HR1031 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1031 LRB098 21088 MST 58863 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Oswego Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber was originally known as the Oswego Business Men's Association dating back to 1937, becoming the Oswego Business Association in 1957 where meetings were held on the third Tuesday of each month; and

WHEREAS, On July 12, 1984 the Oswego Business Association officially became the Oswego Chamber of Commerce to promote business throughout the Oswego area with Hamilton Grant serving as the Chamber's first President and Jeff Harvey as the first Vice-President; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce is to promote the growth and prosperity of Oswego businesses by connecting them to resources, relationship, and value-added benefits to foster a successful business community; and

WHEREAS, In advancing the interests of business professionals and service organizations in the area, the Oswego Chamber of Commerce serves a vital role in the development and promotion of economic activity in Oswego, enhancing the quality of life of its residents; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber has been a strong partner working with major companies such as Jimmy Johns and Hobby Lobby, which recently announced that it will open a store in Oswego creating 50 new jobs; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber and its energetic ambassadors host many community-building events throughout the year such as Coffee with the Chamber events, new business ribbon cuttings, the Chamber's annual dinner and the Business Expo which is held each spring to showcase the Chamber's members to the Oswego community; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber sees Oswego schools as a vital partner for a healthy community and each year hosts a New Teacher Breakfast to welcome new teachers to the area and give them information on resources that assist the new teachers in and out of the classroom; the breakfast also provides the revenue needed for 2 scholarships awarded to a senior from each Oswego area high school each year; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber continues to help Oswego's business community grow and succeed as evidenced by its current 430 active members; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber is ably led by its President/CEO Angie Hibben, Financial Accounts Manager Jeannine Kristianson, Administrative Assistance Meghan Wagner, and the Chamber's 11 member Board of Directors including Chairman Tim Leverich, Vice-Chairman Annemarie Armbrust, Treasurer Scott Vickers, Secretary Lynn Flores, and the area business leaders who sit on the Board; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber has, for 30 years, served and will continue to serve as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication in attracting jobs and improving economic development in the Oswego area and the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor the staff and board of directors of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce for their work in attracting economic development to Oswego and congratulate them on the 30 years of excellence and dedication the Chamber has provided to the village of Oswego; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Oswego Chamber of Commerce as a symbol of our esteem and respect.