HR 1196: Koehler, Don; outstanding public service as an Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission; commend

House Resolution 1196

By: Representatives Ford of the 170th, O’Steen of the 169th, Dickey of the 134th, Meeks of the 178th, and Huddleston of the 72nd

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Don Koehler on his outstanding public service as a Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Don Koehler has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced dramatically by his superlative service with the Georgia Peanut Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Peanut Commission conducts programs in research, education, promotion, and advocacy for Georgia's peanut farmers–who produce about half of all peanut crop in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Don has served as Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission since 1986, making him the longest serving Executive Director since the Peanut Commission's establishment in 1961; and

WHEREAS, he also serves as a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Tobacco, Cotton, and Peanuts which advises the USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy issues; the management team of the Southern Peanut Growers; the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation; and on the Board of the Southeastern Peanut Farmer magazine; and

WHEREAS, Don's significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable patience and diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure at the Georgia Peanut Commission, Don oversaw the construction of a new, state of the art office and education center; secured funding for farmers impacted by the Hurricane Michael disaster; and successfully lead efforts to pass a new five-year farm bill that will provide a safety net for farmers and economic benefits to the rural South Georgia economy; and

WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, Don has served with honor and distinction with the Georgia Peanut Commission, and his vision and unyielding commitment will be sorely missed upon the occasion of his retirement; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Don Koehler for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia; congratulate him upon the grand occasion of his retirement; and extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Don Koehler.