79R5410 JTR-D By: Anchia H.R. No. 365R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Reginald Gates has distinguished himself as an astute businessperson, an able administrator, and a valued voice of the African American professional community, and it is indeed fitting to recognize the many accomplishments of this talented Texan; and WHEREAS, On his graduation from Bishop College in 1980, Mr. Gates immediately became the college's youngest administrator, taking on the job of director of campus housing, and since that time his career has continued to progress at a remarkable rate; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gates also holds a master's degree in education from Prairie View A&M University, and this credential is much in keeping with his experience as a project manager and assistant area director with the United Negro College Fund; and WHEREAS, His tenure as president and chief executive officer of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce was apt preparation for his current role as president and chief operating officer of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the nation's largest and oldest specialty chamber of commerce; and WHEREAS, The many contributions Mr. Gates has made to the greater good have not escaped the notice of his peers and colleagues, and he is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Steps to Excellence Positive Sisters' Daring to Care Award, the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce Chairman's Award, the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce Eagle Award, and the United Negro College Fund Leadership Award, and he has also been named Man of the Year by the Southeast Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club and by Cornerstone Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, In dedicating himself to the betterment of the world in which he lives, Reginald Gates has defined himself as a role model for every citizen who seeks to make a difference; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby honor Reginald Gates of Dallas for his many achievements and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Gates as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.