SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 67

	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 Saint 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize February 1 and 2, 2005, as 
Commerce Days at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to 
the Commerce delegation.
                                                                          Deuell




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 2, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate