Jodey Arrington: “Today I rise to recognize the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and congratulate them and their 2,000-plus members as they…”

“Today I rise to recognize the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and congratulate them and their 2,000-plus members as they gather for their annual awards ceremony this week. For over 100 years, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has brought these hardworking men and women together to better our community. Their commitment to excellence has earned them national recognition as America's first and only chamber to be two- time, five-star accredited and twice named Chamber of the Year. And as we say in Texas: ``That ain't braggin' if it's true.'' I want to recognize a few of our hardworking business leaders who are being celebrated this week: Ambassador of the Year, Danny Soliz; Volunteer of the Year, Kathy Timms; Business Person of the Year, Chris Lonngren; Business of the Year, Bayer Crop Science; and Entrepreneur of the Year, Shara Konechney. Congrats to all of these folks. Congrats to my friend, Eddie McBride. Mr. Speaker, I thank them for their leadership, and thanks to all of our small businesses. They are the heartbeat of west Texas, Mr. Speaker. ____________________”