H.R. No. 745 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Chinese Society of Austin has made a positive difference in the lives of countless Chinese Americans while significantly contributing to the cultural vitality of its community; and WHEREAS, The CSA follows in the footsteps of a predecessor organization, the Chinese Professional Association, which was established in 1975 and which was renamed the Austin Chinese Association in 1979; that group remained active in Austin until 1992, when a downturn in the local economy resulted in the departure of a number of Chinese Americans, many of whom worked in the high-tech sector; in 1996, George Chang, who served as the first president of the CPA, and Paul Chen spearheaded the formation of the CSA, whose leadership today includes Meiching Chou, president, Peter Chao, vice president, and Millie Chu, treasurer; and WHEREAS, The CSA seeks to unite area Chinese Americans from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong and to promote their participation in the social, cultural, and economic life of the wider community; partnering closely with the City of Austin and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, the society serves as a clearinghouse for news and information of interest to Chinese Americans, and it also hosts a number of annual events, including a Chinese New Year celebration and the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival; moreover, the group is a founding member of the Network of Asian American Organizations and a proud sponsor of the Austin Chinese Alliance; and WHEREAS, The Chinese Society of Austin has rendered invaluable service to its members while enriching the diverse character of the community at large, and as Austin and its Asian population continue to grow, it can indeed look forward to a bright and vibrant future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby honor the Chinese Society of Austin for its outstanding contributions to the community and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the society as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dale ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 745 was adopted by the House on March 16, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House