[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE INDEPENDENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON THEIR 90TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 90th 
Anniversary of the Independence, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, located 
in my District. History reveals how Independence, the county seat, grew 
from a village, to a town, to the fourth largest city in Missouri. 
Civic leaders joined together to create a forum for the maintenance, 
growth and economic stability of the city. The Chamber has played a 
vital role in providing vision which helped to tackle the hard economic 
problems of the day. Today's Chamber is comprised of a ``. . . 
partnership of more than 1,200 business and professional people 
committed to making a difference in the community.''
  Following its founding in 1920, the Chamber constitution encouraged 
its members ``to promote the civic, economic, and social welfare of the 
people of Independence and vicinity'' with membership open to all 
interested people. Colonel William Southern, Jr., who began publishing 
the Jackson Examiner in 1898, served on the original Board of Directors 
and holds the honor of being the first Board President of the Chamber. 
Due to the continued quality of leadership, the Chamber's involvement 
is respected on every issue from legislative initiatives to promoting 
pride in the city.
  Throughout its 90 year history, the Chamber has initiated and 
supported local programs for economic development, public education, 
and general community quality of life. Working as a cohesive body with 
its Board, staff and members, the Chamber strives to provide a better 
quality of life for its citizens. Historically, they have campaigned to 
improve infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, annexation, 
transportation, parks, education and tourism. Through a variety of 
methods, they have achieved their objectives through bonds, fundraisers 
or by launching programs to benefit the citizens of Independence. ``Put 
Us to Work'' was one program initiated during the depression to 
coordinate all civic relief efforts and employment assistance for its 
citizens. We should recognize organizations like the Chamber of 
Independence as they help our communities find solutions to our current 
economic challenges.
  When Harry S. Truman came home from serving in World War I, he came 
home to Independence, Missouri. When he was contemplating a run for 
Eastern District Judge, he went to Col. Southern for support. After 
serving as President, he once again returned to Independence. The 
Chamber honored him as a lifetime member of the Independence Chamber in 
1945. Later, out of respect and admiration, the Chamber proudly 
supported fundraising efforts for the Harry S. Truman Presidential 
Library.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in extending my warmest congratulations 
to Dr. Patty Schumacher, Chair of the Board, and Rick Hemmingsen, 
Chamber President, for the many accomplishments of the Independence 
Chamber of Commerce on this, their 90th Anniversary. The Chamber's work 
and dedication on behalf of the City of Independence has truly bettered 
our community. I urge my colleagues to join me in showing our 
appreciation to all its members, past and present.

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