[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FERNDALE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ferndale 
Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its 75th anniversary.
  Beginning in 1934 as a small, localized Chamber, the Ferndale Area 
Chamber of Commerce has grown over the last 75 years to become one of 
the most innovative business organizations in Oakland County with 
nearly 300 members, ranging from sole proprietorships to the local 
offices of Fortune 500 companies.
  Prior to the incorporation of the City of Ferndale, the first 
acknowledgement of a ``Board of Commerce'' was made in the minutes of a 
Village of Ferndale commission meeting in 1918. Comprised of local 
businessman, known as the Ferndale Boosters, the group worked to 
promote programs for the betterment of the business community.
  On May 14, 1936 the ``Ferndale Board of Commerce'' was officially 
incorporated as a non-profit in the State of Michigan. The organization 
became the ``Ferndale Chamber of Commerce'' sometime between 1951 and 
1965. In 2009, to reflect the growing geographic diversity of its 
membership, the Board of Directors of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce 
voted to change the name to the ``Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce.'' 
This name change became official in 2010 and is more reflective of the 
Chamber's current membership, which includes 40 percent non-Ferndale 
businesses, a large number coming from surrounding communities such as 
the Oak Park and Pleasant Ridge.
  As the Chamber notes, many of its goals and ambitions following its 
creation in 1936 after the Great Depression have been revived as the 
State of Michigan recovers from its deep recession. As a testament to 
the Chamber's ability to evolve and strengthen with time, they have 
partnered with a number of neighboring Chambers to form collaborative 
relationships that capitalize on the strengths of each Chamber. Today, 
as in 1936, they are a strong advocate for the betterment of the 
businesses, communities and residents they serve.
  The Chamber's mission over the last 75 years has been simple: to 
support the interests of businesses and the community through dynamic 
member-driven partnerships and activities.
  I have witnessed firsthand the success the Chamber has with 
accomplishing this goal. From morning coffee hours and after hour 
events for member networking, to educational workshops and large, 
community-wide events such as the Hilton Fall Festival, the Chamber 
remains a vital part of the community it serves. As we have all worked 
together to move Oakland County forward, the Chamber has been on the 
forefront working with multiple partners across the community toward 
common goals, such as rapid transit along the Woodward Avenue corridor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its 75th 
anniversary and wishing them many more years of effective service to 
the Oakland County business community.

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