[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 775]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              JOHNSON CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CENTENNIAL

 Mr. CORKER. Madam President, on July 6, 2015, the Johnson City 
Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its centennial.
  For 100 years the chamber has promoted business, enhanced economic 
and community development, and served as a catalyst for improving the 
overall quality of life for people in the Tri-Cities.
  In many cities across Tennessee, chamber of commerce members are the 
lifeblood of the community. They are our educators, our bankers, our 
doctors, our pharmacists, and more, and they share a common dedication 
to improving the quality of lives of their fellow citizens.
  As a former businessman, chamber member and mayor, I know firsthand 
that what we do here in Washington, including Federal regulations and 
tax policies, has a direct impact on businesses and communities across 
Tennessee.
  For far too long, Washington has put off addressing these issues as 
well as what I believe should be our top priority: getting our fiscal 
house in order.
  As I speak with Tennessee chamber of commerce groups, one thing is 
obvious. They are ready for Washington to govern responsibly and 
finally focus on growing our economy, repairing our fiscal house and 
strengthening our Nation's role in the world.
  Some of America's greatest achievements and longest-lasting solutions 
have occurred when one party controls Congress and another the White 
House.
  It will take hard work, but I am optimistic. If the President rolls 
up his sleeves and provides leadership and if Congress acts 
responsibly, I truly believe we can begin to solve some of the big 
issues members of the chamber care most about.
  I congratulate the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce on their 
centennial celebration. I appreciate their input on how we can 
strengthen our communities and unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of 
our local businesses. I thank them for making the Tri-Cities a great 
place to live and do business, and I look forward to working with them 
for years to come.

                          ____________________