WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) will serve as the keynote speaker at the 58^th Annual Banquet of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, which will be held on Saturday, January 17, in Lakeview. Joining Walden will be Current Chamber President Darryl Anderson, Incoming Chamber President Wayne Melquist, State Senator Steve Harper, State Representative George Gillman, Lake County Commissioner Brad Winters, Mayor Arlene Clark, Master of Ceremonies Don Liddycoat, and other community and business leaders.

Walden’s remarks will focus on the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, the recently enacted wildfire reduction and forest health legislation that Walden co-authored in 2003. The Healthy Forests bill is widely considered the most comprehensive forest management reform legislation to be signed into law in decades. Walden will address the benefits of the new law and how it will contribute to economic development and job creation in Lakeview and Lake County. Walden will also discuss other issues of importance to southern Oregon.

Congressman Walden represents the Second District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a Deputy Whip and a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Resources.

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