By:  Coleman                                           H.R. No. 482
       73R7754 SRD-F
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The La family came to the United States from Vietnam
    1-2  in 1980 in pursuit of the American dream, and the personal and
    1-3  economic achievements of its members during the last 13 years are
    1-4  inspiring to all Americans; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, Following the loss of the family business during the
    1-6  Communist takeover of Vietnam, 10 members of this indomitable
    1-7  family moved into a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Houston,
    1-8  working tirelessly to raise money to start a new business; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, In only two years, these remarkable individuals
   1-10  saved $20,000, just enough for one month's lease of restaurant
   1-11  space; the Kim Son eatery quickly became one of Houston's most
   1-12  popular Vietnamese restaurants, and the family opened a second Kim
   1-13  Son location in 1986; and
   1-14        WHEREAS, An inspiration to entrepreneurs throughout the State
   1-15  of Texas, this renowned restaurant has brought prosperity to both
   1-16  the La family and the Houston community; with approximately $2.5
   1-17  million in sales last year, Kim Son today is the top Vietnamese
   1-18  restaurant in the city and recently relocated to a new
   1-19  22,000-square-foot building; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, Determined to build on their family's prosperity,
   1-21  all seven of the La children have graduated from or are currently
   1-22  attending college, and their commitment to education and hard work
   1-23  serves as a shining example to those pursuing the American dream;
   1-24  now, therefore, be it
    2-1        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
    2-2  Legislature hereby honor the La family of Houston for its
    2-3  extraordinary achievements; and, be it further
    2-4        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    2-5  prepared for the La family as an expression of highest regard by
    2-6  the Texas House of Representatives.