[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 852]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON ITS SIXTIETH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2016

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the Charles County 
Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary. Since 
its establishment in 1956, with Reed McDonagh as its first President, 
the Chamber has provided a boost to the local business community 
through educational seminars, public forums business development 
strategies, and a strong voice for the needs of its members. Working in 
partnership with the county government, the public school system, and 
local community leaders, the Chamber continues to contribute to the 
goal of ensuring that Charles County grows and remains a great place to 
do business.
  With each passing decade, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce has 
taken creative steps to fulfill its mission to support its members and 
advance the county as a leader for economic growth and private sector 
job creation in Southern Maryland through its effective advocacy, high 
level networking and timely communications.
  The Chamber has always dedicated itself to the mission of making 
Charles County a great place to invest, work, and grow a business. In 
its first years the Chamber gave rise to the Committee of 100, which 
later became the county's Economic Development Commission. In the 
1970's, it established the Annual Trade Show to introduce local 
businesses, large and small, to county residents and to promote 
available services. In the decade that followed, it launched a 
scholarship program in memory of U.S. Navy Seabee diver, Robert D. 
Stethem, a Charles County resident and an early victim of the War on 
Terrorism, an example of the many ways it has worked to strengthen the 
local community over the years.
  The Chamber created a memorial ``Business of the Year'' Award 
honoring Reed McDonagh in the 1990's to recognize a business that 
provides exceptional leadership in advancing the mission of the Chamber 
and its core principles. Around that time as well. the Chamber played a 
vital role in advocating for the importance of the Naval Surface 
Warfare Center. Indian Head Division, during the BRAC Commission 
process, in which I was proud to help lead the fight to keep these 
installations open and an integral part of Southern Maryland's culture 
and economy.
  In recent years, the Chamber has played a critical role in working 
with federal, state, and local officials to help businesses and 
families get back on their feet after a devastating tornado, bringing a 
minor league team to the county, and forging a new international 
partnership through the Sister City program. The Chamber has also been 
an active member of the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland. Now 
located in La Plata, its services are easily accessible to residents 
and businesses across Charles County, and it has broadened its efforts 
to take advantage of new developments in the region through its Young 
Professionals Group and Military Alliance Council.
  Throughout its history, the Chamber has sought to provide resources, 
gain insight, and develop and advocate for solutions which continue 
making our local economy stronger and more vibrant. The Chamber prides 
itself on its commitment to helping members grow and prosper, and I 
hope my colleagues will join me in saluting the great work it has done 
over the past six decades. I look forward to continuing to work in 
partnership with the Chamber as it continues to help make Charles 
County a great place live and do business.

                          ____________________