H*4208 Resolution, By Bowers
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LE CREUSET OF AMERICA, INC.,
 HEADQUARTERED IN HAMPTON COUNTY, FOR ITS FINE COOKWARE PRODUCTS AND TO COMMEND
 OWNER PAUL VAN ZUYDAM AND HIS COMPANY FOR THE INTEGRITY AND SUPERB QUALITY
 THAT HAVE WON LE CREUSET INTERNATIONAL RENOWN AND PATRONAGE.

   05/22/13  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 49)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LE CREUSET OF AMERICA, INC., HEADQUARTERED IN HAMPTON COUNTY, FOR ITS FINE COOKWARE PRODUCTS AND TO COMMEND OWNER PAUL VAN ZUYDAM AND HIS COMPANY FOR THE INTEGRITY AND SUPERB QUALITY THAT HAVE WON LE CREUSET INTERNATIONAL RENOWN AND PATRONAGE.

Whereas, for thirty-six years, Le Creuset of America, Inc., headquartered in Hampton County, has called South Carolina home to its North American operations; and

Whereas, founded in northern France in 1925, Le Creuset now markets its high-quality enamel cookware globally. Le Creuset sells its products through more than one thousand stores in such national upscale shops as Williams-Sonoma, Bloomingdale's, and Sur La Table; and

Whereas, the success of Le Creuset's operation in Hampton County is indicative of its global success and commitment to quality, as well as its commitment to the local workforce, the members of which help make the company's success possible; and

Whereas, when owner Paul van Zuydam acquired Le Creuset twenty-five years ago, the company under his leadership began a new era of expansion. Since that time, the brand and the company have flourished, with business increasing twentyfold, and Le Creuset now employs approximately one hundred thirty workers in Early Branch and twenty-eight in Charleston; and

Whereas, the company's Hampton County Distribution Center, which services North America, has expanded three times since it was constructed in 1997 to six times its original size. Further, Le Creuset recently debuted its first culinary workshop, L'Atelier, located in Charleston; and

Whereas, clearly a reflection of its premiere position in the minds of consumers, the brand was named 2012 Cookware Brand of the Year by the Harris Poll, which measures and recognizes brand integrity and trust. On the Web, Le Creuset is the most-searched cookware brand on all major search engines; and

Whereas, recognized around the world as the best and most beautiful cookware of its kind, Le Creuset indeed stands for trust and integrity, as well as heritage infused with modern relevance. The House of Representatives is pleased to add its tribute to the fine company that manufactures this iconic cookware and extends best wishes for much continued success in the years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Le Creuset of America, Inc., headquartered in Hampton County, for its fine cookware products and commend owner Paul van Zuydam and his company for the integrity and superb quality that have won Le Creuset international renown and patronage.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Paul van Zuydam of Le Creuset.