[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 613]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CALHOUN COUNTY CHAMBER 
                              OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a 
very special occasion today--the 100th anniversary of the Calhoun 
County Chamber of Commerce.
  Originally, the Anniston Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1910 and 
celebrated their first year at their Annual Meeting in 1911. Two 
neighboring cities and a town, Oxford, Jacksonville and Piedmont also 
formed chambers of commerce. In 1979, Oxford and Jacksonville merged 
with Anniston to create the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, and in 
1984, Piedmont also joined, truly creating a ``Voice of Business.''
  The Chamber solicits input from member businesses, forms policy and 
acts as a spokesperson for the business and professional community. As 
the first stop for newcomers, the Chamber serves as the area's ``front 
porch'' and referral center. The Chamber provides specific services 
such as training, marketing tools, networking opportunities and 
information to assist members in growing their businesses, thus 
strengthening the local economy.
  Over 300 volunteers carry out the annual Program of Action. The 
chamber is independent of government funding and its entrepreneurial 
spirit has led the organization to a point in which it delivers three 
dollars of service value for every dollar paid in dues. The chamber has 
played a crucial role in many community milestones including the 
establishment of Fort McClellan and Anniston Army Depot, continuing 
safe destruction of stored chemical munitions, easing of tensions 
during the Civil Rights era, recruitment of industries, formation of 
the Economic Development Council and construction of the Veterans' 
Memorial Parkway.
  As Calhoun County and northeast Alabama move forward, the Calhoun 
County Chamber of Commerce is poised for continuing growth and success 
and I am proud to honor the 100th anniversary of this important 
organization in my hometown. Congratulations to the Calhoun County 
Chamber of Commerce.

                          ____________________