Bill Text: MS HR103 | 2010 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Karen and Maur McKie; commend upon being named a finalist for Total Landscape Care Magazine Landscaper of the Year Award.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-22 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR103 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-HR103-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Stevens
House Resolution 103
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KAREN AND MAUR MCKIE, OWNERS OF GREEN OAK GARDEN CENTER AND FLORIST, UPON BEING NAMED AS FINALISTS FOR TOTAL LANDSCAPE CARE MAGAZINE NATIONAL LANDSCAPER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
WHEREAS, born on the Fourth of July, 49 years ago, Karen McKie, a self-proclaimed "firecracker" and daughter of our distinguished colleague, the Honorable Rita Martinson, has enjoyed the fanfare of the attention that she garnered as an Independence Day baby, and today as co-owner of Green Oak Garden Center and Florist in Jackson, Mississippi, attention is still coming her way, as she and husband, Maur, share the distinct honor of being named one of 12 finalists for Total Landscape Care magazine's National Landscaper of the Year, which is humbling to her as the only female nominated; and
WHEREAS, the national recognition through this nomination signifies Green Oak's acclaim and respect to florists, greeneries and gardeners across the country; and
WHEREAS, established in 1960, the same year Karen was born, by her father, Billy Martinson, Green Oak has been a mainstay in the Greater Jackson Metropolitan Area for 50 years, and has had four changes of address; and
WHEREAS, having grown up around the business with her three siblings, Karen began honing her florist's skills at the age of eight or nine, while sitting under the desk of the company's florist, Ruth Chapman, by arranging the cut flowers that she picked up from the shop floor to be critiqued by Ruth; and
WHEREAS, Karen studied horticulture two years at Arizona State University before transferring to Mississippi State University to earn her degree, and she worked in Memphis for one year before receiving the offer of a lifetime from her father, to develop and oversee the interior landscaping division of the company; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, Karen married Maur, who was equipped with a background in real estate, and thus began not only the marriage of love for one another, but also a natural love and learning for the outdoors and the tranquil and serene scenery of fragrant and blossoming perennials, which culminated in 1998 when the couple purchased the business from Karen's father, Billy Martinson; and
WHEREAS, during that time, Maur has evolved from serving as the financial advisor to the company into a certified nurseryman, having read plant journals and taken classes in plant identification and pruning; and
WHEREAS, together the Karen and Maur McKie duo work their horticultural magic and artistry to beautify the blank canvasses of the residential and commercial properties with landscaping that provides a veritable pantheon of color at all times during the year; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor those individuals whose craft and talents bestow a great sense of pride upon the State of Mississippi and its many citizens, such as Karen and Maur McKie, whose green thumb has garnered them great respect and approbation:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Karen and Maur McKie, owners of Green Oak Garden Center and Florist, upon being named as finalists for Total Landscape Care Magazine National Landscaper of the Year Award, and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Karen and Maur McKie and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
