[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E701]]
     NORTHEAST TARRANT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th 
Anniversary of the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce.
  The Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce was chartered on December 
23, 1957 as ``The Greater Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.'' The 
initial meeting to establish the chamber was the dream of Gertrude 
Tarpley and Jack Bean. Tarpley was Northeast Tarrant County's 
unofficial matriarch and Bean was its first president. At the time, the 
Richland Industrial Park was in the planning stages and many people 
were concerned about how it would affect their homes. Seventy five 
local civic leaders signed up to participate in the new chamber, coming 
from as far away as Grapevine and paying an annual fee of $25.
  The organization quickly gained momentum. In the 1960's, the chamber 
worked to balance commercial, industrial and residential zoning. It 
also helped expedite the Airport Freeway construction and helped form 
the Tarrant County Junior College District. The organization's 
membership also increased, with the group's regular dinners averaging 
500 to 600 attendees.
  In the late 80's and early 90's, the chamber hit a rough patch as 
questions arose about the organization's effectiveness.
  In 1992, Doug Terry, president of Frost National Bank in Hurst, took 
over as president and the organization agreed to make changes to 
promote economic development, retain its membership and offer programs 
to help member businesses. As a result, the chamber became more visible 
to city councils and became more effective overall.
  In 2001, Robert Hamilton was named president and CEO and was 
responsible for implementing innovative ideas and new programs to 
enhance the chamber's position in the North Texas region. A new 
economic development foundation called Quad Cities DFW was founded in 
early 2003 with marketing of the four cities and chamber membership as 
the main priority. Throughout the next few years, the chamber, its 
programs and materials earned top honors from chamber peers throughout 
the state.
  Today, the chamber has 925 members. As a current member of the Board 
of Directors, I can attest to the hard work and commitment the 
Northeast Tarrant Chamber has to its members and community. The chamber 
has been a key player in helping bring economic development and 
leadership to local businesses and the Tarrant County community.
  I commend the Northeast Tarrant Chamber for its hard work and 
dedication. Your involvement in the economic development of our region 
is very crucial and greatly appreciated.

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