MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) King, Hyde-Smith, Hewes, Johnson (19th), Thames, Gordon, Harvey, Kirby, White (29th), Moffatt, Frazier, Scoper, Michel, Mettetal, Dearing, Farris, Carmichael

Senate Concurrent Resolution 556

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING JACK SCHUESSLER, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL, INC., FOR HIS BUSINESS SUCCESS AND FOR THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF WENDY'S FRANCHISES TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, there are 66 Wendy's food franchises operating in Mississippi, employing approximately 2,000 Mississippi residents; and

     WHEREAS, John T. (Jack) Schuessler started his career with Wendy's more than 25 years ago and has worked his way through the operations ranks from single-store management to responsibility for citywide, statewide and regional leadership of both company and franchise businesses; and

     WHEREAS, Schuessler currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, promoted in March 2000, from President and Chief Operating Officer.  He was named Chairman of the Board in May 2001, and has been a member of Wendy's Board of Directors since January 2000; and

     WHEREAS, Schuessler received a Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and began his career with Wendy's in 1974 as a Manager Trainee for a Wendy's franchisee in Atlanta, Georgia.  When the franchisees' restaurants were acquired in 1976, he joined Wendy's International; and

     WHEREAS, he was promoted through the Wendy's organization, holding the positions of District Manager, Director of Area Operations and Regional Director in various markets throughout the country.  In 1983, Schuessler was promoted to Division Vice President of Wendy's Eastern Division, then in 1987 was promoted to Senior Vice President of the Northeast Region.  He held that position until February 1995 when he was named Executive Vice President, U.S. Operations; and

     WHEREAS, in February 1997, Schuessler assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Wendy's U.S. restaurants when he was named President and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Operations.  In 1999, he assumed responsibility for Wendy's of Canada; and

     WHEREAS, Schuessler has received numerous operator awards from the company, and in 1995, he was inducted in Wendy's Hall of Fame.  He has been a Trustee of Wendy's National Advertising Program (WNAP), a group appointed by Wendy's franchisees to provide strategic marketing counsel to the company; and

     WHEREAS, Schuessler has been involved in Wendy's corporate affairs efforts as Chairman of Wendy's Internal Government Relations Task Force.  He is a founding member of the Employment Roundtable, an industry group comprised of top officers of restaurant companies interested in influencing legislative efforts on a national basis; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the contributions of this successful business and its Chief Executive Officer to the economy of the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend John T. (Jack) Schuessler, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Wendy's International, Inc., for his business success and for the economic contributions of Wendy's franchises to the State of Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Schuessler and his family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.