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May 14, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce.
which ran through the Portneuf Gap just south of the two cities, drawing pioneers, gold miners, and settlers to the region. The city of Pocatello was founded in 1889 and quickly became a hub for transportation and agriculture. This traffic was followed by stage and freight lines, then the railroad. Pocatello was aptly named the Gateway to the Northwest, as it quickly grew into a trade center and transportation junction. Chubbuck, named after railroad conductor Walter Chubbuck, was incorporated in December 1949. The towns, separated only by a city limits sign, are joined together through the Chamber of Commerce, which works for both communities.
and formally became a chamber of commerce in 1901. What started as a booster-style club quickly expanded in influence to support the construction of the American Falls dam. Then, in 2014, after a few name changes, the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce came into being, with a mission of representing trade in Pocatello, Chubbuck, and the surrounding area.
with the region's early boom period. This marked a busy time for early members tasked with recruiting and representing new businesses, coordinating civic improvements, and promoting downtown commerce. Now, 125 years later, the chamber advocates for local businesses at the State and Federal level, promotes tourism, and runs community campaigns, including the Leadership Pocatello-Chubbuck Program, the Youth Pocatello Leadership Program (LEAP), the Chamber Young Professionals, the Chamber Champions Committee, and beautification programs.
has played a vital role in shaping the region from a railroad town to one of the largest communities in Idaho. Home to Idaho State University, major corporate headquarters, and multinational companies, the area has emerged as a hub for the Gem State. The chamber has been a driving force in this effort and, more importantly, preserving the heart and soul of Pocatello and Chubbuck.
years. Today, we proudly recognize the chamber's hard work and continued dedication to driving economic growth in Idaho.