79R3572 JNC-D

By:  Flynn                                                        H.R. No. 84 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Commerce are gathering at 
the State Capitol on February 1 and 2, 2005, to celebrate their 
community's heritage and to share with fellow Texans their rich 
history and latest achievements; and
	WHEREAS, Thanks in great part to J. H. "Si" Jackson, who 
opened the area's first store, Commerce was originally settled in 
1864; incorporated on September 25, 1885, the town thrived with the 
arrival two years later of the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad, 
which connected residents to Texarkana, Sherman, and Fort Worth and 
helped establish Commerce as a viable commercial center; and
	WHEREAS, From its earliest days as an isolated settlement, 
Commerce has continued to grow and keep pace with its changing needs 
as evidenced by the numerous city improvement projects that have 
been completed or are currently underway, including a new City 
Hall, a new police and fire complex, and the Northeast Texas 
Children's Museum; the town's development in the private sector is 
guided by a carefully outlined strategic plan that addresses 
housing and industrial development as well as the revitalization of 
the university/downtown corridor; and
	WHEREAS, Through the years Commerce has retained its unique 
character and charm, and the high quality of life that the area 
offers has made it a most desirable community in which to live, 
work, and raise a family; and
	WHEREAS, The resplendent natural beauty of Northeast Texas 
and the proximity to Cooper Lake make Commerce an ideal vacation 
spot, where visitors and residents alike may explore a host of 
recreational activities, including camping, waterskiing, and 
fishing; in addition, Commerce is home to "Max," the second largest 
bois d'arc tree in Texas and the guest of honor at the Bois d'Arc 
Bash, an annual celebration held during the last weekend in 
September; and
	WHEREAS, Texas A&M University-Commerce offers opportunities 
for educational and cultural enrichment and is complemented by such 
resources as the six-story Gee Library, a performing arts center 
with two theaters, and the Jerry D. Morris Recreation Center; the 
university will soon boast a state-of-the-art science building and 
planetarium, as well; and
	WHEREAS, Blessed with a dynamic and friendly citizenry, 
abundant natural resources, and a thriving economy, the Commerce 
community is one of the Lone Star State's great assets, and even as 
its residents take pride and satisfaction in the area's remarkable 
success, they look forward to the new challenges and opportunities 
of the 21st century; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 1 and 2, 2005, as Commerce 
Days at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the Commerce 
delegation.