Senate Resolution 100

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, UPON ITS DESIGNATION AS THE "BEST SMALL TOWN IN THE SOUTH" BY USA TODAY.

WHEREAS, USA Today announced Starkville has officially been named the "Best Small Town in the South"; and

WHEREAS, Starkville received the number one ranking after a four-week voting process and was nominated by a panel of travel experts, which include a combination of editors from USA Today, 10Best.com, publishing contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties; and

WHEREAS, Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said, "The USA Today results are incredibly exciting. I have always believed that Starkville deserves to be recognized as a great place to live, work, play and learn. It is especially rewarding to see that so many others believe it to be as well"; and

WHEREAS, selected in a field of 19 other small Southern towns with relaxing getaways, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership is proud to see Starkville, Mississippi's College Town, receive this prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum said, "This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of many in our community, our friends and neighbors who are committed to making Starkville the best it can be." Dr. Keenum added, "Starkville is synonymous with Mississippi State University, and we have grown together literally and figuratively since 1878. As both a native and resident of Starkville, I'm so proud of this outstanding distinction for our city"; and

WHEREAS, the Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Starkville. It focuses on promoting Starkville to potential leisure, convention, sports, and group travelers. The Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau is a branch of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding distinction which has brought honor to the City of Starkville and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate the City of Starkville, Mississippi, upon its designation as the "Best Small Town in the South" by USA Today, and extend to the local governing officials and tourism departments our best wishes for future growth and accolades.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mayor Spruill and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Starkville and the Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), forwarded to Dr. Mark Keenum, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.