A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the founders of the city of kannapolis on the occasion of the city's centennial anniversary.
Whereas, in 1906, James W. Cannon, cotton merchant and textile manufacturer, purchased land in northern Cabarrus and southern Rowan Counties and established a mill village, which later became the City of Kannapolis; and
Whereas, James W. Cannon built towel manufacturing plants in northern Cabarrus County and erected around those plants a "model mill town," a community with decent housing, schools, churches, recreational facilities, a business district, and good jobs; and
Whereas, skilled textile workers moved to Kannapolis from many other states to work in the Cannon plants and produce textile products for the markets of the world, eventually making the Cannon name synonymous with quality and value; and
Whereas, in 1921, James W. Cannon's son, Charles A. Cannon, assumed the leadership of the Cannon Mills Company and continued his father's vision for Kannapolis by expanding the mills and beautifying the business district of the area; and
Whereas, during the Great Depression, Charles A. Cannon managed to keep the Cannon plants open, providing work for the plants' employees even though only a few new orders were being received and helped persuade New York bankers to renew the short‑term obligations of the State of North Carolina, thus preventing a disastrous default by the State; and
Whereas, Charles A. Cannon vigorously resisted legislation that adversely affected the textile industry and successfully led the fight against "two price" cotton, which favored foreign textile interests; and
Whereas, Charles A. Cannon and his mother, Mary Ella Bost Cannon, generously supported many charitable causes, including the Cannon Memorial Hospital (now known as the Northeast Medical Center); and
Whereas, Charles A. Cannon's wife, Ruth Louise Coltrane Cannon, promoted musical education in the schools, contributed to the arts and cultural affairs, and supported historic preservation, which included the renovation of the buildings of downtown Kannapolis in the Colonial Williamsburg style; and
Whereas, the Cannon Family through the Cannon Foundation has continued the philanthropic legacy that was first begun by James W. Cannon by generously supporting health initiatives, education, arts and cultural pursuits, and numerous other worthy benevolent causes; and
Whereas, although the textile industry has suffered devastating losses in the last decade, the people of Kannapolis have rallied behind those who have lost jobs due to various plant closings, discussed and developed a shared mission and vision for the future of the City, and supported the various companies that plan to bring economic development projects to Kannapolis; and
Whereas, one of the anticipated revitalization projects for the City of Kannapolis includes the North Carolina Research Campus, a state‑of‑the‑art biotechnology hub that will draw upon the research knowledge and skills from the State's renowned universities, cutting‑edge training from community colleges, and the expertise from private businesses; and
Whereas, David H. Murdock, owner and chairman of Castle & Cooke, Inc., and Dole Food Company, Inc., has established a $100 million venture capital fund to attract new companies to the Research Campus and a $150 million charitable foundation to help purchase equipment for the core laboratory and support other nonprofit activities on the campus; and
Whereas, the people of Kannapolis possess an independent and indomitable spirit, portray the characteristics of loyalty, pride of workmanship, and patriotism, show a love for their families, churches, and community, take pride in their accomplishments, history, and heritage, and live with their faces resolutely towards the future; and
Whereas, Kannapolis operated as a city for more than eight decades until its incorporation by the General Assembly in 1984; and
Whereas, throughout the year of 2006, the citizens of Kannapolis plan to observe the 100th anniversary of the birth of their city; and
Whereas, a centennial committee is collecting and preserving historic records and photographs and plans to publish accounts of the early history and traditions; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of James W. Cannon and his son, Charles A. Cannon, for their outstanding contributions to the textile industry, the City of Kannapolis, and the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly joins the citizens of Kannapolis in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the mill village that became the City of Kannapolis and encourages the people of this State to participate in activities commemorating this historic occasion.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the City of Kannapolis.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.