SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 178

WHEREAS, Mercy L. Rushing is retiring as the city manager of Mineola and as executive director of the Mineola Economic Development Corporation on February 28, 2025; and

WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Mineola, Mrs. Rushing owned and operated Mercy's Fashion with her husband, Tim, for 13 years; in 1994, she joined the City of Mineola, where she served as the main street director and historic preservation officer before becoming the executive director of community and economic development; after a stint working for the City of Canton, she returned to the City of Mineola, and in 2016, she was promoted to the role of city manager and executive director of MEDC; during her tenure, her many responsibilities included overseeing more than 50 employees and all city programs, managing a wide range of initiatives, and securing grants; and

WHEREAS, Active in her professional community, Mrs. Rushing served as a board member for Amtrak's Texas Eagle Marketing and Performance Organization, Texas Downtown, and the I-20 Corridor Council; her many accolades include a 2020 Hometown Mineola Hero Award from Hometown businesses and a 2009 Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award from the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, and she was named a Main Street Manager of the Year by the Texas Historical Commission in 1999; a graduate of Mineola High School, she attended Tyler Junior College and Brookhaven Community College, and she has also completed numerous trainings and continuing education courses; and

WHEREAS, Through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence, Mercy Rushing has greatly benefited the citizens of Mineola and earned the respect and appreciation of her colleagues, and she may indeed reflect with pride on a job well done as she embarks on the next exciting chapter of her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby congratulate Mercy L. Rushing on her retirement as the city manager of Mineola and as executive director of the Mineola Economic Development Corporation and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Mrs. Rushing as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate