[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9715]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE GREATER BINGHAMTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2007

  Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Greater 
Binghamton Chamber of Commerce of Broome County, New York, on the 
occasion of its 100th anniversary. This Chamber is a truly dynamic 
organization that has shown a remarkable ability to grow, adapt, and 
succeed over the course of its one-hundred year history and it remains 
a driving force for economic growth. It gives me great pleasure to 
recognize the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce at its centennial 
anniversary.
  The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce serves a region with a 
rich history in industrial innovation and commerce, a history that 
stretches back to its founding father and namesake, the Englishman 
William Bingham, an eminent merchant and banker based in Philadelphia. 
By the time of the Chamber's establishment, Binghamton and Broome 
County had risen to become a national manufacturing and commercial 
force, producing everything from wagons and furniture to cigars and 
``medicine.'' In the twentieth century, the region became known as the 
Valley of Innovation and produced industrial giants such as IBM, Link 
Aviation, and the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company. While these large 
employers contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of the 
region, they were mostly memories by the dawn of the twenty-first 
century. The loss of certain large employers meant new challenges for 
Broome County and new opportunities for the local chamber of commerce.
  The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce has played an essential 
role in helping local businesses adapt to an ever-changing business 
climate. With nearly 1,000 members representing 50,000 employees, the 
Chamber boasts a broad and diverse membership that spans the entire 
county. The Chamber uses its influence wisely, successfully partnering 
with community leaders, playing a key role in developing and 
implementing strategies to grow the local economy, and always working 
to make Broome County a destination for people to live, work and raise 
families.
  The work of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is an integral 
part of the region's history and an essential part of its future. I 
look forward to many more opportunities for partnering with this 
dynamic organization and celebrating the continuing success story that 
is the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

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