Senate Concurrent Resolution 610

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF GULF COAST VOLUNTEER LEADER RUSTY DAVID AND CONGRATULATE HIM FOR RECEIVING THE ANNUAL "BILLY CREEL" TOURISM AWARD.

WHEREAS, in order to totally appreciate his impact on the City of Biloxi for the year 2003-2004, it should be recorded that Rusty C. David is a life-long volunteer dedicated to enhancing not only the tourism and economic impact of the city, but most importantly the quality of life of our citizens. There is no greater job in Rusty's life than watching the smiles of young children, parents and senior citizens alike as they enjoy one of "his" events. For these reasons, there was no contest when Biloxi recently selected its Volunteer of the Decade and recipient of the coveted annual "Billy Creel" Tourism Award, Rusty David was a hands-down winner and deservedly so; and

WHEREAS, Rusty David is a visionary with unrivaled energy and enthusiasm. His drive and determination to make Biloxi a better place to live, work and play has shaped the Coast's annual traditions such as Christmas on the Water, the Children's Walking Christmas Parade, the Lighting of the Biloxi Town Green, the County Cajun Crawfish Festival, Mardi Gras parades, the Ole Biloxi Marching Club, the Ship Island Rendezvous, Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza, the Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden Boat Show, the World Championship Offshore Power Boat Races, and the Smokin' the Sound; and

WHEREAS, Rusty C. David arrived in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1945 and attended Biloxi High School. He is married to Robin Krohn and has two daughters (Carol and Gretchen) and two stepdaughters (Megan and Shelby). They are members of Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral. Rusty has been employed with BancorpSouth for the past 23 years as Facilities Coordinator. Rusty was the owner of a sport fishing boat that he chartered for 15 years. He is a member of and served in a myriad of leadership positions in the Elk's Club, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association, Duck's Unlimited, Harrison County Tourism Task Force, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Big Game Fishing Club, the Mississippi Billfish Classic and is serving on the Board of Smokin' the Sound. He is also involved in Mississippi Gulf Coast Fishing Banks, Nathan V. Boddie Research Institute and a board member of the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce.

WHEREAS, Rusty David was chosen 1999 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Gulf Coast Hotel/Motel Association, and Mississippi's 2000 Tourism Volunteer of the Year; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Rusty has organized and set up a fireworks extravaganza for Biloxi's Fourth of July celebration. Over 50,000 people gather along the coastline in addition to thousands of boats on the water to view the fireworks set off from Deer Island. Rusty is a Charter member and key worker in the Mississippi Big Game Fishing Club. The club sponsors 3 two-day tournaments with participants from all along the southeast; and

WHEREAS, with all that he does for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it may be hard to believe that Rusty David is actually a behind the scenes mover and shaker, uncomfortable with public accolades; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the contributions of this gentleman who is the epitome of a true volunteer and who brings honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the civic contributions of Mississippi Gulf Coast volunteer Rusty David and congratulate him for receiving the coveted annual "Billy Creel" Tourism Award to be presented at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, on May 3, 2004, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Legislature on future projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Rusty David and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.