[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF FORT WORTH METROPOLITAN BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 
                            25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor that I rise today to 
recognize the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce 
(FWMBCC)'s 25 years of devoted service to the enhancement of the 
economic development in the African American community in my district. 
Since its founding in 1979, the FWMBCC's tireless efforts, on behalf of 
the black community of Fort Worth, have accomplished a great deal. I 
would like to mention a few of their accomplishments.
  The FWMBCC has done much to improve minority involvement in the Fort 
Worth economy. In 1985, the FWMBCC contracted with the Fort Worth 
Convention and Visitor's Bureau for sales, and marketing initiatives to 
attract minority association conventions. Three years later, it 
established two enterprise zones in a partnership effort with the City 
of Fort Worth. It initiated the development of a comprehensive plan for 
redevelopment of Southeast Fort Worth in 1991.
  The FWMBCC strives to get others involved as well. In 1989, it signed 
a Community Reinvestment Act Agreement with Bank One (Chase Bank) to 
benefit low to moderate income families. It also recruited the 
OmniAmerican Federal Credit Union to build a branch location in 
Southeast Fort Worth on Rosedale in the Poly neighborhood. It also 
lobbied to pursue development of workforce support for the Alliance 
Corridor, including public transportation to the growing Alliance 
business community from Southeast Fort Worth.
  The FWMBCC is about more then just money, as shown by the way it 
adopted Como Elementary School under the Fort Worth Independent School 
District's Adopt-a-School program. Showing further concern for 
education, it collaborated with Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. on a 
strategic plan resulting in the refurbishing of the F.W. Carver School 
for use by the Fort Worth Housing Authority and the I.M. Terrell 
School.
  The FWMBCC believes strongly in integration of both race and gender. 
It established the Women's Business Issues Division as a part of the 
FWMBCC--the first women's division in the nation affiliated with a 
Black Chamber in recognition of the business assistance needs of women 
of color to much acclaim. It also served as an advocate on behalf of 
people of color for business opportunities in Sundance Square and other 
business areas in and around the City of Fort Worth as well as 
integration of the Colonial Country Club.
  I would like to applaud the FWMBCC on its first 25 years, and 
encourage it to keep up its impressive work.

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