[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 26, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE RIDGEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON ITS 75TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 1999

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Ridgewood 
Chamber of Commerce on its 75th anniversary as one of the leading 
business/civic organizations in New Jersey. The Ridgewood Chamber has 
played a leading role in making Ridgewood the first-rate place to live, 
work and raise a family that it is today. I know--I have lived most of 
my life in Ridgewood and raised my family there. From President 
Lawrence Keller through each and every business that is a member, these 
are people who truly care about their community.
  The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1898 as the 
Businessmen's Association of Ridgewood, changing its name in 1924. The 
mission of the organization has remained the same over the years--to 
``develop and advance the business, professional and civic interests of 
Ridgewood.''
  Today's Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of 
individuals, businesses, professionals and organizations dedicated to 
advancing the commercial, financial, civic and general interests of 
Ridgewood. The Chamber acts as a public relations counselor, 
representative to local government, a problem solver, information and 
resource center, and coordinator of business and professional programs 
and promotions. The Chamber promotes the maintenance of a dignified and 
successful business and professional district.
  Membership represents almost every facet of our business/professional 
community, including merchants, doctors, lawyers, bankers, newspaper 
editors, business owners/managers, civic leaders and clergy. A 10-
member Board of Directors sets goals and policy carried out by the five 
officers--President Lawrence Koller of Koller Financial Group, Vice 
President Joan Groome of the YWCA of Bergen County, Treasurer Kenneth 
Porkka of Kenneth Porkka & Co., Secretary Sally Jones of Valley 
Hospital and Past President Tom Hillmann of Hillmann Electric. 
Executive Director Angela Cautillo is responsible for day-to-day 
operations.
  The Chamber of Commerce brings a sense of unity to our business 
community. Ridgewood is a regional business center, growing larger and 
stronger every day. The Chamber successfully pursues its mission to 
promote Ridgewood and its businesses through effective advertising, 
planned events, community service, networking and education of the 
public. The Chamber is true to the entrepreneurial spirit of our free 
enterprise system. That spirit has been and always will be at the heart 
of our American democracy.
  The Chamber's activities go beyond just promoting the business 
interests of our community. The Chamber annually sponsors Easter in 
Ridgewood, the Ridgewood Car Show, the Santa Parade and the Downtown 
for the Holidays festival. These are all programs that enrich our 
community.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Ridgewood 
Chamber of Commerce on a successful 75 years and wishing the Chamber 
and its members many more years of continued success and prosperity.

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