H*4900 Concurrent Resolution, By Vaughn
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BEN H. DILLARD OF GREENVILLE
 COUNTY FOR HIS TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OF DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
 AS A SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONER AND AS AN ADVOCATE FOR
 THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

   03/28/06  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-2
   03/28/06  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-11

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BEN H. DILLARD OF GREENVILLE COUNTY FOR HIS TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OF DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONER AND AS AN ADVOCATE FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

Whereas, Ben H. Dillard became a commissioner on August 23, 1977, and has since served out his duties in an admirable fashion through his hard work and outstanding attendance at meetings, which is nearly one hundred percent; and

Whereas, he, accompanied by his wife Iris, was always the first to drive his vehicle to take the other commissioners and staff to every West Piedmont Area meeting and the NACD Southeast Regional meetings; and

Whereas, over his twenty-seven years as commissioner, Ben attended at least twelve national NACD meetings; and

Whereas, Ben and his wife would annually venture to the SunBelt expo in Moultrie, Georgia to check out the latest agricultural implements and innovations, often times transporting conservation district and DNR staff to the event with them; and

Whereas, Ben was an active member of the Greenville Farm Bureau and knew many area farmers as well as the plans they had for their operations; and

Whereas, being the conduit between the landowners and the conservation district, he often introduced the USDA Natural Resource Conservation district conservationist to the "future" cooperator for ideas on ways to implement "best management practices" on the land to stop soil erosion and protect water quality; and

Whereas, Mr. Dillard is also dedicated to serving his church as a deacon and chairman of the Senior Adult club at the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Greer and was helpful in securing chaplains for the conservation district with his many contacts with pastors throughout the county; and

Whereas, while forever attending Greenville County Council meetings to support the conservation district's requests and concerns, he never hesitated to go to Greenville's legislative delegation with concerns about the state budget and cost share programs which would benefit farmers and landowners with conservation practices to stop soil erosion; and

Whereas, Ben and his wife were always eager to help out with community projects including the annual Farm City Week animal exhibit held at the Carolina Horse Park, which was jointly sponsored by the agricultural agencies of Greenville County. The Dillards would always distribute ice cream sandwiches to the three thousand elementary aged students in attendance at the event; and

Whereas, Ben's dedication and commitment to the conservation district did not go unnoticed, for he was named the outstanding West Piedmont Area Commissioner of the Year in 1997 and was often elected Vice-Chairman of the Board; and

Whereas, he graduated from Greer High School in 1939 and stayed in the local area to farm his land and raise a family. Ben has two sons, Donald and Dennis, five grandchildren, and several great grandchildren; and

Whereas, taking care of South Carolina's natural resources has always been a priority for Mr. Dillard, and he has found it imperative to share the importance of protecting the land with his neighbors in an effort to save the natural resources for his children's use and the third and fourth generations as well. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly recognize and honor Ben H. Dillard of Greenville County for his twenty-seven years of dedication and service to the community as a soil and water conservation district commissioner and an advocate for the protection of natural resources.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ben H. Dillard.