Senate Concurrent Resolution 537

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KENNETH WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT OF CORINTH COCA-COLA BOTTLING WORKS, FOR RUNNING THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF MISSISSIPPI TO ENCOURAGE THE STATE TO "STEP WITH IT!" FOR GOOD HEALTH.

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2004, Kenneth Williams, President of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, began his run of the entire State of Mississippi to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity. Williams officially kicked off the run in his hometown of Corinth, Mississippi, celebrating the launch of his 400-mile journey. He also ran to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Williams' run through Mississippi was done to promote "Step With It! Mississippi," which teaches middle school students a fun way to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. The "Step With It!" program, developed by the Coca-Cola Company in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), challenges middle school students to take a minimum of 10,000 steps a day to maintain good health through a more active lifestyle. Each student who participates in the program receives a stepometer to track his progress on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, the "Step With It! Mississippi" program raised money for Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the state to support physical education programs. Together with sponsors Trustmark Bank, Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi and Coca-Cola, Williams raised $110,000.00 through donations collected at Trustmark Bank branches and Boys and Girls Clubs. Williams made appearances throughout Mississippi via community programs in numerous cities and special events in Corinth, Jackson and Gulfport; and

WHEREAS, the "Step With It! Mississippi" kickoff also marked Williams' 63rd birthday. An avid runner and Mississippi native, Williams has completed 27 marathons and coached many first-time marathoners through their first race. While on the journey, Williams ran 12-15 miles per day, six days a week, and made appearances at schools and Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, on October 26, 2004, the run was preceded by Kenneth's last presentation at Central Middle School in Gulfport, Mississippi, before an audience of 300 attentive students receptive to the message. The final leg of the journey was a two-mile run down Highway 49 from the Gulfport Coca-Cola plant to the Gulfport beach; and

WHEREAS, Williams hopes his adventure will inspire more than just middle school students to become active. "I want to prove that anyone, at any age, can accomplish their goals," he said. "Physical fitness is attainable by everyone and is key to ensuring you can complete your own great adventure"; and

WHEREAS, "Step With It! Mississippi" was originally launched in 2002. During 2003, more than 250 schools across the country kicked off "Step With It!" programs. This year, Coca-Cola will bring "Step With It!" to more than 1,000 schools nationwide, reaching one million students and teachers across the country; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth's civic contributions to his community and state are impressive: he is an Alumni of Leadership Mississippi, Past Rotary President and District Governor, former Chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council, Chairman of the Mississippi Partnership for Economic Development, CEO of the Corinth Alcorn Area Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Mississippi Community College Development Foundation President, and member of the Northeast Mississippi Workforce Development Board; and

WHEREAS, he is married to Nancy Ann Kincade of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and the couple have four children; it is with great pride that we recognize the special accomplishments of this citizen whose civic leadership is a model for all Mississippians: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Kenneth Williams, President of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, for running the entire length of Mississippi to encourage the state to "Step With It!" for good health, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Legislature for future success.

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