78R5428 JH-D

By:  McReynolds                                                   H.R. No. 281



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Founded in Lufkin more than seven decades ago, the 
Atkinson Candy Company has long fed the cravings of many Americans 
with its distinctive sugary treats, and one of its most popular 
candies, the Chick-O-Stick, remains a particular favorite among 
Lone Star residents; and
	WHEREAS, The roots of this venerable company extend back to 
1932, during the Great Depression, when 25-year-old Basil E. 
Atkinson launched a small candy and tobacco wholesale business; six 
years later he began to manufacture his own candy, laying the 
foundation for a multimillion-dollar company that is currently 
ranked among the nation's top 10 suppliers of Halloween 
confections; and
	WHEREAS, Employing more than 150 workers, the Atkinson Candy 
Company is the largest candy company in the state; it is now run by 
the founder's grandson, Eric Atkinson, and uses many of the 
original machines to produce its nostalgic line of sweets; and
	WHEREAS, The company's best-selling treat is clearly the 
Chick-O-Stick, a crunchy orange stick made with ground roasted 
peanuts, sugar, and toasted coconut; in 2000, the company produced 
more than 256 million of the candies and sold them across the United 
States and in several other countries; Atkinson also produces 
mints, Peanut Butter Bars, and a coconut peanut brittle; and
	WHEREAS, The candy industry faces many challenges, including 
globalization and the high domestic cost of sugar, which are 
forcing many businesses to move out of the country; despite those 
concerns, the Atkinson family is firmly committed to keeping their 
production in Texas, and their dedication to the state, together 
with their commitment to quality, has won them the respect of their 
industry and the loyalty of employees and customers alike; and
	WHEREAS, With deep roots in the Lone Star State, the Atkinson 
Candy Company has cheered generations of Texans with the unique and 
enduring Chick-O-Stick, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize 
both the company and its famous product at this time; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the Atkinson Candy Company and its popular 
Chick-O-Stick for their significant contributions to the economic 
vitality of East Texas and for the pure pleasure they have brought 
to countless citizens nationwide; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Atkinson Candy Company as an expression of high 
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.