House Resolution 67

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC., ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., the largest manufacturer of furniture in the world with major manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, celebrated a major milestone at the close of 2019 by marking its 75th year as a company and 25th year of doing business in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, having a long, successful history in northeast Mississippi's economic vitality, Ashley Furniture is an industry mainstay in the region, employing workers numbering in the thousands at plants in Ecru, Ripley, Satillo and Verona; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Furniture, realizing annual sales worldwide in excess of $4.9 billion, continues today to add yet more jobs and manufacturing capacity to northeast Mississippi with a $25 million expansion underway on its Ecru campus which will enable the company to get its products to customers across the globe as soon as possible; and

WHEREAS, President and CEO Todd Wanek, recognized as the industry's foremost authority on international trade, manufacturing, marketing and distribution, credits much of Ashley's success to the team of talented, hardworking employees who "live and breathe a 'dirty fingernail' approach that breeds success" and gets the job done; and

WHEREAS, the state's economy and quality of life of her individual citizens depend on the availability of stable and rewarding jobs at thriving industries, and a company such as Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., is most deserving of recognition for its vital role and contributions to the State of Mississippi and the lives of Ashley's northeast Mississippi employees and their families:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., on the occasion of its 75th anniversary and extend to the company sincerest wishes for continued growth and prosperity for years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Todd Wanek, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., the Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., plants in Ecru, Ripley, Saltillo and Verona, Mississippi, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.