[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 154 (Tuesday, December 4, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1866-E1867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE SONOMA COUNTY HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The 
Sonoma Hispanic

[[Page E1867]]

County Chamber of Commerce, of Santa Rosa, California on the occasion 
of their 25th anniversary celebration.
  The mission of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is to promote and 
support Sonoma County businesses with a commitment towards creating a 
healthy business environment through education, civic, and economic 
programs. They are an association of individuals, organizations, and 
business professionals working together to enhance our local economy 
and foster a positive cultural image.
  The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County was founded in the 
spring of 1987, and has since greatly expanded its membership and 
endeavors. Originally known as the Latino Breakfast Club, it formalized 
into a network of professionals, entrepreneurs, business people, and 
community leaders--Hispanic and non-Hispanic--who recognize the 
importance of the Hispanic community and its impact on society.
  In the last 24 years, the Chamber has raised over $280,000 for the 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, which has been 
distributed to over 300 students living in Sonoma County. These 
scholarships have helped many rising Latino students reach their goals 
by supporting their financial needs. Bilingual parent/student workshops 
were instituted in order to complement the scholarship program, and 
have since provided information on FAFSA, financial aid, and the 
college transition.
  In order to get further involved in the community, the Sonoma County 
Chamber of Commerce established the Leadership Academy, modeled after 
the well-respected program developed by the Press Democrat, The Press 
Democrat Leadership Forum. The Leadership Academy was created with the 
objectives of encouraging a new generation of leaders in Sonoma County 
and facilitating an ongoing dialogue that helps members of the Hispanic 
Chamber of Commerce understand all the ways our hometowns are changing.
  Members of the Sonoma County Hispanic Network have an opportunity to 
create a difference in the community. Through the membership their 
voices are heard in the political, social, economic, and educational 
arenas.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge The 
Sonoma County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for their extraordinary 
work.

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