[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                FREDERICK COUNTY, MD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, the first 
chartered chamber in the United States. When the United States Chamber 
of Commerce was formed at a conference held by President Taft in April 
1912, four delegates from the Maryland's Frederick County Board of 
Trade were in attendance. Inspired by the conference, the Frederick 
County Board of Trade applied for membership to the newly formed 
chamber the very next day.
  The newly renamed Frederick County Chamber of Commerce committed 
itself to serving the business interests of Frederick County. During 
the ravages of the Great Depression, the chamber was a beacon of hope, 
advocating for Federal work programs and organizing the Community 
Chest, now known as the United Way of Frederick County.
  Over the past 100 years, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce has 
successfully promoted economic vitality in Frederick, and has been a 
crucial partner to countless local businesses and organizations. The 
Frederick Arts Council and the Tourism Council of Frederick County were 
both chamber initiatives that grew into independently successful 
organizations. The Chamber has also been a leader in promoting women 
and minority-owned businesses. In 1969, the chamber worked with the 
NAACP to form the People's Opportunity and Information Center, and in 
1997 they welcomed their first female president.
  Today, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce works with nearly 
1,000 member businesses to expand Frederick County's economy and 
improve the quality of life for Frederick County residents. By bringing 
business leaders together to tackle challenges and proactively plan for 
the future, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce has strengthened 
the community and the region.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Frederick County 
Chamber of Commerce on 100 years of leadership and advocacy on behalf 
of the businesses and citizens of Frederick County.

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