House Resolution 31

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT MR. ROYCE CUMBEST HAS PROVIDED TO THE JACKSON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION.

WHEREAS, Mr. Royce Cumbest, a lifelong resident of Jackson County, Mississippi, has devoted his life to serving and improving the State of Mississippi through not only his professional contributions but also his service as a member of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; and

WHEREAS, the son of the late Lum R. Cumbest, Sr., and the late Mae Holder Cumbest, Mr. Royce Cumbest was educated at East Central High School, Millsaps College and the University of Southern Mississippi, and he has worked in the banking and finance industry since 1971, joining Merchants and Marine Bank in 1977 as vice president; and

WHEREAS, in March 1985, Mr. Cumbest was elected president and CEO of Merchants and Marine Bank, and in 1991, he became chairman of the board of directors and still serves in that position; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cumbest was chosen to serve on Mississippi Power's board of directors in 2010, and he currently serves as the chairman and director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; and

WHEREAS, after Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Cumbest co-chaired Rebuild Jackson County, served as a board member of the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund and of the Governor's Hurricane Relief "Mississippi Rising" concert program, and in 2006, he was named one of south Mississippi's outstanding community leaders; and

WHEREAS, throughout his professional career, and continuing today, Mr. Cumbest has been active in community, state and national affairs, as he is one of the founders of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation (JCEDF), has served on its board since 2000, and today serves as Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, for over four decades, Mr. Cumbest has dedicated his time and talents to improving the quality of lives for countless Mississippians and played an instrumental role in the effort to transform the JCEDF into what is now widely regarded as a model of public-private economic development partnership in the State of Mississippi, and in 2002, he served in a leadership role for the JCEDF's first Partners in Progress capital campaign which raised $6 Million to fund the JCEDF's program of economic development; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his unwavering commitment to the JCEDF, Jackson County is enjoying phenomenal economic development success, including the location of Northrop Grumman's Autonomous Systems Center, Gulf LNG Import Terminal, Rolls Royce Naval Marine, James Town Metal expansion, VT Halter Marine Polar Security Cutter expansion and ST Engineering Halter Marine Offshore expansion; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cumbest is married to the former Janey Morgan, who has been a pillar of support to him throughout their marriage, and the couple has two children, Jamey and Gray, and four grandchildren, Hayden, Olivia, Cambree and Jack; and

WHEREAS, in his spare time, Mr. Cumbest enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family, and he is a lifelong member of Caswell Springs United Methodist Church, where he serves as a member of the administrative board; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cumbest is a man of incredible stature and character, and his professional and 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 to economic development that exceptional Mississippians such as Mr. Royce Cumbest, 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 the distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service that Mr. Royce Cumbest has provided to the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, and extend to him 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. Royce Cumbest and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.