[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 117 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2018

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
Anniversary of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce.
  In 1900, several Bryan businesspersons recognized the need for a 
collective organization aimed at improving business in the area. After 
several months of planning, the Bryan Business League held its first 
meeting. The organization has been known by many names including the 
Bryan Commercial Club, the Downtown Bryan Merchants Association, and 
the Bryan & Brazos Industrial League. In 1918 they settled on another 
name, the Bryan and Brazos Chamber of Commerce which is now known as 
the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce.
  Over the years, the Chamber has established itself as one of the best 
Chambers in the state of Texas, and it has played a large part in the 
development of the economies of both Bryan and the neighboring 
community of College Station. Today the Chamber's membership has grown 
to over 1,500 businesses including Fortune 100 companies, small-to-
medium sized business, non-profits, civic organizations, divisions of 
Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M University System, Blinn College, 
representatives from local city and county governments, and individual 
citizens. The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce unites 
business, civic, academia and government leaders with leadership 
focused programs and special events.
  Like other Chambers of Commerce across the country, the Bryan/College 
Station Chamber is the voice of the business community to elected 
officials of local, state and federal governments. Once a year, members 
of the Chamber come to Washington to advocate for policies that will 
help our nation's business owners and employees. I always look forward 
to hosting the Bryan/College Station Chamber; and my team and I take 
great pride in making sure they feel welcome and at home.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the centennial 
anniversary of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and 
recognizing their years of service to the Brazos Valley. It is an honor 
for me to represent such an outstanding group of entrepreneurs, local 
leaders, and visionaries in Congress.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our nation's 
Capitol to honor the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce on its 
100th anniversary.
  As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, our 
military, and our first responders who selflessly serve and sacrifice 
to protect us.

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