[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF BARBARA THOMASON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2019

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Barbara 
Thomason for her outstanding service and profound impact as President 
and CEO of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce.
  An accomplished Texas scholar, Barbara holds a bachelor's degree from 
The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in Management 
from Houston Baptist University. She also holds a Chamber Management 
certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 
Organizational Management, and a certification in Professional 
Community and Economic Development.
  Prior to her service at the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, 
Barbara had a diverse and impressive portfolio of professional 
experience. She served as the Dean of Corporate and Continuing 
Education at Lone Star College--North Harris, worked in training and 
development for the American General companies, and was a small-
business owner of the Gymboree franchise.
  She then went on to found the Northwest Chamber of Commerce 
Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational resources to 
local students. During her time with the Northwest Chamber, Barbara has 
proven to be a friend, leader and dedicated citizen of Houston. 
Throughout her years of public service, Barbara has been a model of 
exceptional civic duty, and has remained devoted to the advancement of 
Houston area businesses through grassroot level advocacy for local 
safety and economic development.
  In 2015, Barbara was named as a Woman of Excellence by the Women's 
Business Forum. The following year, Leadership North Houston honored 
Barbara as the 2016 Distinguished Volunteer. By 2017, Barbara was 
selected for a position on the Executive Board on the Texas Chamber of 
Commerce. Each award is well-deserved, and recognizes her steadfast 
service to our community.
  This year, Barbara is retiring following her 15 years of exceptional 
service to the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce. However, I know 
that Barbara will continue to be a leader and champion of family 
training and development during her next professional venture as a 
consultant. I am proud to join her family, friends, and colleagues in 
recognizing her many contributions to Northwest Houston. I thank her 
and I wish all the best on her next adventure.

                          ____________________