2018 First Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 6
BY SENATOR PEACOCK
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend Elaine M. "Shelly" Taylor of Shreveport, Louisiana, for an outstanding career
as president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Association for the Blind
(LAB), for her many contributions made on behalf of the advancement of services
for the visually impaired, and to congratulate her upon a well-deserved retirement.
WHEREAS, since 1995, Shelly Taylor has served LAB in numerous managerial and
executive positions, and in 2008, she was selected by its board of directors to lead the
organization as president and CEO; and
WHEREAS, during her twenty-two years of service to LAB, Shelly Taylor has been
a dynamo of enterprise, and her straight-forward approach and keen business savvy have
advanced the availability of employment and educational opportunities for employees to
attain self-sufficient lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership and as a part of National Industries for the Blind
(NIB), LAB has increased integrated employment for individuals with vision loss through
expanded operations in its manufacturing, AbilityOne Base Supply Centers, commercial
enterprise development, and contractual agreements; and
WHEREAS, Shelly Taylor feels an obligation to inspire, encourage, and challenge
those around her; she facilitates a safe and flexible work environment where visually
impaired employees can perform to the best of their abilities; and
WHEREAS, Shelly has transformed LAB into an organization that exemplifies
integrity, transparency, and respect for all employees; with the implementation of a Quality
Work Environment program, employees have input and upward mobility within the agency,
and with adaptable workstations and extensive training, these employees are afforded
pathways to jobs that were previously inaccessible to those with low vision capacities; and
WHEREAS, during 2017, Louisiana Association for the Blind celebrated its ninetieth
anniversary, and Shelly has worked tirelessly to promote LAB within the community and
to recognize this impressive milestone of success; and
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WHEREAS, Shelly Taylor has served with great distinction with membership and
board positions in the National Association for Employment of People Who Are Blind
(NAEPB), VisionServe Alliance, Rotary International, and many other nonprofit
organizations; and
WHEREAS, Shelly Taylor graduated with magna cum laude honors having earned
a liberal arts degree from Louisiana State University-Shreveport and having also earned a
Master of Business Administration degree from Centenary College where she serves on its
board of directors for Literacy Volunteers of Centenary College; and
WHEREAS, Shelly Taylor was twice honored as a nominee for the Athena Award
by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Shelly Taylor is a management executive of the highest order who
possesses an abundance of interests and skills, she wears the mantle of community service
proudly and willingly, and she has left an indelible mark on the Louisiana Association for
the Blind during her tenure.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend Elaine M. "Shelly" Taylor for her outstanding achievements as president and CEO
of the Louisiana Association for the Blind, for her exemplary service to the visually impaired
citizens of the state of Louisiana, and for her many contributions made on behalf of her
community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Shelly Taylor is hereby congratulated upon the
celebration of her well-earned retirement on September 20, 2017.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Shelly Taylor, former president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Association for
the Blind.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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