MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dearing, Clarke, Simmons, Walls, Posey, Morgan, Jackson (11th), Kirby, Butler, Chaney, Frazier, White
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING DAVID ABNEY OF CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI, ON BEING NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF UNITED PARCEL SERVICE (UPS) AND FOR HIS SUPPORT OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY.
WHEREAS, native Mississippian David Abney was elevated to the post of Chief Operating Officer at United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), a package delivery company based in Atlanta, Georgia, in January 2007. Additionally, Abney assumes the role of President of UPS Airlines; and
WHEREAS, in his new role, 51-year-old Abney will be responsible for international operations, U.S. package operations, global transportation, labor and all freight activities; and
WHEREAS, Abney joined UPS in 1974 as a part-time loader/unloader and served in various capacities. He has served as the President of UPS International since 2002. Abney has worked in U.S. package operations, including the role of Utah District Manager, as well as directing various freight and logistics operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America; and
WHEREAS, David was born in Cleveland, Mississippi, and reared in Greenwood, Mississippi. He is a 1976 graduate of Delta State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and a member of the Delta State University Foundation Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, David is founder and donor of the David Abney International Business Symposium held annually at Delta State as a way to educate and expose students to international issues; and
WHEREAS, David's worldwide responsibilities require him to travel the globe, but he carves out time to go back home and share insight with young Mississippians at his Alma Mater, Delta State University. Over the past couple of years, David has been a featured speaker on global trade at leading forums, including: the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Executives Club of Chicago and Fudan University in Shanghai. Two of his favorite discussion sessions occurred at Delta State University. In 2005, David spoke to students as part of Delta State's "College of Business Lecture Series." In 2006, David sponsored a two-day International Business Symposium at Delta State. He secured as symposium guest speakers colleagues who are leading global economy experts from the academic and business communities; and
WHEREAS, David is an avid college football fan; and
WHEREAS, David is passionate about sharing his experiences in global business with Delta State students and young Mississippians. He believes their futures and that of their home state will depend on embracing the new opportunities and realities presented by a 21st Century global economy. David began his UPS career while a Delta State University student, working part time on the loading dock. Upon graduation, he accepted a job offer to drive a UPS delivery vehicle (package car) in the area. In the mid-1980s, David served as a manager in UPSs busy Hub, Feeder and Air Division office in Jackson, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, David believes that the values he learned while a student at Delta State -- a tenacious commitment to hard work, to the community and to integrity -- are values shared by his 32-year employer, UPS. They are values that are fundamental to each organization's longevity; and
WHEREAS, this year, UPS celebrates its 100th year of business operations, growing from a $100.00 firm in 1907 to a $47 Billion company last year; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippian for his senior leadership role at one of America's most successful entrepreneurial business success stories, and for the honor he has brought to his university, community and state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. David Abney, a native of Cleveland, Mississippi, on being named Chief Operating Officer of United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS), and we applaud his interest in the future of young Mississippians and his continued support of Delta State University, extending the best wishes of the Legislature to him and his family for continued success in all of their endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to David Abney, forwarded to the President of Delta State University and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.