SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 653

WHEREAS, Koepp Chevrolet in La Vernia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2023; and

WHEREAS, This venerable enterprise was established in 1923 by Ewald Otto Koepp, a cotton farmer, and in the early years, the garage provided maintenance on vehicles, operated a single gas pump, and sold tires; in the late 1920s, it became an authorized dealer for Chevrolet; and

WHEREAS, After weathering the Depression and World War II, the company began to offer additional services; Mr. Koepp became a notary public and performed state vehicle inspections, and his staff managed the bus stop in front of the garage that brought in passengers from San Antonio; Mr. Koepp's efforts to better the community included serving on boards that brought electricity and running water to the area, maintaining local fire equipment, and building a local playground; committed to education, he also played an integral role in the creation of the La Vernia Independent School District; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Koepp's son, Ewald "Junior" Koepp, took over the business in 1969; in addition to serving the community as mayor, he helped to establish the high school football team and the local chamber of commerce, and he played a key role in developing subdivisions, building highways, and convincing businesses like H-E-B to come to La Vernia; his son, Dwight, joined the company at age 16 and eventually worked in every part of the business before officially becoming owner in 2003; today, the dealership continues its long tradition of service, and it supports many local organizations, including La Vernia ISD; and

WHEREAS, One of the oldest family-owned dealerships in the country, Koepp Chevrolet has built a record of dependability and longevity with generations of loyal customers, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor the Koepp family for the contributions they have made to the La Vernia community over the past century; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Koepp Chevrolet and extend to Dwight Koepp and his employees sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Koepp Chevrolet as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 24, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate