SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 353

	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 Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th 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 from the Texas Senate.
                                                                         Staples




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 12, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate