[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON 100 YEARS OF BUSINESS 
                               LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2012

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
rich heritage of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate 100 
years of business leadership in the Central Valley.
  Anniversaries such as this provide an opportunity for us to reflect 
upon the significant impact our local businesses, both large and small, 
have on job creation and economic growth. It is critical that we 
continue to increase opportunities for business owners and 
entrepreneurs to take risks and succeed, so that they are able to grow, 
innovate, and create jobs. Throughout the years, the Chamber has stayed 
true to its mission statement, which is ``to promote the region's 
economic strengths and vitality; identify and promote services that are 
valuable to our members; advocate for public policy that is 
advantageous to the business community; and fully participate and 
partner in activities to improve quality of life.''
  Also celebrating 100 years is the iconic Modesto Arch. The Arch was 
erected by the founders of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as a symbol 
to promote the city, and remains as a welcome when you enter downtown 
Modesto with the ever present slogan ``Water, Wealth, Contentment, 
Health.''
  I would also like to recognize the following six businesses for their 
continuous membership in the Modesto Chamber of Commerce for the past 
100 years: Foster Farms, Bank of America, Pacific Bell/ATT, Chicago 
Title Company, Pacific Gas & Electric, and J.S. West. They should all 
be commended for the community support and dedication to the city of 
Modesto.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating with the Modesto Chamber 
of Commerce on a day where we recognize not only where we have been, 
but the tremendous opportunities we have ahead in our efforts to 
fulfill our vision for the future. Congratulations on the past 100 
years, and I wish you the best success in the years to come.

                          ____________________