85R9919 KSM-D By: Clardy H.R. No. 436 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Members of the Jacksonville Leadership Institute and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce are gathering in Austin on February 28, 2017, to celebrate Jacksonville Leadership Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Now the largest city in Cherokee County, Jacksonville was founded in 1847 along the banks of Gum Creek, and it moved to its present location in 1872 to be closer to the railroad; and WHEREAS, The early economy centered around agriculture, and Jacksonville was a leading center of peach production before tomatoes turned into the primary crop; today, the Jacksonville economy is supported by a diverse mix of industries, and business leaders and employees benefit from a number of programs offered by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, including classes with the Jacksonville Leadership Institute; and WHEREAS, Education is an important part of the Jacksonville community, and the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary is located there, as is Jacksonville College, one of the last remaining private junior colleges in the state; additionally, all eight campuses of the Jacksonville Independent School District have been recipients of the highest rating from the Texas Education Agency; and WHEREAS, Home to numerous attractions, including Love's Lookout Scenic Park and the Tomato Bowl football and soccer stadium, Jacksonville has been called the Tomato Capital of the World and it continues to celebrate that heritage with the annual Tomato Festival; moreover, it has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the Largest Bowl of Salsa; and WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike enjoy a number of regular events, including the Spooktacular Bull Bash, the Tops in Texas Rodeo, and the ATV Mud Nationals; furthermore, Lake Jacksonville provides a naturally beautiful setting for camping, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities; and WHEREAS, The citizens of Jacksonville are working to preserve their rich history even as they look ahead to the opportunities of the future, and they may take justifiable pride in their unique contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 2017, as Jacksonville Leadership Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.