Senate Concurrent Resolution 587

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MICHAEL THOMAS, MANAGER OF LAND, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COAL CORPORATION IN ACKERMAN, MISSISSIPPI, AS 2015-2016 CHAIRMAN OF THE MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, Michael Thomas, Manager of Land, Government and Public Affairs of The North American Coal Corporation in Ackerman, has been named the 2015-2016 Chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association Board of Directors. Thomas joined North American Coal in 1998 as Manager of Human Resources, Safety and Training, and in 2002, he became Manager of Land, Government and Public Affairs. Before joining North American Coal, Thomas enjoyed a fulfilling thirty-year career as an educator. He has over 45 years of experience in education administration, workforce development, governmental affairs, human resources and management; and

WHEREAS, Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education, an Educational Specialist degree from Mississippi State University, and a Master's degree in Vocational Education/Administration from the University of Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, he has always been active in community and professional organizations and currently serves as a Board Member of the following: Mississippi Energy Institute, State Workforce Investment Board, Golden Triangle Regional Solid Waste Management Authority, and Holmes Community College Workforce Development Council. Thomas also served for three terms as a member of the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Ackerman, and has been recognized for his achievements and is a recipient of the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award; and

WHEREAS, Thomas is a French Camp native and currently lives in Ackerman. He is married to Dot Thomas and they have two children and five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute to this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi whose enormous civic energy is a wonderful example for all in our state:

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 Michael Thomas, Manager of Land, Government and Public Affairs of the North American Coal Corporation in Ackerman, Mississippi, as the 2015-2016 Chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and extend our best wishes to Michael and his family on this high honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Michael Thomas, forwarded to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.