HR107 - Commemorating the 180th anniversary of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

      H.R. No. 107       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is   marking its 180th anniversary with the second annual Galveston   Island Country Music Fest on January 25, 2025, and this occasion   provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on the many contributions   this organization has made to the economic well-being of the   community; and          WHEREAS, Established in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, the   Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is considered to be the   oldest chamber of commerce in continuous operation in the Lone Star   State; with more than 1,000 members, it represents a robust and   diverse network of business, education, research and health care,   government, nonprofit, and religious organizations; the chamber   benefits from the able leadership of its president and chief   executive officer, Gina M. Spagnola; and          WHEREAS, The Galveston chamber established itself as a   catalyst for progress from the start by spearheading efforts to   build a railroad line, a wagon bridge, and lifeboat stations along   the coast; moreover, its early advocacy was instrumental in the   construction of the Galveston Mercantile Library, the city's first   such institution; its leaders also played an important role in   instituting mail connections with neighboring counties, developing   the port and waterborne commerce, and paving the way for The   University of Texas Medical Branch; throughout its history, the   chamber has been at the forefront of disaster recovery initiatives,   and its programs have helped sustain communities during wartime   periods; further, the chamber sponsors such popular events as Mardi   Gras! Galveston; and          WHEREAS, The Galveston Island Country Music Fest, which is   being held at the Galveston Island Convention Center, will   celebrate the chamber's commitment to the region and will feature   such prominent Texan performers as Drake Milligan and The Powell   Brothers; and          WHEREAS, For nearly two centuries, the Galveston Regional   Chamber of Commerce has played an integral role in the growth and   vitality of the community, and it is indeed deserving of   recognition as it marks this special milestone in its history; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby commemorate the 180th anniversary of the   Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce and extend to its members   sincere best wishes for continued success in all their endeavors;   and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for the chamber as an expression of high regard by the   Texas House of Representatives.     Leo Wilson   Bonnen     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 107 was adopted by the House on March   6, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House