Rep. Brown offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 131.

            A resolution recognizing the Cooperative Elevator Company of Pigeon, Michigan as the 2006 Agricultural Exporter of the Year.

            Whereas, The agricultural industry is Michigan's second largest industry and contributes $60.1 billion annually to Michigan's economy; and

            Whereas, Encouraging the exportation of Michigan's agricultural products is important to expand trade markets available to Michigan producers; and

            Whereas, Michigan is second in the nation for agricultural diversity and exports one-third of its agricultural commodities every year. Recent studies show these exports generated $961 million in 2005 and contributed to the employment of more than 12,877 residents; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Department of Agriculture annually recognizes one exporter as the Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year; and

            Whereas, A committee representing Michigan's agriculture industry recommends to the Department of Agriculture one applicant to receive the award who grows, manufacturers or produces at least 50 percent of their product in Michigan. The winner is chosen based upon their marketing plans, ability to expand to new markets, alliances with other organizations and export sales growth over the last three years; and

            Whereas, The Cooperative Elevator Company headquartered in Pigeon, Michigan, with nine plants in other Michigan cities throughout the thumb area, has been in business since 1915 and owned by more than 900 Michigan farmers, was recognized as the 2006 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the Cooperative Elevator Company of Pigeon, Michigan as the 2006 Agricultural Exporter of the Year.