SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 598
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Williamson County are coming
together in Austin to celebrate Williamson County Day at the
State Capitol on April 23, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Originally home to the Tonkawa Indians, this
region of rolling brushland and coastal plains was first settled
by Anglo Americans in the 1830s; Williamson County was
established in 1848 and named for Robert M. Williamson, a judge
and soldier; Georgetown was founded that same year and named as
county seat; and
WHEREAS, Today, Williamson County is among the
fastest-growing counties in the nation, with a population of more
than 450,000; a center for higher education, it is home to campuses
of Southwestern University, Texas State University-Round Rock
Higher Education Center, and Austin Community College; the county
also boasts the Texas A&M Health Science Center and the Texas
Life-Sciences Collaboration Center, which is drawing emerging
biotech, nanotech, and medical device companies to the region; in
2013, Williamson was ranked as the healthiest county in Texas by
the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and
WHEREAS, With nearly 50,000 people, Georgetown has grown
67 percent since the last census, and the city has all the
conveniences of a modern community while preserving its
small-town charm; over 180 homes and buildings in the town are
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and residents
and visitors alike delight in its picturesque downtown and its
many opportunities for recreation; Fortune magazine selected it
as the number two place in the nation to live and launch a small
business, and CNN Money magazine named it among the top 25 Best
Places to Retire; and
WHEREAS, Round Rock is the largest city in the county, with
more than 104,000 residents, and it is celebrating its centennial
in 2013; home to such major employers as Dell, TECO-Westinghouse
Motor Company, and Hospira, the city has won numerous accolades
in recent years; it placed second in the Milken Institute's 2012
list of Best-Performing Cities in America, made the top 10 of
CNBC.com's Perfect Suburbs, and was ranked by CQ Press as the
second safest city in Texas and the 11th safest city in America
with a population over 100,000; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1887 and incorporated in 1973, Cedar
Park has grown by more than 400 percent in the last 10 years;
ideally situated close to the amenities of Austin and the natural
splendor of the Hill Country, the city attracts new residents
from around the world with its 860 acres of parkland and its fine
restaurants and shops; it has been named by Family Circle
magazine as one of the Top Ten Places to Raise a Family; and
WHEREAS, Leander offers its residents a relaxed, Hill
Country lifestyle as well as easy access to the cultural and
recreational opportunities of the Austin area; the city is close
to several state-of-the-art medical facilities and institutions
of higher learning; the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce has
grown by more than 400 percent since 2005, and the city's
Economic Development Department has successfully encouraged
impressive new retail, commercial, and industrial construction
in recent years, broadening and deepening the city's economic
base; and
WHEREAS, Proud of its heritage as a farming center, today
Taylor is a rapidly growing, modern community; its residents
benefit from the access to education afforded by the East
Williamson County Higher Education Center, as well as the
opportunities for recreation at the city's hike and bike trails,
swimming pools, tennis courts, and Regional Park and Sports
Complex; the history and culture of the town are on display at the
Moody Museum, and visitors and residents alike take delight in
such annual events as the Taylor Zest Fest, the Rattlesnake
Roundup, and the rodeo; and
WHEREAS, Blessed with a thriving economy and an
exceptional quality of life, Williamson County is justly
celebrated for the can-do spirit and civic engagement of its
people, who are working every day to create a bright and exciting
future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
83rd Legislature, hereby recognize April 23, 2013, as
Williamson County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the
visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and
meaningful day in Austin.
Schwertner
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 4, 2013.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate