Bill Text: VA HJR546 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

Virginia House Joint Resolution 546 (Prior Session Legislation)

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Commending Josiah P. Rowe III.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 3-1)

Status: (Passed) 2011-01-21 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ546ER) [HJR546 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2011-HJR546-Introduced.html

11101540D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 546 Offered January 12, 2011 Prefiled December 17, 2010 Commending Josiah P. Rowe III. ---------- Patrons-- Orrock, Cole, Howell, W.J. and Pollard; Senator: Houck ----------

WHEREAS, Josiah P. Rowe III retired in 2010 as publisher of The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company after more than six exemplary decades in publishing and broadcasting; and

WHEREAS, Josiah Rowe began his illustrious media career in 1936, when as a young boy he helped his brother, Charles, deliver The Free Lance-Star; and

WHEREAS, in 1949 after the death of their father, the brothers became co-publishers and in 1998, Josiah Rowe became the sole publisher and president; and

WHEREAS, committed to journalistic excellence and providing local residents with the news they need, Josiah Rowe has led The Free Lance-Star to national prominence as one of the country's best small-town newspapers; and

WHEREAS, Josiah Rowe has overseen the implementation of numerous technological innovations in printing over the years, while the circulation of The Free Lance-Star has grown from 6,437 to more than 50,000; and

WHEREAS, fifty years ago, The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company expanded its holdings to include radio stations; the company now has 93.3 WFLS, 99.3 The Vibe, Classic Rock 96.9, and The Game 1350 AM on the air; and

WHEREAS, in 2010 Josiah Rowe oversaw the latest addition to the company, Print Innovators, which offers state-of-the-art newspaper and commercial printing services; and

WHEREAS, a leader in the industry, Josiah Rowe has earned many awards and accolades over the course of his long and distinguished career, including the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Robert Gallimore Distinguished Service Award and induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, in addition to his many company responsibilities, Josiah Rowe has generously given of his time and talents in the community as the director of numerous industry, state, and local boards of various organizations; and

WHEREAS, passionate about his community, Josiah Rowe served as mayor of Fredericksburg from 1964 to 1972, where he worked diligently to ensure efficient and effective government for local residents; and

WHEREAS, Josiah Rowe enjoyed 50 years of marriage to his late wife Anne Martin Wilson, who supported him in all his endeavors; he looks forward to spending time with his four children and eight grandchildren during his well-deserved retirement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Josiah P. Rowe III for his outstanding media career on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Josiah P. Rowe III as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his many contributions to journalism and broadcasting and best wishes in his future endeavors.