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79R10726 MAM-D

By:  Pitts                                                        H.R. No. 879



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Residents of Ellis County are gathering at the State 
Capitol on March 29, 2005, to celebrate the contributions of this 
fine region of the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Located in North Central Texas, Ellis County was 
officially established by the state legislature on December 20, 
1849; named for Richard Ellis, the president of the Convention of 
1836 in which Texas declared its independence from Mexico, the 
county originally profited from cattle raising because of its mild 
climate and native grasses; and
	WHEREAS, The arrival of the railroad in 1871 stimulated 
agricultural production, and in the early 20th century, Ellis 
County ranked as one of the chief cotton-producing regions in the 
country; today the economy is balanced between manufacturing, 
agribusiness, and commerce; and
	WHEREAS, The people of Ellis County are dedicated to 
preserving their rich heritage; historic sites of interest include 
the Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, the Larkin Newton Cabin, 
and the Ellis County Museum, and several communities participate in 
the Texas Main Street Project, a program to rehabilitate and 
revitalize historic downtowns and commercial districts; and
	WHEREAS, The city of Waxahachie is thought of by many as the 
Gingerbread City because of its lovingly maintained Victorian 
homes, many of them framed by colorful trees and shrubs, and the 
town is also the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas; the city hosts many 
events that attract more than a half-million visitors each year, 
including the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival, the Bob 
Phillips Texas Country Reporter Festival, Bethlehem Revisited, the 
Candlelight Home Tour, and the Gingerbread Trail Historic Home 
Tour; and
	WHEREAS, A global leader in manufacturing, Waxahachie claims 
among its thriving business community the following companies: 
Performance Pipe, Rock-Tenn Corporation, Saint-Gobain Containers, 
United States Aluminum Corporation of Texas, Cardinal IG, Better 
Bath Components, Owens-Corning, Burleson Honey, Dartco of Texas, 
Georgia Pacific, AEP Industries, and Hardie Company; and
	WHEREAS, Ennis, located in the eastern part of the county,  
was designated the Bluebonnet City of Texas by the state 
legislature in 1997; a cultural center for descendants of Czech 
farmers who first settled in the region in 1875, the community also 
appeals to visitors who are drawn to such attractions as the 
National Polka Festival and the Texas Motorplex, a professional and 
amateur track that offers world-class auto racing; and
	WHEREAS, The city's progressive economy has brought in 
numerous industry leaders, including Sterilite Corporation, Elk 
Roofing, Legget & Platt, Inc., Atlas Soundolier, Ennis Steel 
Industries, Inc., Lowe's Distribution Center, CVS Pharmacy 
Distribution Center, Ennis-Tractebel Electricity and Gas 
International, and Koyo Steering Systems of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Other vibrant towns that dot the landscape of Ellis 
County are Midlothian, Red Oak, Ferris, and Ovilla; Midlothian, a 
center for cement and steel production, is home to firms such as 
Chaparral Steel Company, Texas Industries, Holcim Texas, Ash Grove 
Cement LP, Target Distribution Center, Toys R Us, American National 
Power, Ennis Inc., and Free Trade Zone No. 113; and
	WHEREAS, Red Oak, with its flourishing local economy, 
sustained residential growth, low crime rate, and award-winning 
school district, balances the charm and comfort of small-town life 
with convenient access to the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex; and
	WHEREAS, Ellis County has long benefited from the dedication 
of its fine citizens, who are ever mindful of the past while 
actively preparing for a productive future, and it is a pleasure to 
honor them on this special day; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 29, 2005, as Ellis County Day at 
the State Capitol and extend to all those associated with this happy 
day sincere best wishes for a memorable visit.