MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hamilton, Hall

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING W.A. "BILL" TAYLOR UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, W.A. "Bill" Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Taylor Group, Inc., in Louisville, Mississippi, was recently selected for induction into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, W.A. "Bill" Taylor was chosen not only because of his accomplishments in the business world, but also because of his contributions to his community and state; and

WHEREAS, he joins other laureates who have been inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame since its founding in 1989 by Junior Achievement of Mississippi and its co-sponsor, The Clarion-Ledger; and

WHEREAS, a 17-person selection committee, composed of business leaders and educators from across the state, chose Taylor from over 100 nominations submitted statewide; and

WHEREAS, W.A. "Bill" Taylor has been Chairman and CEO of The Taylor Group, originally Taylor Machine Works, since 1968; and

WHEREAS, a native of Winston County, W.A. "Bill" Taylor attended Mississippi College and Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Taylor's father, W.A. "Alec" Taylor, founded Taylor Machine Works in 1927 as an automotive and repairs business, and in 1937, built the first timber skidder; and

WHEREAS, the company later began making forklift trucks and has diversified over the years, the latest division of which rebuilds locomotives; and

WHEREAS, The Taylor Group is the largest privately owned maker of lift trucks in the country and one of the largest in the world; and

WHEREAS, Taylor is widely known for his collection of antique fire trucks and Western art, both passions he displays in museums open to the public; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend and recognize the exemplary service of its citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend W.A. "Bill" Taylor upon his induction into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to W.A. "Bill" Taylor and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.