79R8204 BJM-D

By:  Orr                                                          H.R. No. 764



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Gene Harris Petroleum, Inc. (GHPI) was recently 
honored with its second Business Dynamic Award by the Burleson Area 
Chamber of Commerce, and this occasion provides an apt time to 
recognize the company's owner, Gene Harris, for his professional 
and civic contributions; and
	WHEREAS, The 1941 valedictorian of Burleson High School, Mr. 
Harris started a modest dairy operation and drove a gasoline truck 
before beginning his career in the service station business in the 
1950s; and
	WHEREAS, With great perseverance and determination, Mr. 
Harris transformed a single service station into GHPI, a thriving 
enterprise that today employs approximately 50 individuals and 
encompasses eight stores, a gasoline distributorship, and a propane 
delivery business; and
	WHEREAS, This accomplished Texan has further proven his 
entrepreneurial abilities by operating a successful country store 
and food franchise in Grandview, where he and his wife have been 
spending weekends since buying a ranch in the area in the early 
1970s; and
	WHEREAS, Despite his many responsibilities, Mr. Harris has 
consistently found the time to serve his community, and he has 
benefited a host of civic and professional organizations with his 
membership, including the chamber of commerce, the Bethesda Water 
Cooperative board, the Environmental National board, and the Texas 
Petroleum Markets and Convenience Store Association; moreover, he 
has been recognized with the Community Builder's Award by the 
Grandview Masonic Lodge and the Norwood Award by the Burleson Ex 
Students Association; and
	WHEREAS, Gene Harris is an outstanding civic leader and an 
astute businessman, and it is indeed fitting that he be honored for 
his many accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Gene Harris on his company's 
receipt of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce Business Dynamic 
Award 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. Harris as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.