[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE MONTEREY PENINSULA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The Monterey 
Chamber of Commerce was created in 1908 from a loosely organized 
merchants' association. In 1949, the name was changed to reflect its 
expansion across the entire peninsula including the sister cities of 
Carmel, Pacific Grove, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Seaside, and Sand City as 
well as the neighboring unincorporated areas of Big Sur, Carmel Valley, 
Carmel Highlands and Pebble Beach.
  Today, a chamber is more than a non-profit organization; it is a 
business, and its product is its members. As the largest chamber of 
commerce in the tri-county area, it provides leadership on issues, 
programs and business development that benefit both the community and 
their member businesses.
  Now 1,000 members strong, the chamber's commitment to serving the 
business interests of the entire peninsula strengthens economic growth, 
promotes the wonders of Monterey County, and serves the needs of our 
many visitors annually from around the world.
  In answer to the question, ``What has the Chamber done for me 
lately?'' Board chair Terry Low and president and CEO Astrid Coleman 
offer these programs and goals: promoting its members by making each 
one aware of local products and services and creating events to 
showcase the members; offering educational programs, coaching services 
and forums to help small business owners succeed; and presenting a 
``voice for business'' to legal and legislative authorities about 
issues affecting peninsula business and the community. Recognizing the 
need for a properly prepared workforce, the chamber mobilizes business 
and community resources to ensure quality education on the Monterey 
Peninsula, and is dedicated to sustainability through the local 
greening of businesses.
  Madam Speaker, I salute 100 years of effort by the members, 
volunteers, committee members, board members, community partners, and 
staff of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, whose dedication 
has made this organization a vital and integral part of our community.

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