MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Gibbs, Ellis, Smith (35th), Walker

House Resolution 36

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING BILL PETERHANSEN FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

WHEREAS, Bill Peterhansen of Spring City, Tennessee, has made personal and financial sacrifices to come out of retirement for the second time when the West Point, Mississippi, Babcock and Wilcox plant was being considered for closure; and

WHEREAS, Bill Peterhansen returned to serve as the West Point Babcock and Wilcox Plant Manager on May 12 through July 18, 1997; and

WHEREAS, Bill Peterhansen provided good leadership and implemented efficient management practices which improved the productivity at the West Point Babcock and Wilcox plant to outstanding levels of productivity by the Babcock and Wilcox work force; and

WHEREAS, Bill Peterhansen sacrificed his time away from the restful mountains of Tennessee to live in a motel infested with big Mississippi bugs in order to help the management and employees of the Babcock and Wilcox plant fight for survival of the West Point plant; and

WHEREAS, McDermott, International and Babcock and Wilcox announced on March 18, 1998, the closure of the Paris, Texas, Babcock and Wilcox plant, therefore making the West Point Babcock and Wilcox plant the only United States plant to remain open in the Power Generation Division; and

WHEREAS, the announcement to retain the West Point, Mississippi, Babcock and Wilcox plant has helped approximately 750 employees of the West Point plant retain their jobs, therefore, having a tremendous economic impact on the economy of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Bill Peterhansen for his extraordinary service, dedication and commitment to the employees of Babcock and Wilcox, the City of West Point, Clay County and the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bill Peterhansen and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.