[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HILLSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2020

  Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Hillsboro 
Chamber of Commerce, the City of Hillsboro, and Washington County on 
the 125th anniversary of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. The City of 
Hillsboro has grown from its agrarian roots to emerge as an economic 
engine in the State of Oregon.
  Since the Hillsboro Chamber was founded in 1895, it has worked 
tirelessly with local business and community leaders to bring greater 
opportunities to the people of Hillsboro. When the Southern Pacific 
Railroad arrived, the ability to export wheat, hops, berries, onions, 
and dairy helped expand a commercial district in the community that 
eventually led to the formation of the Chamber. The Chamber emerged as 
an advocate for farmers and community members and, over time, the 
economic prospects of a once sleepy agrarian town expanded. During the 
Great Depression, the Hillsboro Chamber committed itself to unifying 
the community in difficult financial times, helping to lift spirits 
with celebrations such as Happy Days, Hillsboro Bargain Days, and the 
Harvest Festival. The Chamber also helped the local economy survive by 
partnering with the City of Hillsboro to administer funds that were 
used to employ workers to expand runways at the airport, build a post 
office and hospital, and improve a municipal water system. These early 
investments in infrastructure have helped make Hillsboro and the 
surrounding region a hub for the semiconductor and high technology 
industry. Silicon Forest, as it is known today, will continue to lead 
the way in development of new technologies and innovative thinking.
  Even with the expansion of the economy and growth of modern industry, 
the Chamber has continued to support small business owners and 
community members, making sure they have the opportunity to participate 
in the growing economy. In 1995, The Hillsboro Chamber created the 
School to Career Program, which has developed an important workforce 
pipeline to connect high school students from schools throughout 
Washington County to career opportunities in their communities. By 
connecting employers to educators and community leaders, the Hillsboro 
Chamber is also at the forefront of rethinking post-secondary 
opportunities for its community members.
  The 125th anniversary of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce is a 
testament to how a collaborative commitment between multiple 
stakeholders makes a community better for everyone. Although Hillsboro 
and the surrounding region look very different now, the spirit of 
collaboration and seeking opportunity in Hillsboro remains the same.

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