SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 512 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Joe Henry Morin, who recently retired from the Economic Development and Tourism division of the Office of the Governor after an exemplary career of public service; and WHEREAS, Joe Morin began his professional career working with SER-Jobs for Progress, a nationwide nonprofit organization that helps members of the Hispanic community achieve their dreams through education, employment, and empowerment; he later became vice president of Harvard Technologies, where he helped drive business growth while fostering a company culture of community involvement; and WHEREAS, From 1984 until 1999, Mr. Morin served as president of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce; during his tenure, he developed strategic partnerships with over 50 Fortune 500 companies and key alliances with The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and the United States Small Business Administration, and he helped to develop new chamber organizations in more than 30 cities; and WHEREAS, Mr. Morin helped lead economic development efforts at the state level for 15 years; he was instrumental in bringing a Toyota manufacturing facility to Texas, and he led the effort to create the first statewide online "one-stop shop" business portal during his tenure as small business advocate in the Office of the Governor; he went on to manage finance and tax incentive programs in the Economic Development and Tourism division of the governor's office, and he retired from state service in January of 2017; and WHEREAS, A truly distinguished Texan, Joe Morin has served in leadership roles for numerous professional associations and has helped to develop a broad range of economic opportunities for citizens across the state; his presence in the Office of the Governor will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend Joe Henry Morin on his exceptional career and his many contributions to the state and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Watson ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 28, 2017. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate