TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017, AS "CITIES MEAN BUSINESS DAY" TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS SOUTH CAROLINA CITIES AND TOWNS MAKE TO OUR STATE'S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES.
Whereas, cities and towns derive their power from the state constitution and laws adopted by the General Assembly; and
Whereas, there are 270 duly incorporated municipalities within the state; and
Whereas, cities and towns are valuable resources to state economic development, job creation and competitiveness efforts; and
Whereas, cities and towns are considered hometowns for their residents, providing a sense of place and spirit of community to all within and around its municipal boundaries; and
Whereas, cities and towns provide essential services such as law enforcement, fire protection, health and sanitation, recreation, and growth and development controls to protect and enhance the quality of life for all of the citizens of the state; and
Whereas, the amenities and services that cities and towns provide to residents attract business and industry to the region; and
Whereas, mayors and councilmembers are the local elected leadership that guide the growth and development of cities and towns that lead to the success of the state and the region; and
Whereas, dedicated employees of cities and towns provide the services for residents that contribute to the quality of life and local business success; and
Whereas, cities and towns mean business and are economic engines of the state, contributing to the overall success of South Carolina; and
Whereas, healthy, financially sound and economically strong cities and towns are essential to the health and welfare of the state. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, declare Wednesday, February 1, 2017, as "Cities Mean Business Day" to recognize and honor the valuable contributions South Carolina cities and towns make to our state's economic prosperity.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bill Young, Mayor of the City of Walterboro, and President of the Municipal Association of South Carolina.