[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 206 (Monday, December 31, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE YONKERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 31, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor a civic organization in 
Yonkers that this year is celebrating a remarkable milestone--the 
Yonkers Chamber of Commerce. 2018 will mark 125 years for the Chamber, 
which for well over a century now has worked to improve economic 
development in the region while building and promoting the city of 
Yonkers.
  The Chamber's legacy of service began, officially, on May 1, 1893 
when William F. Cochran, a leading Yonkers businessman, entered the old 
City Court Room and rapped his gavel to officially sanction what was to 
become a tradition to the local business community. The Yonkers Board 
of Trade was born. A number of prominent citizens, fifty-two to be 
exact, gathered to sanction what would later become Yonkers' leading 
business organization.
  A decade later, the Board of Trade continued to address issues of 
concern and helped establish a visible and viable business community. 
In 1903 the decision was made to form a Chamber of Commerce, and the 
process to make this a reality was put into place. On December 8, 1913, 
the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce officially became the 325th certified 
member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
  The Chamber of Commerce has served as the guardian and advocate of 
business, and works to foster a healthy relationship with government to 
establish programs designed to enhance business opportunities and 
attract new commercial establishments to the city. The Chamber of 
Commerce represents a diversified membership of retail, industry, 
professionals and service organizations, etc. from major corporations 
to ``mom and pop'' stores. Each member is treated with the same respect 
and concern, regardless of size.
  Today, the mission of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce ``to serve, 
build and promote a progressive city'' is alive and well. 
Congratulations to the entire Yonkers Chamber of Commerce Board, 
leadership, and membership on reaching this remarkable milestone.

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