WHEREAS, in 2016, Georgia-Pacific Big Island Mill, the oldest business and a major economic presence in Bedford County, proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary of manufacturing quality paper products, being a careful steward of the environment, and giving back to the community; and

WHEREAS, the first roll of paper came off the mill's production line, which is located in Big Island, on March 27, 1891, and a second paper machine was added in 1904; in the mid-1920s, the Big Island Mill began producing kraft paper; today, the mill is the largest tax payer in Bedford County; and

WHEREAS, the Big Island Mill has had several owners; the Marcuse brothers owned the mill from 1904 to 1944, when they sold the company to National Container Corporation; there were several more purchases and mergers over the years, and the mill's current owner is Georgia-Pacific LLC; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the Big Island Mill has manufactured wrapping paper, gun shell tubing, manila envelope paper, newsprint, kraft paper, and corrugated container paperboard; in 1995, the mill produced paper made on the first 100 percent recycled containerboard machine owned by Georgia-Pacific; and

WHEREAS, the Big Island Mill has modernized with the times; women began working at the mill in 1918, hydroelectric turbines were built in 1921, a safety program was started in 1927, and the Sunshine Club, founded in 1955, promotes better relationships among workers and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Big Island Mill has implemented measures to reduce pollution and improve wildlife habitat; a recovery plant reduces odor and pollution; cleaner, non-sulfur cooking processes were patented; a stream pollution abatement system was installed; and older equipment has been replaced with more efficient machines; and

WHEREAS, the Big Island Mill has received national and state recognition for reducing pollution and restoring habitat; additionally, in 2011, more than 500 chestnut saplings were planted on mill-owned land in a partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation to help reestablish the tree; and

WHEREAS, giving back and supporting the community is a core value at the Big Island Mill; the company has generously donated to the Big Island Volunteer Fire Department and the local rescue squad, and employees volunteer at area charitable organizations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Georgia-Pacific Big Island Mill on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Georgia-Pacific Big Island Mill as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and admiration for being a driving force in the Bedford County economy and a highly respected corporate citizen.