[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11094]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE GREATER TOMBALL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 8, 2015

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the 50th 
anniversary of The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce of Tomball, 
Texas.
  There is no doubt that the Tomball area is experiencing exciting 
economic growth. The area, once known for agriculture, oil, and the 
railroad is now a bustling corridor home to tech start-ups and 
manufacturing firms. Throughout this growth, one thing has stayed 
constant--the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce's small town 
friendliness.
  Although the Chamber was not formally incorporated until 1965, it was 
first organized in the 1920s when a group of local businessmen 
identifying themselves as the chamber sent a telegram to a Marshall, 
Texas doctor to entice him to move to the area.
  Built upon a mission to provide resources and foster relationships 
that empower businesses to prosper, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of 
Commerce is truly the model of excellence for all Chambers.
  The Tomball Chamber's great success is due in no small part to the 
local business leaders who over the years have worked so hard to make 
Tomball the great community it is today.
  Those men and women have been supported by a tremendous group of 
Chamber executives including Pete Still, Doris Johnson, Diane Holland 
and Bruce Hillegeist.
  I had the privilege of working firsthand with Diane and Bruce as a 
chamber executive myself in nearby Montgomery County. Diane not only 
led the Tomball Chamber for 20 years but was the first woman to hold 
the post of Chairman of the Board of the Texas Chamber of Commerce 
Executives. Bruce, who currently serves as the Tomball Chamber's 
President, held that same post in 2010 and is widely respected for his 
vision, energy, and leadership.
  Continually advocating on behalf of its members, the Chamber was a 
driving force in the creation of the Tomball Tollway which has brought 
much needed relief from congested roadways.
  Additionally, the Chamber was a key player in bringing the community 
college to the Tomball community. Now known as Lone Star College--
Tomball, the college has become an integral part of the Tomball 
economic infrastructure with an enrollment of over 12,000 students.
  Today, I want all of America to join with us in celebrating 50 years 
of excellence. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the 
Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

                          ____________________