[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4761]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE STERLING HEIGHTS 
                REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2011

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor today 
to honor and recognize an exceptional organization located in 
Michigan's 10th Congressional District--the Sterling Heights Regional 
Chamber of Commerce & Industry. On Friday, April 1, 2011, the Sterling 
Heights Chamber will mark a special day in its history with a very 
momentous 50th Anniversary Celebration. This ``Golden Occasion'' will 
be an opportunity to reflect upon the excellent work performed since 
the Chamber's inception in 1961 when it was first known as the Greater 
Utica Chamber of Commerce.
  Over the past 50 years, the Chamber has adapted and transformed in 
order to maintain its business edge, and is known as one of the premier 
chambers in the State of Michigan. While over the years their name has 
changed to accommodate their growing membership in Macomb County and 
throughout the region, their mission and goals have always remained the 
same--``to bring features, benefits and value to their members, and 
each and every day strive to bring a return on that investment.''
  The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry has 
been a true ambassador of economic liberty and an admirable advocate 
for small businesses. It has always taken a proactive approach to 
highlight the wonderful resources and services available to potential 
customers and clients. With business workshops, educational seminars 
and various community outreach events covering a wide range of topics 
and issues, the entrepreneurial spirit has been the driving force 
behind their initiatives to improve our economy, create a better 
business climate, increase the number of jobs, and enhance the quality 
of life for all who call this area home.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the chamber's leadership, both past and 
present, for their tireless work, innovative thinking and exemplary 
vision. The effectiveness and strength of this Chamber is displayed by 
the fact it has expanded its designated coverage base of the original 
communities of Sterling Heights, Utica and Shelby Township to also 
include communities in the adjoining Oakland and Wayne Counties. It 
captured the essence of this region by focusing on the industrial, 
manufacturing and engineering businesses that are unique to Southeast 
Michigan, and provided opportunities for their collaboration.
  During these years of severe economic challenges, especially in 
Macomb County and in the State of Michigan, one thing has become 
crystal clear: We cannot afford to isolate ourselves from our neighbors 
based on parochial interests. The 5 million people living and working 
in the Metro Detroit Region need to work together to find solutions to 
our economic woes. This includes all stakeholders, private and public, 
communicating with one another and using all the tools and resources at 
their disposal. The Sterling Heights Chamber has always fostered this 
type of cooperation among its members.
  I personally can attest to the positive impact the Chamber has had in 
Macomb County. Beginning with my years working for my family's marina 
business, and extending throughout my career in public service at the 
township, county, state and federal level, the efforts of the Chamber 
have been nothing short of extraordinary. The executive team, support 
staff and Board of Directors have always set a robust agenda to improve 
our economic well-being and I salute each and every one of them for 
their dedicated efforts and hard work.
  In closing, Mr Speaker, I want to offer my personal congratulations 
to the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry as 
they celebrate this milestone event. I wish them nothing but the best 
and another 50 years of successful service to the businesses in our 
community.

                          ____________________