S*0589 Concurrent Resolution, By Lourie, Jackson and Courson
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DESA, INC., IN RICHLAND COUNTY ON THE
 OCCASION OF ITS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, AND TO COMMEND ITS FOUNDER,
 PRESIDENT, AND CEO, DIANE E. SUMPTER, FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED ADVOCACY
 ON BEHALF OF SMALL, MINORITY-OWNED, AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND FOR HER
 EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE.

   02/17/11  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House
                     (Senate Journal-page 6)
   02/22/11  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (House Journal-page 12)

Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

INTRODUCED

May 17, 2011

S. 589

L. Printed 5/17/11--S.

Read the first time May 17, 2011.

TO CONGRATULATE DESA, INC., IN RICHLAND COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF ITS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, AND TO COMMEND ITS FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, AND CEO, DIANE E. SUMPTER, FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF SMALL, MINORITY-OWNED, AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND FOR HER EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that 2011 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of DESA, Inc., in Richland County; and

Whereas, DESA has a worthy history at the end of its first quarter century. Founded by Diane E. Sumpter in 1986 as a certified small business, both woman- and minority-owned, the company supports clients through professional and administrative services, conference and event management, marketing and communications, construction and project management, and global business services; and

Whereas, the key to DESA's success has been the dedication of its founder, Diane E. Sumpter, who has spent more than forty years working as a catalyst for change in South Carolina and the nation. As a business leader, she has concentrated on economic development while strategizing and leading advocacy efforts for small businesses and minority- and women-owned business enterprises (SWMBEs). As a community activist, she has also dedicated time and resources to the causes of educational advancement and cultural awareness; and

Whereas, her special emphasis has been facilitating business development opportunities, managing operations, leading advocacy efforts for SWMBEs, and setting the pace for DESA's corporate growth. Diane Sumpter leads a team of more than thirty employees who share her vision, and she has been recognized for her efforts on numerous occasions, both locally and nationally; and

Whereas, in preparation for her career, the Jacksonville, Florida, native graduated from the University of South Carolina with undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and social work, respectively. A proponent of lifelong learning, she has completed numerous professional-development courses throughout her career; and

Whereas, believing strongly in community involvement, Ms. Sumpter sits on the board of Midlands Technical College and has membership with the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and the South Carolina chapter of the NAACP. In addition, she is a former board member of the South Carolina State Department of Education, East Richland County Public Service Department, and South Carolina Philharmonic; and

Whereas, to mark its twenty-fifth anniversary, DESA hosted a celebratory event held Friday, February 11, 2011. In further celebration of its quarter-century milestone, the company unveiled an educational fund-raising initiative that will benefit two deserving schools in two Richland County school districts; and

Whereas, grateful for DESA's and Diane Sumpter's leadership in business, as well as in community service, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in congratulating them on reaching their twenty-fifth anniversary. The members also wish the company and its founder much continued success in years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate DESA, Inc., in Richland County on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary, and commend its founder, president, and CEO, Diane E. Sumpter, for her many years of dedicated advocacy on behalf of small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses and for her extensive community service.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Diane E. Sumpter.