[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING OTSEGO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Otsego 
County Chamber of Commerce for being named the winner of The Business 
Council of New York State's Chamber of the Year award. As the 
Representative of New York's 19th Congressional District, I have the 
great honor of working with the Otsego County Chamber and know first-
hand the good work they do for Upstate New York.
  Each year, The Business Council Chamber of the Year Award is given to 
a Chamber of Commerce that displays a positive commitment to pro-
business activities within their community and state. In awarding this 
honor to the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, The Business Council of 
New York has recognized Executive Director Barbara Ann Heegan's 
leadership and the entire Otsego County Chamber's work on behalf of the 
business community. Their commitment to quality programs and services, 
fiscal responsibility and membership growth makes them an example for 
Chambers of Commerce across New York and across the Nation.
  In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we 
have strong organizations dedicated to economic growth. Located in 
Oneonta, N.Y., the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce works to improve 
the overall business climate in Otsego County and create an atmosphere 
which attracts investment by building a positive, forward-thinking 
business community through partnerships with government, individuals 
and private institutions.
  Of particular interest to me was the Otsego County Chamber's 
partnership with local education institutions. These efforts included 
coordinating with the SUNY Cooperative Ed Initiative to create a 
college intern program, developing a partnership with Broome Community 
College to provide courses to county residents, expanding networking 
opportunities for community members, and providing seminars and 
educational programs. At a time where unemployment is hovering around 8 
percent but around 4 million jobs remain unfilled in the United States, 
it is more vital that job creators and educators work together to build 
the workforce our country needs to remain competitive on the 
international front.
  It is an honor to represent Otsego County in the United States 
Congress and I am proud to stand today in recognition of the Otsego 
County Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to continuing to work with 
Executive Director Heegan and her award-winning membership at the 
Otsego County Chamber to grow the economy and bring jobs to Upstate New 
York.

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