H.R. No. 1515

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Rio Grande Valley lost a visionary civic leader with the death of William Summers of Weslaco on November 30, 2009, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Born in Wharton, Bill Summers graduated from Donna High School and attended Pan American University on a track scholarship; he served his country in the United States Army and then enlisted in the National Guard, rising to the rank of staff sergeant; in 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Jo Jeanette Gray, and they went on to become the proud parents of two sons, Randall and Michael; eventually, Mr. and Mrs. Summers shared in the joy of welcoming four grandchildren into their family; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Summers distinguished himself during a career in public relations and banking; in 1987, he became president and chief executive officer of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, a regional chamber of commerce promoting opportunities for area citizens and enterprises; he encouraged local governments, economic development organizations, and chambers to collaborate for the promotion of the region as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Under his skillful guidance, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership became the first Texas chamber of commerce to establish an office in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Mr. Summers fostered communication among business leaders and officials on both sides of the border; he coordinated the Rio Grande Valley Mobility Task Force, which has brought more than $500 million in transportation funding to the area; in addition, he facilitated one of three Rural Empowerment Zones, resulting in a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan also became a pioneer in the tort reform movement; he founded and administered Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, which grew to become a nationwide organization; and

WHEREAS, Giving generously of his time and talents, Mr. Summers served as president of the Weslaco school board, the Weslaco Lions Club, and the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce; the city named him Man of the Year in 1974 and Outstanding Citizen in 1980, and in 2009, a section of Texas Farm-to-Market Road 1015 in Weslaco was named the Bill Summers International Boulevard in recognition of his myriad contributions; among other accolades that Mr. Summers received were the Civil Justice Appreciation Award from the Texas Civil Justice League, the Russell H. Perry Award from the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Legal Watchdog Award from the American Tort Reform Association; and

WHEREAS, Through his knowledge, skill, and tireless dedication, Bill Summers made a tremendous impact on the growth and economic development of the Rio Grande Valley, and his devotion to his community and his family remains a lasting inspiration to those who were privileged to share in his love and friendship; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of William "Bill" Summers and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Jo Summers; to his sons, Mike Summers and Randy Summers and his wife, Alma; to his grandsons, Scott, Kevin, Jacob, and William Summers; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bill Summers.

Martinez

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1515 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 5, 2011.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House