WHEREAS, for 78 years, Harper's Jewelry of South Hill has graciously served the jewelry and repair needs of the residents of Southside Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Clyde Hillman "Hill" Harper discovered a passion for tinkering with watches in his youth and opened a watch repair shop named Harper's Jewelry in 1946; and

WHEREAS, after operating out of two prior locations, Hill Harper built a new storefront from the ground up on Mecklenburg Avenue in South Hill in 1958, where Harper's Jewelry continues to operate to this day; and

WHEREAS, in addition to growing Harper's Jewelry, Hill Harper supported his industry as a member of the Southern Virginia Watchmakers Guild and fostered local economic development as president of the South Hill Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Harper's Jewelry has been a family business for many years; Hill Harper was joined by his wife, Elton, in the mid-1970s, and she ran the business following his death in 1984 alongside their daughter, Sandra Harper Kinker, and her husband, William T. Kinker, until they purchased the business in 1990; and

WHEREAS, for the past 34 years, the Kinkers have upheld the traditions of excellence and courteous service that have defined Harper's Jewelry since its founding; and

WHEREAS, in addition to their efforts with Harper's Jewelry, Sandra Harper Kinker and her sister, Midge, have carried on their father's ambition to cultivate the business environment in South Hill by serving as presidents of the South Hill Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, in the early 21st century, Harper's Jewelry underwent an extensive remodeling and renovation while also incorporating new technologies such as lasers to enhance the business's jewelry repair services and its ability to meet the needs of its clients; and

WHEREAS, the success of Harper's Jewelry has been made possible by the tireless efforts of the many knowledgeable staff members that have assisted the Harper family over the years, as well as through the unwavering support of its loyal customers; and

WHEREAS, despite the many challenges facing small businesses today, Harper's Jewelry continues to thrive, demonstrating its enduring strength and vitality as a treasured institution in the community of South Hill; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Harper's Jewelry hereby be commended on the occasion of its 78th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sandra Harper Kinker and William T. Kinker, owners of Harper's Jewelry, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the business's history and its contributions to South Hill and the Commonwealth.