[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H3588-H3589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING WINONA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

  (Mr. WALZ of Minnesota asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Winona, 
Minnesota Area Chamber of Commerce on their centennial celebration.
  On April 22, 1912, at the then-urging of then-President Taft, the 
U.S. Chamber of Commerce was established by a gathering of 700 
delegates from across the country, including innovative people from 
Winona, Minnesota.
  Even before the national chamber was formed, those very people in 
Winona had the foresight to establish their own local association of 
community and business leaders that would give rise to that great city 
on the Mississippi. While the last 100 years have seen many changes, 
one constant in the Winona community has been the chamber.
  Since its inception, the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce has been 
working to ensure local small business owners have the tools they need 
to succeed.

[[Page H3589]]

While it's important to note their rich history, the Winona chamber 
also has an eye on the future. By offering low-cost or free educational 
programs for young professionals in leadership, microenterprise and 
business management, the local chamber works to ensure future small 
business owners will continue to have the tools to succeed.
  Today I pay tribute to the foresight and leadership and wish the 
Winona Area Chamber of Commerce a happy 100th anniversary. Here's to 
another 100 years of promoting opportunity, small business growth and 
community involvement in Winona, Minnesota.

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