[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 8 (Friday, January 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SALUTING BARB OBERSHAW'S VISIONARY LEADERSHIP OF MINNESOTA'S DYNAMIC 
                           TWIN WEST CHAMBER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 18, 2008

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very 
special business and civic leader in Minnesota.
  Barb Obershaw, president of the Twin West Chamber of Commerce, 
recently announced her retirement, and her many outstanding 
accomplishments deserve special recognition.
  Barb has served as Twin West president for five dynamic years after 
serving five years as president of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce.
  Under Barb's dynamic and visionary leadership, the Twin West Chamber 
has grown and become the most active chamber of commerce in the region, 
with scores of dedicated members who serve on its committees, board of 
directors and foundation board.
  Madam Speaker, through Barb's leadership, Twin West successfully 
persuaded state officials to accelerate the Highway 100 expansion, 
established an emerging-leaders program for young professionals, and 
awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to local high school 
students and adult learners through the Twin West Foundation. These are 
just a few of the many accomplishments during Barb's term as president.
  Madam Speaker, Barb's hard work and strong stewardship have done so 
much to promote our area's businesses and to grow and develop good 
jobs.
  Barb, thank you for all you have done for the people of our area and, 
on a personal level, for your wise counsel, friendship and support 
through the years.
  Congratulations again Barb, on your retirement and many thanks for 
your outstanding leadership of the Twin West Chamber of Commerce!

                          ____________________