[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE EAST PARKER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 18, 2020

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the East 
Parker County Chamber of Commerce on earning a 5-Star Accreditation 
from the United States Chamber of Commerce.
  The East Parker County Chamber of Commerce became the smallest ever 
chamber to be honored with 5-star accreditation from the United States 
Chamber of Commerce. They received the award for their sound policies, 
effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the 
community.
  The organization, which serves part of Parker County, including 
Willow Park, Hudson Oaks and Aledo, is also one of just four such 
accredited chambers in Texas and one of only 128 across the United 
States.
  The East Parker County Chamber came from small and humble beginnings. 
In 1996, it held its first meeting at the function room of an RV park 
located near Aledo, Texas. The chamber had only 50 members at the time 
and held potluck lunch-time meetings. Because the meetings were 
informal, friendly, and comfortable, they attracted more business 
owners.
  From day one, the chamber grew at a steady pace. Now it is 520 plus 
members-strong, a dynamic force for promoting commerce in the eastern 
portion of Parker county. It enriches, promotes, and advocates for 
business growth that enhances its members and our community. As Parker 
county continues to grow, I know the chamber will remain true to its 
purpose and maintain the personal touch that it has had since the 
beginning.
  I am proud of the work the chamber does for my constituents in Parker 
County, and this accreditation validates all they do for our local 
economy and our community.
  On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer my 
congratulations to the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce on this 
tremendous achievement.

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