[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23630]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      KINGWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2007

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, outside of Houston in 1969 a group of 
developers set out to create a suburban paradise hidden amongst the 
trees. From these humble beginnings, Kingwood has grown into a viable 
economic and residential force in southeast Texas. Now known as the 
``livable forest,'' locals work together daily so they may progress 
successfully into the future while at the same time preserving their 
unique surroundings.
  Spearheading this progress is the Kingwood Chamber of Commerce. 
Founded in 2003, this group strives to meet the needs of the local 
community and encourage local trade. Since its inception, these fine 
Texans have participated in numerous business and community service 
projects. Sparky Nolan currently serves as the president of this 
organization, and has been an inspirational community leader from the 
start. Kingwood Chamber members recognize the importance of their 
consumer's quality of life in correlation with economic growth.
  Last January the group organized ``Travis McCormick Kleenwood Day.'' 
Members of the chamber worked together in teams with other local 
residents to help make their community more visually appealing. At the 
end of the event, hundreds of pounds of litter near sidewalks, 
greenbelt trails, and curbs were properly disposed of.
  The Kingwood Chamber of Commerce also supports projects such as the 
Wildflower Project 2007, another demonstration of their commitment to 
bettering surrounding neighborhoods. In April the chamber organized the 
planting of wildflowers throughout the Kingwood area. The pride these 
Kingwood residents take in their community is certainly commendable, 
and is demonstrated not only in sponsorships like the Wildflower 
Project but in their support for local business and community 
organizations.
  In addition to business growth, the Kingwood Chamber supports the 
entire community and stands for patriotism at its finest. Their support 
of local organizations like the Blue Star Mothers shows the chamber's 
concern and support for families with children who have served in the 
United States Armed Forces.
  It gives me great pride to recognize the Kingwood Chamber for all 
they do. By working to better the community, Kingwood Chamber members 
understand the fundamental aspects of being Texan and I congratulate 
them on a job well done.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________