HR1196: HR1196 Koehler, Don; outstanding public service as an Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission; commend

26 LC 129 0857 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 Executive1 Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Don Koehler has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital3 role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the4 citizens of Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, he has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time,6 talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced7 dramatically by his superlative service with the Georgia Peanut Commission; and8 WHEREAS, the Georgia Peanut Commission conducts programs in res earch, education,9 promotion, and advocacy for Georgia's peanut farmers–who produce about half of all peanut10 crop in the United States; and11 WHEREAS, Don has served as Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission since12 1986, making him the longest serving Executive Director since t he Peanut Commission's13 establishment in 1961; and14 H. R. 1196 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0857 WHEREAS, he also serves as a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee15 for Tobacco, Cotton, and Peanuts which advises the USDA and the U.S. Trade16 Representative on trade policy issues; the management team of the Southern Peanut Growers;17 the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation; and on the Board of the Southeastern Peanut18 Farmer magazine; and19 WHEREAS, Don's significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable patience and20 diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state have21 earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates; and22 WHEREAS, during his tenure at the Georgia Peanut Commission, Do n oversaw the23 construction of a new, state of the art office and education ce nter; secured funding for24 farmers impacted by the Hurricane Michael disaster; and successfully lead efforts to pass a25 new five-year farm bill that will provide a safety net for farm ers and economic benefits to26 the rural South Georgia economy; and27 WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for28 integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and29 WHEREAS, Don has served with honor and distinction with the Geo rgia Peanut30 Commission, and his vision and unyi elding commitment will be so rely missed upon the31 occasion of his retirement; and32 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this33 remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.34 H. R. 1196 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0857 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body recognize and commend Don Koehler for his efficient, effective,36 unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia ; congratulate him upon the37 grand occasion of his retirement; and extend the most sincere b est wishes for continued38 health and happiness.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized40 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Don41 Koehler.42 H. R. 1196 - 3 -