09 LC 37 0949

House Resolution 983

By: Representative Scott of the 2nd

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Praters Inc.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, John Prater is living a dream of making it to the floor of the NCAA Final Four as he and the 44 employees of Praters Inc. of Rossville, Georgia, recently completed construction for the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Fours in Detroit, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, the company, which moved its manufacturing plant into Rossville's old Peerless Woolen Mills building two years ago, was commissioned to build the courts through its supplier, Connor Hardwood Courts, the official basketball court provider for the NCAA; and

WHEREAS, John Prater began the business in 1991 constructing athletic flooring for Hamilton County schools and the business has taken off from there; and

WHEREAS, the largest portable basketball floor facility in the country, Praters' floors include Tennessee Tech, Western Carolina, Appalachian State, Chattanooga, and the University of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, the company has also designed and built courts for the National Basketball Association's Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks, former NBA star Chris Webber, the Disney movie "Glory Road," and the 2004 Olympic tournament in Athens, Greece; and

WHEREAS, it is most fitting this body recognize the accomplishments of Praters Inc.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize Praters Inc. for its outstanding professional accomplishments and for assisting the economic development, job retention, and job growth for the community, the region, and the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to John Prater.