House Concurrent Resolution 5

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MELISSA COOKSTON FOR HER OUTSTANDING SUCCESS AS A RESTAURATEUR, CHEF, AND AUTHOR.

WHEREAS, born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Melissa Cookston is a trailblazing food entrepreneur smoking the competition; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Cookston is a seven-time world barbecue champion; owner of Memphis BBQ Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi; an author of two cookbooks, "Smokin in the Boy's Room" and "Smokin' Hot in the South;" and a celebrated southern Delta chef; and

WHEREAS, recognized nationally, Mrs. Cookston has appeared on national news and talk shows, as well as cooking shows and Food Network, and recently served as a judge on season one of the Netflix original series "The American Barbecue Showdown", and also served as a judge on season four of Destination America's "BBQ Pitmasters," and was named one of America's most influential BBQ Pitmasters and personalities by Fox News in 2015; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to serving others, Mrs. Cookston recently started the World Junior BBQ League, a nonprofit organization, with a mission to engage kids who are 14 to 18 years of age, or enrolled in Grade 9 through Grade 12 equivalent curriculum, in barbecue competitions to teach them life skills such as leadership, teamwork, strategic planning, organizational skills, time management, work ethic, emotional focus within a competitive environment, and culinary skills while participating in a wholesome and fun competition; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Melissa Cookston, whose hard work, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit brings honor to the profession of culinary arts, the Mississippi Delta, and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Melissa Cookston for her outstanding success as a restaurateur, chef, and author.

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