Bill Text: MS SC656 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize distinguished civic and utility industry leadership of Donald L. Jordan, CEO of Southern Pine Electric Cooperative.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-3)
Status: (Passed) 2017-04-05 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC656 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2017-SC656-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, Barnett, Browning, Caughman, Dearing, Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Simmons (12th)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 656
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED CIVIC AND UTILITY INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP OF DONALD L. JORDAN, LONGTIME CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SOUTHERN PINE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, AND HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Donald L. Jordan, a resident of Taylorsville, Smith County, Mississippi, has dedicated his life to serving others through his commitment and mission to make life better for his family, region and state; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from college, Donald L. Jordan began his career with Shell Oil Company and later accepted employment with Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in 1983. Four years later, he was named as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, thus beginning decades of service to the cooperative's members, and having recently announced his plan to retire effective May 1, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Donald L. Jordan and his late wife, Suzanne Eaton Jordan, dedicated their lives to each other, their four children, Todd, Eric, Lee and Lori, eight grandchildren, their Church and the community in which they lived; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jordan has served as past President and member of the Jones County Junior College Foundation Board; Mississippi Partnership Board of Directors; member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council; member of the Board of Directors of Cooperative Energy; Secretary/Treasurer, past President and member of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi; Chairman of the Action Committee for Rural Electrification [ACRE] Board for Mississippi; member of the Legislative Committee for National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA); recipient of the NRECA William F. Matson Award; member of Taylorsville First Baptist Church; and member of numerous chambers and industrial development organizations throughout South Central Mississippi where he has worked tirelessly to promote civic events, grassroots efforts and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, under his diligent leadership and guidance, Southern Pine opened four district offices, one branch location, and is expected to complete construction of a new campus that will include a warehouse, general service building, district office and a new headquarters building that will promote Copiah, Covington, Newton, Scott, Simpson, Forrest, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Smith, Lawrence and Rankin Counties and its citizens for years to come; and
WHEREAS, through challenges from the mighty forces of mother nature, political unrest, takeover attempts and economic struggles, Donald L. Jordan's wise counsel and strength has established Southern Pine Electric Cooperative as one of the top ten cooperatives in the United States, with an infrastructure capable of providing electricity to over 67,000 meters with over two billion kWh having been sold in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Donald L. Jordan is recognized in the utility industry as a person who may be counted upon in times of trouble, reaching out to cooperatives in need across the nation, working to improve the quality of life across the state, and personally helping neighbors and friends during times of need. He is a proven advocate for his employees and the people of Mississippi, establishing a firm foundation for the Seven Cooperative Principles in his management of Southern Pine Electric: Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Members' Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training and Information, Cooperation Among Cooperatives and Concern for Community, with an emphasis on health and safety education and in providing opportunities for young people throughout Southern Pine's service area; and
WHEREAS, Donald L. Jordan's strategic management of an open-door policy and willingness to hire new employees with fresh ideas and knowledge of ever-changing technology has provided Southern Pine with a well-prepared staff and stable workforce for the future and reflects his confidence in the cooperatives' ability to keep up with technology and changing market conditions while maintaining excellent member service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jordan has been instrumental in bringing new businesses to Southern Pine's service area and in obtaining zero-interest loans through government programs that promoted existing businesses allowing for expansions and growth. Practicing and preaching good stewardship of resources is second nature to Donald Jordan and, as a result, he leaves a legacy of a well-managed, financially sound cooperative that exemplifies his mission of making life better for the employees and members of Southern Pine; and
WHEREAS, his keen intellect and steadfast integrity has garnered him the respect and admiration of his peers, his staff and the employees of Southern Pine Electric, as well as that of business leaders across the state and nation. The State of Mississippi is desirous of commending his outstanding contributions to his fellow Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That Donald L. Jordan, during his tenure at Southern Pine Electric, has rendered loyal and dedicated service to the cooperative, his community, church, state and nation and has distinguished himself as an outstanding community and civic leader by his influential service to the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature does hereby express its appreciation to Donald L. Jordan for his exemplary display of the cooperative spirit, diligent work with families and young people in our communities and region, and for his part in implementing legislative policies and procedures for the betterment of not only the members of Southern Pine but for all Mississippians and to honor his work, character, giving spirit, courteous and dedicated service to making lives better for the people of our state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That as Donald L. Jordan begins the next chapter of his life, that he accepts the heartfelt wishes and prayers that God will continue to richly bless him and his family during his retirement and that this resolution be presented to Mr. Donald L. Jordan, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
