SR300: SR300 Sims family; commend

25 LC 112 3177 Senate Resolution 300 By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Davenport of the 17th, Wicks of the 34th, Rhett of the 33rd, Harbison of the 15th and others A RESOLUTION Commending the Sims family for their lasting contributions to Newton County and beyond;1 and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Sims family has played an instrumental and historic role in the economic3 and social development of Newton County, Georgia; and4 WHEREAS, the family's legacy began with Cary Sims, who leased approximately 110 acres5 of farmland in the late 1920s to provide for his family, and on February 27, 1947, he6 overcame significant barriers facing Black landowners by purchasing the land for $3,000 in7 cash, establishing a foundation for future generations; and8 WHEREAS, Cary Sims' youngest son, Eddie Roy Sims, born on the f amily farm in 1932,9 served honorably in the United States Army after being drafted at the age of 19, courageously10 representing his country during the Korean War before returning home to build a career in11 logistics, construction, and automotive work; and12 WHEREAS, in the 1960s, amid the Civil Rights Movement, Eddie Roy Sims defied societal13 expectations by launching his own landscaping business that lat er expanded into grading,14 S. R. 300 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3177 land clearing, and road construction, ultimately evolving into Sims Grading, a highly15 regarded company in the region; and16 WHEREAS, his wife, Mildred Sims, a pioneering entrepreneur, fou nded a successful17 janitorial business in the 1970s and managed it for over 35 years while also contributing to18 farming and community support; and19 WHEREAS, Eddie Roy and Mildred Sims were dedicated to mentoring Black entrepreneurs,20 providing guidance on financial literacy, business development, and self-reliance; offering21 financial assistance to aspiring business owners; and supporting local organizations such as22 the Newton County Senior Center; and23 WHEREAS, their son, Lanier Sims, has continued th e family's leg acy, taking over Sims24 Excavating Inc. in 1996 and growing it into a leader in mass excavation, overseeing projects25 spanning more than 100 acres across metro Atlanta; and26 WHEREAS, Lanier Sims has further extended his family's legacy into public service, serving27 as a Newton County Commissioner from 2011 to 2018, focusing on infrastructure, economic28 development, and improving the quality of life for residents; and29 WHEREAS, in addition to his elected service, he has held leadership positions as Chairman30 of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, Chairman of the Newton Chamber31 of Commerce, and a board member of the Newton Hospital Authority; and32 WHEREAS, his advocacy has played a direct role in bringing over 15,000 jobs to Newton33 County and fostering sustainable economic development; and34 S. R. 300 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3177 WHEREAS, committed to philanthropy and mentorship, Lanier Sims served a vital role in35 the creation of the Newton County Miracle League, ensuring that children with disabilities36 have access to inclusive sports opportunities, and he continues to mentor aspiring37 entrepreneurs and future community leaders; and38 WHEREAS, the Sims family exemplifies the values of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and39 service, having overcome historical challenges to build success ful businesses, create jobs,40 and uplift their community for generations; and41 WHEREAS, in recognition of Black History Month, it is fitting and proper to honor the Sims42 family for their profound contributions to Newton County and beyond.43 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body44 commend the Sims family for their remarkable impact on Newton C ounty, celebrate their45 contributions to economic development and community service, and recognize their enduring46 legacy of leadership and perseverance.47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed48 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Sims family.49 S. R. 300 - 3 -