A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the greater wilmington chamber of commerce on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.
Whereas, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce was established in 1853 with 39 of the 40 houses of trade in attendance at the first meeting and Robert W. Brown, Esquire, called to Chair and D. McRae, Esquire, appointed Secretary; and
Whereas, the Chamber was formed to promote area businesses and strengthen the local economy; and
Whereas, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is the oldest Chamber in North Carolina and is among the oldest in the United States; and
Whereas, for 150 years the Chamber has dedicated itself to serving the Wilmington area business community by listening to its members and providing them with benefits and services to support their successes, advocating positions on those business‑related issues most beneficial to its members and to the community, and participating in initiatives that positively affect the quality of life in the community; and
Whereas, the Chamber's mission is enhanced through proactive leadership and partnerships throughout Southeastern North Carolina; and
Whereas, the Chamber's membership has grown to more than 1,650 businesses strong, enabling the Chamber to continue to establish and promote programs that help area businesses prosper and strengthen the economy of the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the founders of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives congratulates the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce on its 150th anniversary and encourages area businesses to continue to support the valuable work performed by the Chamber on their behalf.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Chair of the Board of Directors and to the President and CEO of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.