85R34050 JGH-D
By: Price H.R. No. 2612
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The High Ground of Texas is celebrating its 30th
anniversary in 2018, and this milestone year provides a fitting
opportunity to recognize the organization for its contributions to
the community; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1988, the High Ground is a marketing
coalition that helps to promote job creation and economic growth in
the Panhandle, South Plains, Permian Basin, and Concho Valley
regions of Texas; the group works to introduce West Texas to new
industries while presenting a unified voice on issues that affect
the area; and
WHEREAS, Operating at the state, national, and international
levels, the High Ground has touted the region's outstanding quality
of life, low cost of living, skilled workforce, strategic location,
excellent business climate, and economic diversity at myriad trade
shows and expositions; the organization has taken its message to
countries around the world, including Germany, Denmark, the United
Kingdom, France, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil; and
WHEREAS, At its start, the High Ground had 29 members and
represented 41 counties, but in the years since its founding, it has
grown to include more than 75 members across 67 counties with a
combined population of 1.5 million people; the group's membership
is composed of such regional stakeholders as cities, counties,
utilities, cooperatives, chambers of commerce, and economic
development corporations; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, the High Ground was adeptly guided
by Lorie Vincent, who served as executive director from 1998 to
2014; today the organization is ably led by executive director
Kevin Carter; and
WHEREAS, For the past three decades, the High Ground has
furthered the common interests of its member communities and
organizations by skillfully displaying the region's boundless
spirit of hard work, pioneer grit, and neighborliness to the world;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the High Ground of Texas on its
30th anniversary in 2018 and extend to the organization's members
and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.