SENATE RESOLUTION 3

(By Senators Beach, Prezioso, Williams, Sypolt, Stollings, Plymale, Laird, Leonhardt and Unger)

Recognizing the achievements and contributions of Monongalia County and its citizens to the great State of West Virginia.

Whereas, Monongalia County was founded in 1776 after being settled by a small group of people along the banks of Decker’s Creek and has a present-day population of approximately 100,000 people and continues to grow; and

Whereas, Monongalia County is home to West Virginia University, a public land-grant institution founded in 1867, and recognized as a top research university by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. WVU welcomes and shapes the minds of students from across the State of West Virginia, every state in the United States and approximately one hundred other nations; and

Whereas, Monongalia County offers its citizens and visitors from around the world many scenic and outdoor opportunities, such as the beautiful view from Cooper’s Rock to a bicycle ride on the Caperton Trail; the best in medical care and hospitality; and is the proud home of the NYPL Champion “West Virginia Black Bears” baseball team; and

Whereas, Monongalia County offers recognized top rated educational experiences at all levels, from preschool to graduate programs and senior education opportunities; a competitive and innovative business community; a diversified economy that embraces health care, education, technology, energy development and small business entrepreneurship; a nationally acclaimed economic model; and is known as a place that offers big city amenities with the neighborly feel of small town life; and

            Whereas, Monongalia County has been recognized in recent years in the following ways: “Best Performing Small Metros” (Milken Institute); “Best Small Metros for Business and Careers” (Forbes); “Best Quality of Life and Knowledge Worker Metros” (Expansion Manage.); “Boom Towns” (Inc.); “10 Great Places to Live” (Kiplinger’s); “Boom Town” (Inc.); “Top 100 Leading Business Locations”  (Area Development Magazine); “Best College Destination” (Best College Reviews); “Top College Destination” (American Institute for Economic Research); “Best Places to Retire for under $100 a Day” (AARP); “Most Secure Small Cities” (Farmer’s Insurance); “Adventure Town” (National Geographic Adventure Magazine); Best Small Towns to Live” (Men’s Journal); and “Best Sports Cities” (Sporting News); and

            Whereas, Monongalia County offers everything from sports to art galleries; energy to health care; corporate leaders to caring nonprofits; and tourism to education. From the scenic mountain home of West Virginia University, and everywhere in-between, every day is a great day to be a Mountaineer; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby recognizes the achievements and contributions of Monongalia County and its citizens to the great State of West Virginia; and, be it 

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives from Monongalia County.