Today, the U.S. Chamber board of directors elected Edward B. Rust Jr., chairman and CEO of State Farm, to serve a one-year term as chairman, replacing John Ruan III. The board took the opportunity of its meeting to celebrate the Chamber's 100th anniversary.  Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) today also acknowledged the Chamber's anniversary during remarks on the Senate floor.

Today I am introducing a resolution congratulating the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on defending and advancing free market principles for the past 100 years.

For a century, the Chamber has helped business owners all across the country, from the Great Depression to the current fiscal crisis our nation is struggling with today, the Chamber and its member chambers and businesses have continued to find ways to help keep the economy growing and businesses hiring.

In 1962 marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Chamber, President Kennedy said, ‘The foundation of the Chamber in April of 1912 marked a turning point in the relations between government and business.’

This remains true to this day.

When the Chamber turned 70, President Reagan joked, ‘I remember the day you started. And like good wine, you’ve grown better, not older.’ He then quipped, ‘The membership of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States is the only thing that’s grown faster than the Federal Government—thank heaven!’

The free-enterprise system is the backbone of the American economy and nobody embodies it more than the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

So on the year marking their 100th Anniversary, I along with my colleagues, want to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the work you do to help businesses grow and create jobs.

Through your efforts, millions of Americans have been able to pursue and achieve the American dream.

To the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your contribution to society and congratulations on 100 years of representing and advocating for job creators around the country.

Learn more about how the U.S. Chamber has been standing up for American enterprise for 100 years with this interactive timeline.