House Resolution 60

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SUCCESS OF CHARLES H. "CHARLIE" LEWIS, IV, PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY BANK, UPON HIS SELECTION TO THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL'S 2007 "TOP 40 UNDER 40."

WHEREAS, Charlie Lewis, 37, of McComb, Mississippi, and President of Community Bank, a division of Trustmark National Bank, was recently tapped by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of the recipients of its "Top 40 Under 40" honors; and

WHEREAS, after contemplating his next move after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1993 with a business administration degree, and a potential career in accounting, Mr. Lewis' fate changed with one phone call and some motherly intervention, which ultimately led to his being hired by Pike County National Bank; and

WHEREAS, a 1987 graduate of Pine Hills Academy in Gloster, Mississippi, the son of "Buddy" and Dee Lewis, Charlie, who also considered a career in real estate or forestry, began his service with Pike County National Bank as comptroller, a position in which he served for two years before joining Trustmark National Bank in Liberty, Mississippi, as branch manager; and

WHEREAS, while climbing the corporate ladder, he completed the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of Mississippi in 1997 and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in 2002 before becoming the youngest president in the Trustmark system in 2003, when he was named head of the McComb division; and

WHEREAS, as president, Charlie Lewis oversees four offices in Pike and Amite Counties while maintaining active participation in community affairs with leadership roles in such organizations as the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Mississippi United Way, McComb Main Street Association, the Boy Scouts Review Board and memberships in the McComb Rotary Club, McComb Exchange Club, City of McComb Tourism Board, American Cancer Society, United States Tennis Association, McComb Recreation Department and North Pike Elementary Parents Association; and

WHEREAS, Lewis' commitment to his church, Centenary United Methodist Church, is exemplified through his numerous committee chairmanships and Sunday School teachings, as he was recently elected church Lay Leader, the highest position a member of the Methodist Church may hold; and

WHEREAS, with aspirations of retiring at the age of 55 in order that he and his family can travel and do all of the things that have been put off, Charlie has been described as having a warm and humble spirit and makes a difference whether in his profession, in the community, at church or in social gatherings; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career endeavors and years of success as a businessman, Mr. Lewis has been supported by a loving family: wife, Laurie Wilkerson Lewis; and three children, Grace, Josie and "Chip"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in such remarkable individuals as Mr. Lewis, whose diligence and commitment to success is evidenced by his many accomplishments:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Charles H. "Charlie" Lewis, IV, upon being named a recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal's 2007 "Top 40 Under 40" honor and extend warmest wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Charles H. "Charlie" Lewis, IV, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.