R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to 1-2 welcome the many citizens of McAllen who have traveled to the 1-3 Capital City on February 20, 1997, to celebrate McAllen Day at the 1-4 Capitol; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Founded by John McAllen, a rancher and trader who 1-6 emigrated from Scotland in the early 1850s, the city had already 1-7 amassed a rich and colorful history by the time it was incorporated 1-8 on February 21, 1911; and 1-9 WHEREAS, This prominent Texas city has emerged from a vast 1-10 region of mesquite and cactus, once known as the Hidalgo Free 1-11 State, to become a bustling commercial and financial center and the 1-12 hub of one of our state's most important agricultural regions; and 1-13 WHEREAS, The rich alluvial soils along the Rio Grande produce 1-14 an abundance of vegetables and citrus as well as grains, cotton, 1-15 and sugar cane; conveniently situated near a Mexican port of entry, 1-16 much of Texas' trade with our southern neighbor goes through 1-17 McAllen; and 1-18 WHEREAS, The city boasts a thriving tourist trade as well, 1-19 and its semitropical climate attracts many visitors from Canada and 1-20 northern America during those regions' winter months; McAllen's 1-21 outstanding convention facilities further make it a perfect place 1-22 for businesses to hold conferences and promote their products and 1-23 ideas; and 1-24 WHEREAS, McAllen and its industrious citizens have not 2-1 escaped the nation's eye, and the city's recognition level is at an 2-2 all-time high; in addition to being selected as an All America City 2-3 in 1996, this standout city was recognized as the best place in the 2-4 nation to do business by Forbes magazine and was ranked as the 41st 2-5 best place to live by Money magazine; and 2-6 WHEREAS, The people of McAllen are justifiably proud of their 2-7 city, for this unique community and its exceptional citizens have 2-8 played a significant role in Texas' development, and their many 2-9 contributions to the Lone Star State are truly worthy of special 2-10 legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby recognize February 20, 1997, as McAllen Day at 2-13 the Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the fine citizens who have 2-14 traveled to Austin to celebrate this significant event. Gutierrez _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 193 was adopted by the House on February 20, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House