[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE DOWNINGTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Downingtown, 
Pennsylvania Area Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 60th 
anniversary.
   The Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1945 and 
then later incorporated in 1947. Throughout the past sixty years, the 
Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to represent, assist, and 
grow the Downingtown business community and, in turn, has become one of 
the most respected business organizations in Chester County, 
Pennsylvania.
   For the past 60 years, the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce has 
worked to unify and sustain the business community in the area. The 
Chamber has continually worked hard to maintain a strong economic base 
in Downingtown and continues to maintain and provide an environment 
that is appealing not only to businesses and merchants, but also to 
residents. Because of these strong initiatives demonstrated by the 
Downingtown Chamber of Commerce and its solid reputation for 
facilitating economic growth in the area, the Chamber has been 
instrumental in cultivating Downingtown as ``The Good Neighbor 
Community.''
   Today, there are approximately 350 members of the Downingtown Area 
Chamber of Commerce. The members are comprised of small business 
owners, industrial companies, professionals, residents, and 
organizations interested in supporting the activities and principles of 
the Downingtown community. Moreover, the members are interested in 
economic prosperity for their community. The Chamber works 
conscientiously to make sure that Downingtown thrives and prospers.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 
Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce for its drive and dedication over 
the past 60 years to provide the citizens of Downingtown with a 
community that is economically prosperous and building on its past 
successes for a brighter future.

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