A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Larry Mark, the owner and founder of Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER fifty-two YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE to the Beaufort community, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives have learned that Larry Mark will begin a well-deserved retirement after fifty-two years as a premier businessman, the owner and founder of Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery (FWDG); and

Whereas, in 1972, then twenty-year-old Larry Mark and his father, Ernest Mark, founded FWDG as a locally-owned business, and it has been a trusted and awarded staple in the Lowcountry ever since; and

Whereas, for more than five decades, Mr. Mark has grown and maintained FWDG as a locally-owned business, provided reliable, quality products and services, and has given back to the community as a way of thanking his patrons for their business; and

Whereas, dedicated to the Lowcountry community, Mr. Mark has led FWDG in donating more than six hundred thousand dollars to community endeavors and charitable organizations over the years. The annual FWDG Coat Drive has accumulated over forty-seven thousand garments for those in need, a community project that continues to grow each year; and

Whereas, during Mr. Mark's service, FWDG has received numerous commendations, including The Beaufort Gazette Reader's Choice Award for nineteen years in a row. The store was honored with Sea Island Rotary Club's Ethics in Business Award and with The Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet's Lowcountry's Best for Furniture, Mattresses, Outdoor Living, and Interior Design; and

Whereas, Mr. Mark was honored as the Chamber of Commerce's Businessman of the Year, and he and his beloved wife, Robyn, were both personally honored with The Martin Luther King Humanitarian of the Year; and

Whereas, grateful for his many years of exceptional service in FWDG, the South Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure in extending best wishes to Larry Mark as he transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the leisurely pace of the days ahead, and the members wish him many years of enjoyment in his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Larry Mark, founder and owner of Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery, upon the occasion of his retirement after fifty-two years of outstanding service to the Beaufort Community, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Larry Mark.

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