SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 19

WHEREAS, Members of the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce are gathering in Austin on February 4, 2025, to celebrate East End Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Predating the founding of the City of Houston, the East End can trace its origins to the 1820s, when New York entrepreneur John Richardson Harris established Harrisburg at the intersection of Brays and Buffalo Bayous; after briefly serving as the capital of the Republic of Texas, the town was annexed by Houston in 1926; today, the East End encompasses more than 234,000 people and 7,700 businesses, and it remains a location of great importance as the proud home of the Port of Houston, one of the nation's foremost ports for international trade and one of the largest port facilities in the world; and

WHEREAS, The Houston East End Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1991 to promote economic expansion and investment in the area; guided by this central goal, the chamber hosts a wide range of programs, such as business luncheons, business-to-business seminars, and other events that encourage new commercial ventures, foster good will, and support existing businesses; moreover, the group created the L.E.A.D. East End program to mentor leaders through an educational series that emphasizes the value of professional development and community involvement; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, the chamber foundation has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships over the past 19 years; in addition, the chamber hosts an annual Education Symposium to create a bridge between local schools and industries with the goal of developing a workforce that meets the needs of businesses; and

WHEREAS, The Houston East End Chamber of Commerce has remained steadfast in its mission to promote economic vitality by establishing strong connections throughout the community, and it is a pleasure to recognize the organization for its myriad contributions to the East End; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize February 4, 2025, as Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.

Alvarado

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate