WHEREAS, This year marks the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce's 90th year of service; established in 1925, this private not-for-profit works to serve Auburn area businesses and the community as a whole, working in partnership with over 475 local businesses, coordinated by the efforts of its Board of Directors and many dedicated employees and volunteers; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce's motto states, "advancing business, promoting the economy, and connecting communities;" and since its commencement, the Chamber has led a variety of programs that help realize the organization's mission; and

WHEREAS, Each month the Chamber puts out a copy of its newsletter Connections, which serves as a source of information for businesses and community members on the happenings of the Chamber, advice on adapting to the changing business market, and announcements for upcoming Chamber events; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce maintains a presence here in Olympia as a member of the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition, which is composed of chambers from the South King County and North Pierce County region and collectively advocates to the Legislature on behalf of 3,262 businesses that employ 185,977 workers and generate over one hundred billion dollars in revenue; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber's South Sound Leadership Institute takes business owners from the Auburn area and provides a rigorous eight-month training program in which participants are assigned group projects, speaking assignments, and participate in tours of local institutions; this year's participants have visited Auburn MultiCare Clinic, Sound Transit, Pediatric Interim Care in Kent, and our state's capitol here in Olympia; additionally, the South Sound Leadership Institute helps the Chamber support the Auburn community through a service-based project each year. In 2012, for example, program participants organized a backpack drive for the homeless with bags filled with essential items and information on local resources; and

WHEREAS, The Chamber takes a proactive approach to achieving their mission by developing the youth of the Auburn area, hosting a High School Career Conference each March focusing on giving students the skills needed to succeed as they enter the workforce, featuring mock interviews, keynote speeches on leadership, basic financial advice, and seminars on proper business decorum; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce's 90-year commitment to the region's economic and community success is deserving of the highest praise this legislative body can offer;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize and honor the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the region's economic and community success, on the occasion of the Chamber's 90th year.