SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 413

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Waco who have come to Austin to celebrate Waco Day at the State Capitol on April 10, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Waco was founded in 1849 and played a central role in the development of the Lone Star State in the 1800s; it served as a center for cotton farming, as a stopping point for the cowboys on the Chisholm Trail, and as a thriving transportation and marketing hub; and

WHEREAS, By the mid-1900s, Waco had grown into an important manufacturing center, and in recent decades, other sectors such as health care and aerospace have made significant contributions to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, Tourism is also a factor in the region's prosperity, and Waco had the highest hotel occupancy rate in the state in 2018; residents and visitors alike are drawn to such attractions as the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the scenic surroundings of Lake Waco and Cameron Park on the banks of the Brazos River; and

WHEREAS, Institutions of higher education have been a key element in Waco's success throughout its history; Baylor University has been a part of the city since 1887, and Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College have further enhanced the town's reputation as a place of learning and innovation; and

WHEREAS, During the United States presidency of George W. Bush, Waco was home to the White House Press Center, which provided briefing and office facilities for the press corps when President Bush was at the "Western White House," his ranch in Crawford, 20 miles west of Waco; and

WHEREAS, A fitting symbol of the City of Waco's forward-thinking attitude is the home of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, which opened in June of 2008 and was specifically designed to qualify for gold-level certification from the United States Green Building Council; the building incorporates a range of innovative features to create an environmentally sensitive landmark that serves as a model for additional sustainable construction projects; and

WHEREAS, Area residents take great pleasure in the city's high quality of life, and they continue to make vital contributions to the Lone Star State as they look forward to a promising future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize April 10, 2019, as Waco Day at the State Capitol and extend to those who have come to celebrate this day a warm welcome and best wishes for a productive and enjoyable visit to Austin; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a memento of this special day.

Birdwell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 19, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate