[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FARMINGTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 2016

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th 
anniversary of the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce of 
Farmington, Missouri. The application to form the chamber was signed by 
Edward B. Effrein as President; Charles S. Fitz as Vice-President; and 
Mack F. Denman as Secretary-Treasurer. The Chamber became a legal and 
active organization on July 2, 1941. Its mission has broadened over the 
years: to promote good government, hold meetings for the discussion of 
current questions, and improve the quality of life for the residents of 
Farmington.
  The Chamber was instrumental in bringing Trimfoot Shoe Company to the 
city as a major employer. In the 1950s the Chamber pushed for 
commercial development along the U.S. Highway 67 Bypass which today is 
known at Karsch Boulevard.
  The Chamber was instrumental in the creation of an industrial park; 
advocated for a state prison in Farmington; worked for educational 
issues; and led efforts to continue economic growth. It campaigned for 
the Farmington City Civic Center, improvements for the Farmington 
Regional Airport, construction of the Farmington Water Park and most 
recently, the construction of the new Farmington Public Library. The 
Chamber also led a team effort to have St. Francois County become a 
Certified Work Ready Community.
  From its year-long observance of Farmington's 200th anniversary in 
1997 to its annual celebration of Country Days, the Farmington Regional 
Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on what's best about Farmington. 
Its outstanding efforts led the Missouri State Chamber of Commerce to 
honor it as the 2014 Chamber of the Year.
  In the years ahead, the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce will 
continue to help Farmington be one of the best communities in Missouri 
to live and work. It gives me great pleasure to recognize the 
impressive 75-year history and the promising future of the Farmington 
Regional Chamber of Commerce before the United States House of 
Representatives.

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