H.R. No. 160R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Emmett Sheppard has been named the new president of the Texas AFL-CIO, in which capacity he will oversee the operational and financial activities of the state's leading labor federation and help to ensure its continued existence as a strong voice for Texas workers; and WHEREAS, A native of Groves, Mr. Sheppard began his career with Gulf Oil Corporation, where he became a member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Local 4-23; over the years, he held a succession of leadership positions within the union and negotiated several key contracts, developing a keen understanding of issues of central importance to Texas workers; following a three-year term as secretary-treasurer, he was named president of the Sabine Area Central Labor Council, an office he held with distinction until 1989, when he became legislative director for the Texas AFL-CIO; his able representation of Texas unions at the local, regional, and statewide levels earned him well-deserved acclaim, and in 1993 he was named to the office of secretary-treasurer, a position he held with great integrity and acumen before assuming the presidency; and WHEREAS, Before embarking on his tenure in labor representation, Mr. Sheppard was an elected official in the city of Groves, where he served as a city councilman for a four-year term and as mayor pro tempore from 1975 to 1977; during the last three decades, he has established himself as a community leader of note, having served on the boards of numerous worthy charitable and civic organizations, including the March of Dimes, the United Way, and Junior Achievement of Jefferson County; and WHEREAS, Many state officials have had the privilege of working with him during his tenure on the Texas Employment Commission Advisory Board and the Texas Workers' Compensation Insurance Facility Governing Committee; Mr. Sheppard, who since 1996 has served on the Project SAFE Texas Executive Advisory Board, today plays an instrumental role in the success of such statewide initiatives as the Workers' Assistance Program; and WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan has demonstrated courage and commitment in every aspect of his career as a community leader and labor representative, and through his work he has truly helped to make this state a better place in which to work, live, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Emmett Sheppard for his many significant contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Sheppard as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Capelo ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 160 was adopted by the House on August 22, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House