85R20234 BPG-D
By: Dean H.R. No. 1404
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Byron Berkley, president and CEO of Foothills
Entertainment in East Texas, has received the 2017 National
Association of Theatre Owners Marquee Award in recognition of his
leadership in the motion picture theater industry; and
WHEREAS, Born in California, Mr. Berkley began working at a
movie house when he was still in high school; he joined the United
California Theatres circuit and managed a number of theaters,
including drive-ins; in 1965, he was hired by the Dr Pepper
Company, and he became the national advertising manager responsible
for brand development in theater concessions; he was later employed
as a brand advertising manager at Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company and
as vice president of food service in the Sunkist Beverage Division
of General Cinema Corporation in Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Mr. Berkley bought the Plaza Cinema in
Henderson; he operated the theater from afar and also owned an art
house cinema in downtown Atlanta; after Sunkist was sold, he formed
Foothills Entertainment, acquired the 4 Star Cinema in Kilgore, and
partnered in the purchase of General Cinemas venues in Beaumont;
today, his holdings include 13 screens at four theaters, namely the
Plaza, the 4 Star, the Jackson Cinema in Jacksonville, and the
Brazos Cinema in Mineral Wells; his independent theaters were among
the first to transition to digital screening, and he sponsors
twice-yearly festivals of independent and foreign films; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Berkley has been a member of the executive board
of the National Association of Theatre Owners for more than a
quarter century; he further serves as the organization's treasurer
and as a member of several committees, and he is president of
Theatre Owners of Mid-America, a regional association for
exhibitors in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and
Texas; and
WHEREAS, In an era of seismic change in the entertainment
business, Byron Berkley has contributed significantly to the
advancement of independent theater exhibition, and he is indeed
deserving of this prestigious accolade; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Byron Berkley on his receipt of the
2017 National Association of Theatre Owners Marquee Award and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Berkley as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.