[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        IN RECOGNITION OF THE LOUDOUN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2018

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Loudoun County 
Chamber of Commerce, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018. 
This year, at their annual gala, the Chamber, in addition to 
celebrating this auspicious anniversary, will honor 2017 Board Chair 
Tina Johnson of JP Events and Consulting, and welcome the new Board 
Chair Mitch Sproul of Toth Financial. I would also like to make special 
mention of Tony Howard, the CEO and President of the Loudoun Chamber, 
for his dedication and hard work throughout his tenure at the helm of 
the organization. I take this moment to recognize them as individuals 
as well as the entire Board of Directors and employees.
  The Loudoun Chamber was incorporated in 1968. At this time, Loudoun 
County was primarily an agricultural economy, with more dairy farms 
than corporations in the region. Since, the Chamber has grown to be the 
largest Chamber of Commerce in northern Virginia with more than 1,200 
members, including a booming service and manufacturing sector. Loudoun 
County is home to many companies in the Dulles Technology Corridor 
including Verizon Communications Inc., one of the largest multinational 
telecommunications companies in the world, as well as AOL and Orbital 
ATK Inc. Their work is vital in keeping America competitive in the 21st 
Century economy, and they greatly contribute to American technological 
discovery. Other major employers in the region include United Airlines 
and Raytheon Company. This region is also known as ``DC's Wine 
Country'' for the many vineyards in the area. The Loudoun Chamber has 
formed the premier network of business and community leaders in an 
economically vibrant region. In fact, Loudoun County is the fastest 
growing county in the country. Membership in the Loudoun Chamber is 
diverse and far-reaching, including businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, educational institutions, and public sector partners 
that range in size.
  Loudoun County has been named by media publishers as one of the top 
communities to start and grow a business. In 2016 Money Magazine named 
Ashburn the best place to live in Virginia and one of the top 50 places 
to live in the United States. The Loudoun Chamber has been vital in 
fostering such a robust business environment that has helped the 
community achieve these accolades.
  The Loudoun Chamber produces more than 100 programs a year that 
provide Loudoun businesses and their employees with valuable 
networking, marketing exposure, professional development, and 
opportunities to connect with peers and political and community 
leaders. These events have included the Annual Loudoun Small Business 
Awards, the Valor Awards to recognize public servants, and the 
SuperHero 5K Run/Walk.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an organization which helps the citizens and 
businesses of Loudoun County thrive. I would ask my fellow Members to 
join me in congratulating the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and 
wishing it a happy 50th anniversary. I wish this institution continued 
success in the future.

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