Bill Text: MS HR108 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: John E. Hardy; commend on his outstanding leadership and service to his community.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-17 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR108 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR108-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Bell (65th)
House Resolution 108
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JOHN E. HARDY ON HIS EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF JACKSON AND THE ENTIRE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, from his business ventures to his personal endeavors, John E. Hardy embodies excellence in every facet of his life, driven by his personal motto: "If you think you can, you can! If you think you can't, you can't! Either way, you're right!"; and
WHEREAS, John received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Jackson State University (JSU) in 1978, and he later fostered his skills as a natural leader by earning his general manager certification in private club management in 1985 from ClubCorp in Dallas, Texas; and
WHEREAS, after fulfilling his academic pursuits, John gained invaluable experience in his role as a consultant and project manager for MAC & Associates and excelled as a project manager on the newly renovated JSU Capital Centre on Capitol Street; and
WHEREAS, John was also co-owner of The Penguin Restaurant & Bar, a premier establishment once located in the One University Place building, and he further served for 36 years as the General Manager of The University Club, a staple in downtown Jackson where major business deals were birthed, nurtured and implemented; and
WHEREAS, using his business acumen and managerial skills to uplift those around him, John is the Executive Director of the 100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc., which seeks to empower the next generation of Black leaders through mentorship programs, support African-American youth through educational empowerment initiatives, equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in their careers through economic empowerment programs, and inspire positive change locally through specialized community programs and initiatives; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the impact he has had on the growth and strength of the organization, John received the 100 Black Men Chairman's Award and the 2024 Executive Director of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, John has used his certification as a Dining Etiquette Instructor to deliver motivational, exciting and interactive training to mentees, partner organizations, and more than 200 students and parents through collaborative mentoring initiatives, and outside of the organization, he also teaches dining etiquette and customer service courses all over the City of Jackson, including at public schools, colleges and universities, the Jackson Police Training Academy, the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training Academy and many Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops; and
WHEREAS, a testament to his impeccable leadership, John has served on multiple boards and commissions in key positions, including as a commissioner on the Jackson Convention Center Commission, as a member and chairman of the Leadership Jackson Board, as a founding board member and chairman of the North Mid-Town Community Development Board, as a board member of the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, as a member on the Chamber of Commerce Board, and as a member on The Mississippi Food Network Board; and
WHEREAS, steadfastly committed to community service and engagement, John is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., T.C. Almore Lodge #242 and the Capital City Corvette Club; and
WHEREAS, John has been recognized for his extraordinary achievement and exemplary character throughout the years and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the JSU College of Business in 2009, an Image Award in Business from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in 2011, an Above & Beyond Award from the Division of Athletics at JSU in 2013, and an A Team Award from the Evers Academy for African-American Males in 2016 for his dining etiquette training; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians making an impact in their communities, especially those such as John E. Hardy, whose diligence and dedication to his work brings great pride and honor to the City of Jackson and to the entire State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend John E. Hardy on his exceptional leadership, community service and contributions to the City of Jackson and the entire State of Mississippi, and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to John E. Hardy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
