SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 580

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Doris Howdeshell, who is retiring April 30, 2011, as director of the Travel Information Division of the Texas Department of Transportation after more than three decades of exemplary service to the state; and

WHEREAS, An honors graduate of Southwest Texas State University, Doris Howdeshell began her career with the Texas Department of Transportation in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Known for her outstanding leadership skills and vision, she has been responsible for such exceptional initiatives as the highly successful "Don't Mess with Texas" campaign and the state's Adopt-a-Highway program, which has served as a model for similar programs in 48 other states; and

WHEREAS, Talented and resourceful, she has also overseen the production of the state's travel literature, including the award-winning Texas Highways magazine; she received the 2006 Tall In Texas award from the Texas Travel Industry Association for her outstanding contributions to the state's tourism industry; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional public servant, she is respected and admired by her colleagues, and her presence at the Texas Department of Transportation's Travel Information Division will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Doris Howdeshell for her exemplary service to the people of Texas with the Texas Department of Transportation and extend to her best wishes for the retirement years ahead; and, be it further

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

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 22, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate