TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BRANDOLYN THOMAS PINKSTON, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER THREE DECADES OF SERVICE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AND TO WISH HER MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston began a well-earned retirement as administrator of the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs after thirty-one years of service; and

Whereas, a native of Hartsville, this distinguished people's advocate is the daughter of Theodore and Lovis Thomas; and

Whereas, she boldly used her position to improve the quality of life for people in South Carolina by successfully implementing innovative consumer programs throughout the State on issues including fair housing, privacy, telemarketing, and fraudulent and deceptive practices, and by supporting legislation to protect the interests of consumers on predatory and mortgage lending; and

Whereas, her expertise in these areas and her work as an advocate of the people made her a featured speaker on consumer issues across the United States, in Canada, and in Mexico; and

Whereas, opening consumer locations across the State and advancing ongoing dialogue with businesses, she directed the department's outreach services; and

Whereas, under Brandolyn Pinkston's leadership, the department established the Mortgage Fraud Task Force, partnered with the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General to launch a Mortgage Fraud Hotline, and was recognized as the 2005 National Consumer Agency of the Year by the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators; and

Whereas, she received the prestigious Circle of Honor Award from the Direct Selling Education Foundation for her leadership in the consumer movement; the Florence Kelly Leadership Award from the National Consumer League; the South Carolina NAACP Presidential Citation for protecting consumer rights; the Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) Award for Government from the Palmetto Center for Women; and induction into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame; and

Whereas, with a deep sense of civic commitment, she has served as president of The Links, Inc., Columbia Chapter; as past chairman of the board of the National Consumer League in Washington, D.C., and of the Center for Cancer Treatment and Research for Palmetto Richland Hospital; and as a past member of the National Executive Board of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, Jerome, she reared two fine daughters, Joya and Paula, and she hopes in her retirement to spend time enjoying them, traveling, and continuing her involvement in many civic organizations; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the legacy for consumer advocacy that Brandolyn Pinkston leaves in the Department of Consumer Affairs and wish her much happiness in her well-deserved retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston, upon the occasion of her retirement after three decades of service to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, and wish her many years of continued success in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston.