WHEREAS, William B. Holtzman, an influential business leader, dedicated community advocate, and thoughtful philanthropist from Mount Jackson, has been selected as the Outstanding Virginian of the Year for 2012; and WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly's Outstanding Virginian Committee annually selects an individual from the Commonwealth whose life has significantly improved the community; and WHEREAS, born in Shenandoah County, William "Bill" Holtzman graduated from Massanutten Military Academy and earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, where he was a distinguished military graduate; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman honorably served his country as a lieutenant stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before earning a master's degree at Cornell University; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman returned to Shenandoah County and, while working full time in the apple industry, launched his own company, Holtzman Oil Corporation, in 1972; and WHEREAS, over the years, Bill Holtzman expanded his business holdings, forming Holtzman Propane in 1997; served as president of Little Apple Properties, Inc.; became owner of one-third of Liberty Petroleum in 2000; and formed Valley Ice in 2005; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman was recognized for his entrepreneurial endeavors with selection as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001 and the Shenandoah University Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business Entrepreneur of the Year for 2005; and WHEREAS, a respected business leader, Bill Holtzman takes pride in providing superior service and products to his customers, operating on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and fair dealing, and has made many contributions to his industry as a member and former president of the Rockingham, Page, and Shenandoah Counties' Oilmen's Association; and WHEREAS, committed to the economic growth and development of Shenandoah County and the Commonwealth, Bill Holtzman has provided strong leadership to the Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia State Horticultural Society, Shenandoah County Fruit Growers Association, Shenandoah County Economic Development Committee, First Virginia Bank, Mount Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and Mount Jackson Town Council; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman has generously given of his time and talents to help his fellow residents as a member of the local Elks, Jaycees, Lions, and Rotary Clubs; board member of Shenandoah County Memorial Hospital, Shenandoah County Fair Association, and Shenandoah Community Foundation; and president of the local unit of the American Cancer Society; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman has also served in various positions at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, as a trustee of Mount Jackson Union Church, as a member of the board of trustees of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and as a board member of Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Caroline Furnace Camp; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman has provided wise insight and guidance as a member of the Shenandoah County Public Schools board, vocational advisory board for Shenandoah County Public Schools, and board of trustees at Shenandoah University; and WHEREAS, a loyal alumnus of Massanutten Military Academy, Bill Holtzman has served as a board member of its alumni association and on its board of directors; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman has been a faithful supporter of Virginia Tech, serving on its board of visitors, as vice chair of its Quiet Phase Campaign Steering Committee for its $1 billion fundraising drive, and as a former member of the Virginia Tech Foundation board of directors; and WHEREAS, Bill Holtzman has generously supported numerous Virginia Tech initiatives, including the Corps of Cadets, the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, and the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, which named its alumni center in his honor; and WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Bill Holtzman has been supported in his many endeavors by his wife, Ann, and children, Todd, Jill, Justin, and Melanie; and WHEREAS, a visionary leader, Bill Holtzman has played a prominent role in the economic growth and vitality of Shenandoah County while faithfully serving its residents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend William B. Holtzman on his selection as the Outstanding Virginian for 2012; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William B. Holtzman as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and gratitude for his numerous contributions to Shenandoah County and the Commonwealth. |