Recognizing the Ozark Chamber of Commerce's 75th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ozark, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce on its 75th anniversary.

The chamber was formed on Monday, October 14, 1949, when approximately 90 visionary business leaders from Ozark gathered to establish the chamber. Joe Majors, who was owner of Major Cheese Co., was elected as the first president while Dr. Stanley Roper was named vice president and Herbert Taylor was elected treasurer.

Recognizing the need to grow, the chamber's first committee was focused on gaining membership. They started with 49 members who paid an annual fee of $15 for men and $7.50 for women. Later that month, the membership had already grown to 58 business leaders. The following month, the chamber hired a part-time secretary and joined the National Chamber of Commerce. These efforts were just the start of three- quarters of a century of growth and success. Today, nearly 400 businesses and individuals make up the organization that is dedicated to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life in the community.

While a lot has changed over the past 75 years, the chambers dedication to the Ozark community has not wavered. Members continue to work tirelessly to support local businesses, engage with citizens, and collaborate with organizations that make Ozark a vibrant place to live and to work. Events such as the annual community awards banquet, the free business and community expo, the Welcome Home Event for new teachers, the widely anticipated annual Christmas parade, and partnerships with city, school and county entities all serve to enhance local businesses, the local economy and the local community.

I would like to congratulate Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Rusell on this landmark occasion, and I wish the chamber many, many more years of growth and success.

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