SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 561

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pleasure in joining the alumni and members of the class of 2007 of Leadership Southeast Texas in designating Monday, March 26, 2007, as Leadership Southeast Texas Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Leadership Southeast Texas represents 120 Southeast Texas businesses, organizations, and governmental entities; the program is the result of the partnership of the counties of Southeast Texas; the partnership consists of the counties of Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, and Tyler and the Bolivar Peninsula of Galveston County; the program is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year; and

WHEREAS, Leadership Southeast Texas is an educational program that was founded in 1992 and is designed to identify and motivate leaders in the Southeast Texas region and to provide opportunities for leadership development while contributing to regional economic advancement; and

WHEREAS, Leadership Southeast Texas is an exemplary program that boasts of an impressive membership of 651 graduates who currently reside and work in 47 cities in Texas, in 20 states of the continental United States and in Europe and the Middle East; these members continue to serve as ambassadors for Southeast Texas and the entire Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Leadership Southeast Texas works to provide the citizens of the state with a better understanding of Southeast Texas, including the strengths, weaknesses, obstacles, and opportunities for economic development, regional unity, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Leadership Southeast Texas identifies and studies issues involving ongoing area business development and encourages the initiation of innovative approaches to these issues, as well as professional interaction and communication with our state's prominent leaders; and

WHEREAS, In today's globalized society, communities are increasingly affected by national and international forces, making it even more essential that citizens stay fully informed and be actively involved; local communities are often on the frontlines of change, and input is especially valuable as we work to establish the foundations for future progress; however, events and needs are too often more impactful than the city or county can address alone; opportunities and our challenges must be viewed on a regional and statewide basis if there is to be progress; for the Southeast Texas of the future to continue to grow and thrive, it is imperative that its communities appreciate the support they give each other and succeed together as a region; and

WHEREAS, Leadership Southeast Texas Day at the State Capitol provides an opportunity for alumni to gather and celebrate the achievements of Southeast Texas; it is a privilege to recognize these civic-minded men and women of the Lone Star State for their substantial contributions to the betterment of Texas on the occasion of their program's 15th anniversary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby proclaim March 26, 2007, Leadership Southeast Texas Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for a productive and celebratory day and for continued success in their endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the participants in Leadership Southeast Texas as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Williams

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 26, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate