House Resolution 27

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING TONY JONES FOR BEING NAMED THE 2011 MISSISSIPPI REALTOR OF THE YEAR BY THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.

WHEREAS, Tony Jones, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, was recently honored as the 2011 Mississippi Realtor of the Year at the Mississippi Association of Realtors Convention, acquiring the association's most prestigious honor for his longevity and foresight in the profession; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jones, who received a business degree from Mississippi College never planned to be involved in real estate, but entered into the business at a time when Olive Branch was a small town, with a population of around 2,500 individuals; and

WHEREAS, opening Olive Branch's first Century 21 franchise in 1987, Mr. Jones witnessed his business experience tremendous growth over the years along with Olive Branch, a city now boasting a population of over 30,000 individuals; and

WHEREAS, in 2010, Mr. Jones was President of the Mississippi Association of Realtors, an association that represents 5,000 real estate professionals, which is also the largest business trade group in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Association of Realtors provides educational, technological and political support to its members, most recently supporting to maintain the mortgage interest tax deduction, a notion that Mr. Jones also supports, believing that the achievements made by the Mississippi Association of Realtors are for the benefit of Mississippi homeowners; and

WHEREAS, even during an economic downturn and poor real estate market, Mr. Jones maintains confidence in his community and awaits the strong rebound that will come as a result of Olive Branch's progressive local infrastructure, quality of schools and parks; and

WHEREAS, admired and respected by his peers for his keen expertise, Mr. Jones is regarded as a "very energetic leader," and a caring, considerate and humble individual who strives to help others succeed; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jones, throughout his career and service, in both his professional and civic endeavors, has brought honor to himself, his family, his community and his profession, and his recognition as the 2011 Mississippi Realtor of the Year highlights the character and moral fabric of the individual to whom it was awarded; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend excellence, especially by those who constantly work to improve the lives of others and to improve the communities in which they live:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Tony Jones on being named the 2011 Mississippi Realtor of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Realtors and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Tony Jones, the Mississippi Association of Realtors and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.