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. Price ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2612 was adopted by the House on May 29, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House