Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1276 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1276

   Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 12, 2026

Ms. Bynum submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                    Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce traces its origins to 1926, when local 
        business leaders formed the Bend Commercial Club to promote economic 
        opportunity and civic development in the growing community of Bend, 
        Oregon, and unanimously voted on May 26, 1926, to rename the 
        organization the Bend Chamber of Commerce;
Whereas, during the early decades of the 20th century, Bend emerged as a major 
        timber center supported by large lumber operations such as the Shevlin-
        Hixon and Brooks-Scanlon mills, and the Bend Chamber of Commerce helped 
        local businesses coordinate economic development and community growth 
        during this period of rapid expansion;
Whereas, throughout the 1930s and beyond, the Bend Chamber of Commerce served as 
        a forum for business collaboration and civic leadership, advocating for 
        policies and infrastructure that strengthened Bend's economy and 
        supported its residents and workforce;
Whereas, in 1937, the Bend Chamber of Commerce warned of the need for 
        sustainable forestry practices as Central Oregon's timber economy 
        expanded, demonstrating early leadership in long-term economic planning 
        for the region;
Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce has grown alongside the city itself, 
        expanding from a small business alliance into one of the largest 
        chambers of commerce in Oregon, representing nearly 1,650 member 
        businesses and serving as a leading voice for economic vitality in 
        Central Oregon;
Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce has played a critical role in helping the 
        community navigate economic transitions, including the shift from a 
        timber-based economy to a diverse regional economy that includes 
        tourism, outdoor recreation, advanced manufacturing, health care, and 
        technology;
Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce has developed programs and initiatives that 
        cultivate leadership, workforce development, and civic engagement in 
        Central Oregon, including Leadership Bend, Bend Emerging Talent, Youth 
        Career Connect, Bend 101, and NEXTUp Leaders;
Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce advocates for business and community 
        priorities at the local, State, and Federal levels, addressing issues 
        such as workforce housing, childcare availability, economic 
        competitiveness, and infrastructure needed to sustain a growing regional 
        economy;
Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce is predominantly supported by its members 
        and remains an independent voice for the business community, helping 
        convene employers, civic leaders, and policymakers to address shared 
        challenges and opportunities;
Whereas the Bend Chamber of Commerce has fostered collaboration among 
        businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government 
        partners, strengthening Bend's reputation as one of the most vibrant and 
        innovative communities in the Pacific Northwest; and
Whereas the year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Bend Chamber of 
        Commerce, commemorating a century of leadership, advocacy, and service 
        to the Bend and Central Oregon community: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 
        Bend Chamber of Commerce and its century of contributions to 
        the economic vitality and civic life of Bend, Oregon, and the 
        Central Oregon region;
            (2) commends the Bend Chamber of Commerce for its enduring 
        commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening 
        businesses, and fostering collaboration across the community;
            (3) honors the generations of leaders, members, staff, and 
        volunteers whose vision and service have shaped the Bend 
        Chamber of Commerce over the past 100 years; and
            (4) encourages continued partnership among businesses, 
        civic organizations, and public institutions to ensure a 
        thriving and prosperous future for Bend and Central Oregon.
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