House Resolution 86

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING RUSTY C. DAVID UPON BEING NAMED THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2003 BILLY CREEL TOURISM AWARD.

WHEREAS, Rusty David was named the 2003 Billy Creel Tourism Award recipient for his leadership and contributions to the Mississippi coastal community in promoting tourism; and

WHEREAS, a visionary with unrivaled energy and enthusiasm, Mr. David arrived in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1945 as a youth and attended Biloxi High School; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong volunteer dedicated to enhancing tourism, economic impact and the overall quality of life for all Biloxi citizens, Mr. David's volunteerism and tireless devotion afforded him the honor of being selected the City of Biloxi's 2003 "Volunteer of the Decade," Mississippi's 2000 Tourism Volunteer of the Year and 1999 Outstanding Citizen of the Year; and

WHEREAS, his drive and determination to make Biloxi a better place to live, work and play has shaped the Coast's annual traditions such as the Christmas on the Water, the Children's Walking Christmas Parade, the Lighting of the Biloxi Town Green, the Crawfish Festival, Mardi Gras parades, the Ole Biloxi Marching Club, the Ship Island Rendezvous, 4th of July fireworks extravaganza, the Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden Boat Show, the World Championship Offshore Powerboat Races and the Smokin' the Sound; and

WHEREAS, a charter member of and key worker in the Mississippi Big Game Fishing Club, which now sponsors three two-day tournaments, Mr. David has been a mainstay in the Gulf Coast Carnival Association, over the years serving as Parade Captain for 20 years, Associate Captain for two years, Captain of Carnival for two years and a Duke for one year; and

WHEREAS, a 23-year-veteran employee of Bancorp South where he serves as facilities coordinator, Mr. David is also a diligent member of the Elk's Club, Duck's Unlimited, the Harrison County Tourism Task Force, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association and the Mississippi Billfish Classic, in addition to having involvements in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Fishing Banks, Nathan V. Boddie Research Institute and board member of the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, a faithful member of Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral, Mr. David has enjoyed the love, support and admiration of his family, including wife, Robin Krohn, and daughters, Carol, Gretchen, Megan and Shelby; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in outstanding Mississippians such as Mr. David, who is the epitome of true volunteerism for the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Rusty C. David upon being named as the recipient of the 2003 Billy Creel Tourism Award.

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