[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1191-E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE GREATER McLEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Greater McLean 
Chamber of Commerce which celebrated its 55th anniversary on August 
30th. The Chamber had been incorporated in 1961 as the McLean Business 
& Professional Association. Besides promoting camaraderie among area 
business owners, principal community achievements of its first thirty 
years included working with the McLean Citizens Association and others 
to found the McLean Community Center; financing the planting of trees 
in the business district and along Virginia Route 123 from Arlington to 
Tyson's Corner; and playing a major role in the development of the 
first land-use plan for central McLean's business district.
  Reincorporated in 1994 as a chamber of commerce, the Greater McLean 
Chamber has

[[Page E1192]]

since that time broadened its services to its membership and its 
assistance to the Greater McLean community. In 1997, the Chamber worked 
with Fairfax County and local non-profits to found the McLean Visitor 
Center, which is still in operation providing information about area 
attractions and the work of community organizations. In 1999, it 
installed gateway signage around the McLean area and in the business 
district to promote a sense of place and community. More recently, the 
Chamber provided input into the development of the new Tysons 
comprehensive plan, while maintaining a voice for responsible 
development in the McLean Community Business Center via the McLean 
Planning Committee and the McLean Revitalization Corporation.
  Over the past decade, the Chamber has been perennially ranked as a 
Top 20 Chamber of Commerce in metropolitan Washington by the Washington 
Business Journal, and is the second-largest community-based chamber in 
Northern Virginia. In 2011, it received the Fairfax County Office of 
Public Private Partnerships' Chamber of Commerce Community Connector 
Award, in recognition of its level of service and leadership in 
promoting its community.
  The Chamber has successfully nurtured a community of business and 
civic leaders in the Greater McLean community, including the McLean, 
Tysons, Great Falls and Chesterbrook business areas. Through networking 
events, education series, conferences and community awards programs, 
the Chamber promotes the economic and civic well-being of this 
important part of Fairfax County, Virginia while standing for high 
ethical standards in the conduct of business.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an organization which helps the citizens and 
businesses of Greater McLean to thrive. I would ask my fellow 
Congressmen and women to join me in congratulating the Greater McLean 
Chamber of Commerce and wishing it a happy 55th anniversary. I wish 
this institution continued success in the future.

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