SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 186
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize February 19, 2003, as the East End Area Chamber of 
Commerce Day at the State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, The City of Houston originated in what is now the 
East End, at the intersection of Braes and Buffalo bayous; the 
area was settled by John Harris in 1826 and is known today as
"Old Harrisburg"; and
	WHEREAS, The East End is home to the Port of Houston, the 
nation's foremost port for foreign commerce and the sixth largest 
port in the world; since its opening in 1914, the port has 
generated nearly $7.7 billion annually for the state and national 
economy; and
	WHEREAS, With the guidance of the East End Area Chamber of 
Commerce, a proud citizenry has preserved Houston's birthplace 
through several revitalization projects; the Gulfgate Center, 
the first enclosed shopping mall in Texas, has been rebuilt, 
bringing the widespread expansion of retail business to the area; 
in addition, the Old Harrisburg Avenue with its unique Spanish 
Colonial architecture has been carefully restored to preserve a 
part of Houston's vibrant history; and
	WHEREAS, Now the industrial stronghold of the city, the 
East End is located close to major transportation routes, making 
it an important site for future commercial and residential 
redevelopment; it also enjoys proximity to downtown Houston, the 
Texas Medical Center, several major universities, sports 
facilities, and cultural amenities; and

	WHEREAS, Through the determination and hard work of its 
members, the East End Area Chamber of Commerce has an impressive 
record of accomplishments and has played a major role in carrying 
the East End through times of economic hardship; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend the East End Area Chamber
of Commerce for its invaluable contributions to the East End of 
Houston and to our state; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
for this organization as an expression of esteem from the
Texas Senate.
                                                                        Gallegos




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 19, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate