Senate Resolution 15

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CELLULAR SOUTH, THE ONLY WIRELESS COMPANY OWNED AND MANAGED BY MISSISSIPPIANS, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, Jackson-based Cellular South, the largest privately-held wireless company in the United States and the only wireless company owned and managed by Mississippians, is celebrating 15 years of business; and

WHEREAS, Cellular South started operations on February 4, 1988, in one market, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and now offers service in five southeastern states; and

WHEREAS, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, the company's home service area includes metropolitan Memphis/West Tennessee, Mobile and the Florida Panhandle; and

WHEREAS, Cellular South's total employment is 550, with employment in Mississippi numbering 450, providing economic development and benefits to the state; and

WHEREAS, the company launched digital service in Jackson and Mississippi statewide in January 1999; and

WHEREAS, Cellular South remains focused on core business values of providing best service possible at a good value; it owns a long history of community involvement and strong family values. Cellular South's employees are dedicated to making this area the best place to own and use a wireless phone and to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve through community involvement and volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, Cellular South is a privately-held company owned and managed by Mississippians, and an innovative management team led by Victor H. (Hu) Meena, Jr., company president; and

WHEREAS, Cellular South's long history of benefiting Mississippi residents by introducing unique services and calling plans such as free incoming calls and unlimited calling; and

WHEREAS, it has donated more than $1 Million to Mississippi universities for scholarship endowments and has been recognized on numerous occasions by national wireless industry for its commitment to safety and quality to service. The company has donated more than 500 wireless phones and airtime to Mississippi neighborhood watch groups, postal carriers, driver's education safety programs and classrooms for safety initiatives; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi success story:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Cellular South, the only wireless company owned and managed by Mississippians, on the occasion of its 15th Anniversary, and extend to company CEO Victor (Hu) Meena, Jr., the greetings and best wishes of the Senate for success in its future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Cellular South CEO Hu Meena and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.