Bill Text: VA SJR213 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Michael F. Kuhns.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-07 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ213ER) [SJR213 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-SJR213-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Michael F. Kuhns will retire as president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2018, after seven years of exemplary service and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Michael "Mike" Kuhns earned a bachelor's degree from Marquette University and served his country as a captain in the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, a former employee of the Illinois-based economic development organization, the Heartland Partnership, Mike Kuhns also served as a former president and chief executive officer of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and has worked as an organizational consultant to chambers of commerce across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Mike Kuhns settled in Newport News in 2003 and was later named president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in 2010; and
WHEREAS, under Mike Kuhns' able leadership, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce rebranded itself, worked to bolster its visibility in the region by increasing its number of annual events, and engaged with governors, legislators, military commanders, and other prominent leaders; and
WHEREAS, a talented fiscal administrator, Mike Kuhns resolved the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's debts and established positive cash balances, equity, and six months of operating reserves; and
WHEREAS, Mike Kuhns' other accomplishments include restructuring the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Council, establishing an Annual Partnership Program, starting the Virginia Peninsula Chamber Foundation to support nonprofits and local government initiatives, and creating the Peninsula Economic Resource Team, which brings together economic development directors from across the region; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his leadership with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Mike Kuhns serves as vice chair of the Thomas Nelson Community College Board, co-chair of the Eustis Civic Leaders Association, vice president of legislative affairs for the Langley Civic Leaders Association, and chairman of Friends of the Newport News Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Mike Kuhns has worked tirelessly to find solutions to business-related community issues and has won the respect of his colleagues for his dedication, judgment, and excellent communication skills; and
WHEREAS, in his well-deserved retirement, Mike Kuhns plans to travel, enjoy visits with family members, and devote more time to community service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Michael F. Kuhns on his outstanding service to the community on the occasion of his retirement as chief executive officer and president of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael F. Kuhns as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his impressive career accomplishments and best wishes for the future.