85S11205 JGH-D
By: Springer H.R. No. 144
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 2017,
Gene's Photos in Gainesville has been honored with a Texas Treasure
Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Treasure Business Award recognizes the
contributions of Texas-based enterprises that have created jobs and
enriched the state's economy for 50 years or more; and
WHEREAS, Founder and owner Gene Brown received a Polaroid
Swinger camera on his 10th birthday, sparking a lifelong passion
for photography; in college, he won the Texas Collegiate Press
Photography Award, and in February 1967, he started Gene's Photos,
working as a photographer of weddings, family reunions, and
portraits, and handling commercial and aerial photography; in the
early years, his father helped with the developing and his mother
did the books, and in 1975, his wife, Sherry, joined the business;
and
WHEREAS, The studio has relocated into larger quarters
several times, and since 1987, Gene's Photos has been situated in
the old First National Bank building on the Cooke County Courthouse
square, where Mr. Brown now works with state-of-the-art digital
technology; he has photographed many famous individuals over the
years, including radio personality Paul Harvey, President Richard
Nixon, movie legend John Wayne, and Miss America 1971, Phyllis
George; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses play a critical role in meeting the
needs of area residents and sustaining the prosperity of the Lone
Star State, and over the course of half a century, and more than
1,000 weddings, Gene's Photos has contributed to the social and
economic fabric of Gainesville; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Gene's Photos
on its 50th anniversary and its receipt of a 2017 Texas Treasure
Business Award and extend to Gene and Sherry Brown sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Brown as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.