[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7025]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to honor the centennial celebration 
of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, which will be held April 1. 
Almost 100 years ago, 37 citizens and business owners gathered to form 
the Elko Chamber. Their motto was progress, and their goal was to 
advertise the many resources that Elko County had to offer. Today, the 
Chamber claims more than 500 members, but their values are still the 
same--economic diversification, continued prosperity, and forward 
progress into the future.
  During a recent celebration of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, 
board members reminisced about the history of the chamber. They 
certainly have many accomplishments to celebrate. One of the most 
successful programs undertaken by the chamber has been their Chamber 
Checks Program. This effort has encouraged residents to shop at local 
businesses and kept more than $4 million in the community. The chamber 
also took the lead in relocating the landmark Sherman Station more than 
60 miles to the heart of downtown Elko. Each part of the homestead was 
carefully deconstructed and rebuilt by chamber members and volunteers. 
Today it serves as the home of the Elko Chamber.
  Over the years, I have been privileged to work with the Elko Chamber 
and the Western Folklife Center to promote and honor cowboy poetry. 
This rich tradition is an important part of Nevada's western heritage. 
Every year, Elko hosts the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, attracting 
visitors from across the country. The event would not be possible 
without the dedication of many volunteers and community leaders, 
including the Elko Chamber.
  The Elko Chamber of Commerce embodies the best principles of the 
residents of northeastern Nevada. It is my great pleasure to honor 
their centennial celebration before the Senate. I am confident in the 
continued success of the Elko Chamber of Commerce, and I look forward 
to working with them for many years to come.

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