SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 41

(By Senators Carmichael, Unger, Stollings and D. Hall)

Recognizing the city of Ripley, West Virginia, for its designation as a Turn This Town Around community.

            Whereas, Community development and economic development guided by local leadership and implemented through community volunteerism is a significant benefit to all the communities in the state; and

            Whereas, Ripley has taken great strides to create a robust and engaged community; and

            Whereas, The City of Ripley showed great leadership in its application and election as a Turn This Town Around 2015 community; and

            Whereas, Turn This Town Around, a program coordinated by West Virginia Focus Magazine, the West Virginia Community Development Hub and West Virginia Public Broadcasting, will work with the City of Ripley to provide financial resources, technical assistance, training and coaching to “turn the town around”; and

            Whereas, The City of Ripley is dedicated to community improvement and has demonstrated that commitment already through community development planning and will continue to exercise that commitment through multiple community improvement and engagement projects led by town leaders and local volunteers; and

            Whereas, Ripley hopes to utilize the Turn the Town Around opportunity to bring increased investment into the city and to grow community engagement in improving the town; and

            Whereas, Ripley has taken great strides towards turning the town around and expects to see great success in the coming year; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby recognizes the city of Ripley, West Virginia, for its designation as a Turn This Town Around community; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the value and importance of local community leadership that promotes community development and revitalization; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Senate commends Turn This Town Around Ripley and the West Virginia Development Hub, West Virginia Focus Magazine and West Virginia Public Broadcasting for their dedication to improving the City of Ripley and the collaborative community-driven development that will continue to grow and revitalize the Ripley community over the coming years; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Turn This Town Around Ripley and the West Virginia Community Development Hub.