[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 24, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RENO + SPARKS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, I come forward today to 
recognize the 100th anniversary of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of 
Commerce. In 1890, the Reno Commercial Club and Reno Business League 
were born out of a need to enhance the city of Reno as a commercial 
center. In 1919, the two merged to form the Reno Chamber of Commerce, 
and in 1970, the chamber expanded to include the city of Sparks. In 
2018, the Latino Chamber of Commerce merged with the Reno + Sparks 
Chamber of Commerce to provide wider representation for the community's 
diversity of businesses and people.
  Today, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is the largest business 
organization in northern Nevada with over 1,800 registered businesses 
that employ over 85,000 individuals in Washoe County. The Chamber has 
42 ambassadors, as well as volunteers from a wide variety of industries 
who meet monthly to celebrate success stories and aid in event 
planning. The chamber also delivers more than 4 million annual leads 
and referrals through its online directory and offers free educational 
programs, training events, and countless opportunities for member 
connectivity. Through the Reno + Sparks Leadership Program, now in its 
34th year with 1,100 alumni, the chamber cultivates leaders by 
providing opportunities to volunteer and support the community while 
immersing participants in the issues and challenges of the region. It 
also hosts elected officials and issues its public policy platform each 
State legislative session to advocate on behalf of free enterprise and 
a robust economy.
  Since 1919, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce has advocated on 
behalf of all businesses, provided resources and support to its 
members, and connected its members with new customers and partners. The 
northern Nevada economic landscape is stronger and more diverse because 
of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce's many efforts to support 
local leaders and small businesses throughout the region.
  Through booms and busts, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce has 
been a steadfast force in our community. From ribbon-cutting ceremonies 
to its long-running leadership program, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of 
Commerce has been a reliable and valuable resource for northern 
Nevadans. Its dedication to economic prosperity and communal 
inclusivity for northern Nevada has stood for a century, and I am 
excited to see what they have in store for the next 100 years.

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