WHEREAS, Stanley Schoppe and the Montross Dairy Freeze celebrated their 40th anniversary of outstanding service to the residents and visitors of Montross and Westmoreland County in 2009; and

WHEREAS, always wanting to own his own business, Stanley Schoppe discovered the small business on Kings Highway was available for sale in 1969, while on a trip to Westmoreland County as a salesman based in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Stanley Schoppe made a deal with the former owner, Jimmy Osborne, who took a big chance on the young entrepreneur by offering him owner-financing; and

WHEREAS, Stanley Schoppe acknowledges that the survival of his business early on is attributed to his good friends, like one friend in Richmond who loaned him $500 for change in the cash register; and

WHEREAS, a hardworking businessman and town leader, Stanley Schoppe expanded the Montross Dairy Freeze from a drive-through window service only operation to a successful family-oriented restaurant; and

WHEREAS, a mentor to young people, Stanley Schoppe has employed hundreds of local students at the Montross Dairy Freeze since 1969, as well as at the Skateland he has owned since 1981; and

WHEREAS, devoted to his community, Stanley Schoppe is always one of the first people to volunteer for Montross special events and activities, such as the town's Christmas lights display and seasonal festivals; and

WHEREAS, Stanley Schoppe has received many accolades for his numerous contributions to his neighbors in need and the Town of Montross; and he is highly praised and respected by his employees and fellow businessmen; and

WHEREAS, for four decades, Stanley Schoppe's Montross Dairy Freeze has remained a celebrated town landmark and a popular community meeting place; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Stanley Schoppe and the Montross Dairy Freeze on the occasion of their 40th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Stanley Schoppe as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of his many accomplishments and best wishes for continued success.