactories and other 
industries in our city * * * and to encourage in all proper and lawful 
ways the development of our city and its surrounding country.'' It is 
hard to imagine that the seven founders could have foreseen how their 
association would grow and flourish into the present.
  Today, the Chamber supports the community of Salem through numerous 
projects ranging from economic development to educational support. In

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addition, the Chamber serves as a network for local businesses and a 
coordinator between them and the government of Salem. The Chamber also 
fosters a general sense of community in Salem, by welcoming new 
residents and promoting consciousness of Salem's unique heritage.
  In its role as coordinator, networker, and initiator, the Chamber has 
proven itself to be a crucial player in Salem's recent economic 
expansion. The city of Salem can boast a net gain of 900 jobs over the 
past five years. These gains are due in no small part to the efforts of 
the Chamber of Commerce.
  With a century of success behind it, the Chamber is now working to 
secure the future prosperity of Salem. The Chamber regularly notifies 
businesses of education and training opportunities so that Salem's 
labor force can continue to adapt to the changing needs of the economy. 
Further, the Chamber was instrumental in developing the Tech Prep 
program, which provides 25 local high school students with internships 
that prepare them for future careers.
  Throughout its history, the Chamber has proven itself to be an 
indispensable asset to the city of Salem and the state of Illinois. 
Again, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Chamber and all 
of its members and hope that their second century is as successful as 
their first.

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