TITLE: Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 80th anniversary on August 24, 2017; and WHEREAS, This vital organization traces its roots back to as early as 1906, when a number of local residents began working together to establish a junior college, develop an airport and a deep-water port, and foster stronger economic ties with Mexico; the group constructed its first office building in 1927 and earned its charter as the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in July 1937; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the nonprofit has remained committed to its mission of promoting local economic growth through advocacy, leadership, and business-building initiatives, and today it boasts more than 700 business memberships; and WHEREAS, The chamber has additionally benefited the community by founding numerous events, programs, and institutions, including Charro Days, the Sombrero Festival, the Mr. Amigo Association, the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Leadership Brownsville, Brownsville Crime Stoppers, and Healthy Communities of Brownsville; moreover, its support was instrumental in the creation of Texas Southmost College, the Port of Brownsville, the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, and the Brownsville Economic Development Council; and WHEREAS, In 2016, the chamber was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration to host the Women's Business Center of Cameron County; one of five such organizations in the Lone Star State, the center is dedicated to enabling and empowering female entrepreneurs through programs and services focused on advocacy, education, support, and outreach; and WHEREAS, The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to furthering prosperity in this South Texas community, and its members may indeed reflect with great pride on the contributions the organization has made over the past eight decades; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the chamber as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Lucio III Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 493 was adopted by the House on August 15, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House