[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE COLTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to pay 
tribute to the Colton Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 
Centennial Anniversary.
  This institution, located in the ``Hub'' of the Inland Empire, has 
been an economic engine and key player in the region's historical 
development since 1906, when one of its founding members, the 
California Portland Cement Company, laid the foundation for the first 
Colton Chamber of Commerce office building.
  Throughout the past century, the Colton Chamber of Commerce has been 
a driving force, transforming a newly-created city into a vibrant 
center of employment, thriving neighborhoods, and diverse economy. The 
Chamber's innovative programs and services have successfully created a 
lifeline of economic activity which fuels the heart of the Inland 
Empire to this day.
  The Colton Chamber of Commerce has more than 200 members who are 
committed to strengthening the City's prosperity while improving the 
quality of life of more than 48,000 residents. The Chamber's services 
have helped attract over 2,000 large and small businesses from a 
variety of industries to the region. These efforts have provided jobs 
for the area's diverse workforce, created economic opportunities for 
low- and moderate-income families, and expanded goods and services to 
people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
  I have had the privilege of working with members of the Colton 
Chamber of Commerce and local leaders to enhance economic development 
in the region. For example, at the request of the Chamber and city 
leaders, I helped reopen the comment period on land restrictions posed 
by endangered species designations on the Delhi Sands Flower-Loving 
Fly. Providing the City of Colton with an opportunity to present 
information to support its case was an important first step to moving 
forward vital projects that will improve local schools, help grow small 
businesses, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and preserve our 
environment.
  Over the past 100 years, the Colton Chamber of Commerce's efforts 
have ultimately helped increase opportunity in the lives of the 
children, seniors, and low-income and middle-class families who call 
the Inland Empire ``home''. The Chamber's efforts will have a long-
lasting impact in the region and will help chart the course of economic 
prosperity for Southern California over the next 100 years.




                          ____________________