SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 421

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the City of Grand Prairie and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of Grand Prairie Day at the Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Grand Prairie is ideally located between Dallas and Fort Worth in the heart of the Metroplex; each year, many visitors are drawn to Grand Prairie by its many attractions and amenities; and

WHEREAS, Thoroughbred horse racing at Lone Star Park, golf on the city's highly rated courses, and fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, and picnicking in and around Joe Pool Lake are just a few of the city's many recreational activities that appeal to the most discriminating visitors, in addition to the cultural opportunities afforded by numerous museums and concert venues; and

WHEREAS, The city's healthy business climate is strongly enhanced by activities of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, which was formed in 1945 to encourage the growing and marketing of better agricultural products; as times have changed, so have the goals and purposes of the chamber; and

WHEREAS, Today, the chamber's 900 members strongly promote Grand Prairie's diverse economy and have reached beyond the business community to volunteer in numerous capacities, including assisting evacuees from hurricanes Rita and Katrina and providing a welcoming committee for servicemen arriving at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport; and

WHEREAS, The city that was incorporated as Grand Prairie in 1909 was first recognized as Dechman in 1863 and named for the man who traded his wagon, his oxen, and $200 in Confederate money for land in Dallas County; in 1877, he traded half his prairie property to the T&P Railroad to ensure that the railroad would come through the town; the name of the city was changed to Grand Prairie that same year; and

WHEREAS, Grand Prairie Day at the State Capitol is a fine time to showcase the unique qualities and history of Grand Prairie and its many contributions to the development of the state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby recognize March 8, 2007, as Grand Prairie Day at the Capitol and extend best wishes for a memorable visit to the representatives of the City of Grand Prairie and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce who have come to the Capitol today; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Harris

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate