House Resolution 65

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING ERIN AND BEN NAPIER FOR BEING STELLAR HOSTS OF THE HIGHLY RATED "HOME TOWN" TELEVISION SERIES ON HGTV, USING THEIR CREATIVE TALENTS TO REVITALIZE THE TOWN OF LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, AND PROMOTING POSITIVE IMAGES OF MISSISSIPPI NATIONWIDE.

WHEREAS, Erin and Ben Napier are creators and hosts of one of HGTV's most highly rated shows "Home Town" which focuses on the Napiers' quest to revitalize the small Town of Laurel, Mississippi, which happens to be their actual hometown; and

WHEREAS, this darling couple who knew they would be married just six days after meeting in college continue to steal America's heart each episode as they revitalize Laurel, Mississippi, by lovingly renovating the small town one house at a time; and

WHEREAS, since the inception of the pilot for "Home Town" which drew 2.2 million viewers for its first episode, the show has continued to garner success as the number one show on HGTV in both its fourth and fifth seasons, as well as being listed as one of the top five shows on all cable television networks with season five garnering over 32 million viewers across the season; and

WHEREAS, Erin and Ben use their charm, artistry, woodworking skills, sense of community, history and storytelling to welcome new families or returning Laurel natives by renovating historic Laurel homes in new and exciting ways; and

WHEREAS, the success of "Home Town" has created a butterfly effect for the series in the form of "Home Town Takeover: Wetumpka, Alabama", with 6.5 million viewers on the day of its debut, "Home Town: Ben's Workshop", which is one of the most streamed original series on all networks, and soon to come "Home Town Kickstart"; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being phenomenal television creatives, this dynamic duo has added a number of other distinguished titles to their resumes: Erin is an accomplished artist, author, interior designer, owner of an international stationary company, and cofounder/co-owner of Laurel Mercantile Co., and Ben is a master woodworker, esteemed author, the founder of Scotsman Co., and cofounder/co-owner of Laurel Mercantile Co.; and

WHEREAS, by far their best and finest creations have been their sweet daughters Helen and Mae for whom they wear their most proud titles as Mom and Dad; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the lives and accomplishments of Mississippians such as Erin and Ben Napier, who personify Mississippi hometown pride while fostering economic development and stimulating great pride in its citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor and commend Erin and Ben Napier for being stellar hosts of the highly rated "Home Town" television series on HGTV, using their creative talents to revitalize the Town of Laurel, Mississippi, and promoting positive images of Mississippi nationwide.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Erin and Ben Napier and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.