A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the cities of wilson and laurinburg on being named 2003 all‑america cities.
Whereas, each year the National Civic League honors 10 communities that best exemplify the spirit of grassroots citizen involvement and cross‑sector collaborative problem solving; and
Whereas, since 1949, more than 4,000 communities have competed and nearly 500 communities have been named All‑America Cities; and
Whereas, the 10 recipients selected from this year's 48 competitors were the Cities of Wilson and Laurinburg along with Tempe, Arizona; New Haven, Connecticut; Miami Beach, Florida; Des Moines, Iowa; Marquette County, Michigan; South Sioux City, Nebraska; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Greater Racine Area, Wisconsin; and
Whereas, individuals, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in both Laurinburg and Wilson worked together to improve their communities with efforts to recognize cultural diversity, create affordable housing, and increase access to health care; and
Whereas, Laurinburg's All‑America City Award Committee made a presentation highlighting the City's use of SCOTTY, a mobile health care unit that travels throughout Scotland County and provides free health care services; the City's study of the needs of its children that resulted in the creation of educational after-school programs; and the City's efforts to increase home ownership by replacing dilapidated rental housing with affordable homes; and
Whereas, Wilson's All‑America City Award Committee's presentation highlighted the completion of the restoration of the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House, which was made into a museum exhibiting the importance of African‑Americans in Wilson's history; the redevelopment of East Wilson, which has resulted in improved home ownership, a decrease in crime, better looking neighborhoods, and decreased rental property; and the Citizens for a Healthier Wilson's campaign, which provided immunizations and lead screening exams for children and reduced adolescent pregnancies; and
Whereas, the All‑America City distinction is a favorable attribute for cities in attracting new residents, businesses, industry, and grants; and
Whereas, Laurinburg and Wilson join a small number of cities with multiple All‑America City Awards, with Laurinburg previously winning in 1956 and 1967 and Wilson in 1972; and
Whereas, Wilson's and Laurinburg's accomplishments exemplify community spirit and deserve recognition; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes the Cities of Laurinburg and Wilson on being named All‑America Cities. The House of Representatives congratulates the members of the Laurinburg and Wilson All‑America City Award Committees and the citizens of Laurinburg and Wilson for their hard work in helping their communities receive this national recognition.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of Wilson and the Mayor of Laurinburg and to the members of the Cities of Wilson and Laurinburg All‑America City Award Committees.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.