[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 31952-31953]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SONOMA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my 
colleague, Representative Lynn Woolsey, to honor the 100th anniversary 
of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has long served 
as a spirited defender of the Valley's interests, by encouraging new 
industry, organizing beautification projects and managing flood control 
efforts.
  The Chamber began the evening of April 10, 1909, when 32 businessmen 
convened over dinner to discuss how they could stimulate commerce for 
the benefit of local merchants and professionals.
  Membership quickly grew to 100 and the Chamber began their first 
initiatives, like publishing marketing material and establishing 
committees to begin tackling an ambitious agenda. In the early years, 
the Chamber called for transportation improvements and successfully 
lobbied Congress to protect a local federal facility from closure.
  During the Great Depression, the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce 
was instrumental in addressing needs of a paralyzed business community. 
To generate renewed interest in the organization, the Chamber hosted an 
event benefiting street and driveway improvements.
  In the subsequent years, the Chamber pioneered many efforts, 
including the creation of

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a commuter bus service to San Francisco, the endorsement of a municipal 
water system, support for State Parks and advocacy for underground 
utility and telephone lines. Notably, the Chamber raised local matching 
funds for a job stimulus program that was part of President Roosevelt's 
New Deal.
  Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Chamber was designated as a 
farm labor office tasked with steering workers to local farmers. In the 
years following the war, the Chamber focused on supporting an adequate 
sewage system, the introduction of local hospital and the adoption of a 
zoning plan. By mid-century, the Chamber hosted an industrial 
conference, boldly escalating efforts to bring new industry to the 
Valley.
  Today the Chamber has expanded its membership to more than 700 
leaders who continue to help ensure a thriving economy through 
advocacy, promotion, networking, education and services.
  Operating under the mantra that ``Strong businesses make strong 
communities,'' the Chamber hosts events, publishes a business magazine 
and offers comprehensive business, community and visitor resources. The 
Chamber also leads recognition efforts, honoring the business of the 
year and green businesses.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge the 
100th anniversary of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce. In years to 
come, this organization will remain an integral and powerful force that 
continues to enrich the business community for the benefit of all 
Sonoma Valley residents.

                          ____________________