R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On March 20, 1997, members of the Jacksonville 1-2 Leadership Group will be in Austin to celebrate Jacksonville Day at 1-3 the State Capitol, and this festive event furnishes an ideal 1-4 opportunity to extol the many attributes of this fine Texas town; 1-5 and 1-6 WHEREAS, Nestled in the heart of the Piney Woods, 1-7 Jacksonville was situated in order to take advantage of the 1-8 International-Great Northern Railroad in 1872, and since that time 1-9 the community has grown from a small way station to a thriving and 1-10 diverse city; and 1-11 WHEREAS, An agricultural center from the outset, Jacksonville 1-12 was known in the 1930s and 1940s as the "Tomato Capital of the 1-13 World," and the city's annual Tomato Fest pays tribute to this 1-14 crop's role in the area's early development; produce, greenhouse 1-15 plants, and Christmas trees also thrive in the local soil, and 1-16 cattle, timber, and manufacturing have all become mainstays of the 1-17 local economy; and 1-18 WHEREAS, In addition to its vital business community, 1-19 Jacksonville also boasts a number of institutions of higher 1-20 education, including Jacksonville College, Lon Morris College, and 1-21 the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary; and 1-22 WHEREAS, The region's vibrant and varied natural beauty 1-23 contributes to Jacksonville's high quality of life, and Lakes 1-24 Jacksonville, Palestine, and Striker offer outdoor enthusiasts 2-1 ample recreational opportunities; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Blessed with a rich heritage, abundant natural 2-3 resources, and a dynamic citizenry, Jacksonville successfully 2-4 combines the bustle of a modern city with the charm and 2-5 friendliness of a small town, and it is indeed fitting at this time 2-6 to recognize this remarkable city and its proud residents; now, 2-7 therefore, be it 2-8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-9 Legislature hereby recognize March 20, 1997, as Jacksonville Day at 2-10 the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting members 2-11 of the Jacksonville Leadership Group; and, be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-13 prepared for the members of the Jacksonville Leadership Group as an 2-14 expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Staples _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 300 was adopted by the House on March 20, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House