House Resolution 24

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND THE MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT MR. BILLY WISEMAN HAS PROVIDED TO NEW ALBANY, MISSISSIPPI, THROUGH THE NEW ALBANY MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, Mr. Billy Wiseman organized a group of downtown merchants and community leaders to cofound a National Main Street Program in New Albany, Mississippi, in 1985, and since that time, Mr. Wiseman has continuously served the New Albany Main Street Board with his professionalism and competence; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wiseman recognized a need to revitalize the downtown of New Albany and promote small business owners, as the owner of a retail shop in the area, the Union Appliance and Furniture Store, which was started by Mr. Wiseman in the 1970s; and

WHEREAS, several board meetings later, in 1996, the Board of Aldermen approved the program and the New Albany Main Street Association was officially chartered on October 21, 1996; and

WHEREAS, before his days with the New Albany Main Street Association, Mr. Wiseman attended the New Albany schools and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and before he opened his own Union Appliance and Furniture Store, he worked at General Electric Credit Corporation; and

WHEREAS, for 25 wonderful years, Mr. Wiseman has served the New Albany Main Street Association Board in a number of different ways, including first, as board president for ten years, and later as treasurer, and now, he has reached emeritus status; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wiseman has exponentially benefitted the New Albany Main Street Association for 25 years by always adhering to the Main Street four point approach of organization, promotion, design and economic vitality, and for his tremendous efforts, he received the Paul Coggin Award for his volunteerism and leadership in the Main Street Program; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his efforts to improve New Albany through the New Albany Main Street Association, Mr. Wiseman was also the Mayor of New Albany from 2001 until 2005, and he served the office with efficiency and effectiveness; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Mr. Wiseman has been supported by his lovely wife, Martha Kate Gray Wiseman, and two children, Travis Wiseman and Elizabeth Wiseman; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Billy Wiseman is a man of incredible stature and character, and his numerous community contributions have tremendously advanced the wonderful State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the magnificent contributions and unparalleled community service that exceptional Mississippians such as Mr. Billy Wiseman provide to the citizens of this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend his distinguished career and the meritorious leadership and service that Mr. Billy Wiseman has provided to New Albany, Mississippi, through the New Albany Main Street Association and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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