SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 147

WHEREAS, Residents of Grayson County are gathering in Austin on February 10, 2009, to celebrate Grayson County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, In partnership with Collin and Denton Counties, Grayson County is participating in the first Tri-County Event at the State Capitol, which is being held to demonstrate regional cooperation in the North Texas area; and

WHEREAS, Grayson County is named for Peter W. Grayson, attorney general of the Republic of Texas; it was formed on March 17, 1846, by the 1st Texas Legislature, which also specified that the county seat be named for Sidney Sherman, a leader at the Battle of San Jacinto; as a result, the town of Sherman holds the distinction of being one of the few Texas communities named by an act of the legislature; and

WHEREAS, In 1872, the Houston and Texas Central Railroad built a rail line to Sherman, and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad reached Denison; these developments brought about a period of rapid growth and a dramatic expansion in the county's population; new settlements emerged, and today towns in the county include Whitesboro, Pottsboro, Bells, Whitewright, Tom Bean, Van Alstyne, Howe, Gunter, Dorchester, Tioga, Collinsville, Gordonville, Sadler, and Southmayd; the economic development that took place in the late 1800s transformed the county into a milling and market center for surrounding areas, and in 1891, the world's largest cottonseed oil mill was established in Sherman; and

WHEREAS, In more recent times, the local economy has diversified to include a wide range of industries and other businesses; the county is home to such commercial giants as Tyson, Ruiz Foods, Sunny Delight Beverage Company, MEMC, Emerson Process Management, Folgers Coffee Company, Terex, Cigna, Trailblazer Healthcare Services, Black and Decker Kwikset, Texas Instruments, and Progress Rail Services, a division of Caterpillar; agribusiness also continues to thrive, with wheat, corn, and hay as major crops; and

WHEREAS, Sherman, once called the Athens of Texas, is home to Austin College, and the county also offers other first-rate educational facilities and resources through its public school system and Grayson County College; and

WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts come to Grayson County to participate in the many activities offered around Lake Texoma, one of the world's largest reservoirs; in Denison, the birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower, visitors and residents alike enjoy the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historical Site as well as Eisenhower State Park; and

WHEREAS, Rich in heritage and bountiful in resources, Grayson County is a major contributor to the greatness of this state and a source of tremendous pride for its residents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize February 10, 2009, as Grayson County Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to the members of the visiting delegation on this noteworthy occasion; and, be it further

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

Estes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 10, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate