A house RESOLUTION

TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE JIM "Wiz" AND CHERYL WISZOWATY OF BATESBURG-LEESVILLE ON BEING NAMED THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA POULTRY FESTIVAL DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS OF THE YEAR.

Whereas, Wiz and Cheryl Wiszowaty grew up in Wisconsin and met while attending Delavan-Darien High School. At the age of seventeen, Wiz opened his first restaurant with his mother and brother in Delavan, Wisconsin. In 1979, he pulled off the best sales job in the world when he persuaded the lovely Cheryl to be his bride. A few short years later, he and Cheryl were running their first restaurant, CJ Wiz's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and in 1983 they expanded to a second location in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; and

Whereas, always up for a challenge, they divested themselves of the restaurants in 1987 and purchased the Shore Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, renaming it Buttons Bay Inn. This bed-and-breakfast boasted a fine-dining restaurant, bar, and marina. After operating Buttons Bay Inn for a few years, they sold the establishment and were off to their next adventure; and

Whereas, on the heels of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Wiz and Cheryl came to South Carolina to visit family who had recently relocated to the Midlands. During their visit, they inquired about traditional Southern cuisine, and it was suggested they travel to Leesville (as it was known at the time) and try Shealy's BAR-B-QUE. After enjoying some barbeque and fried chicken that evening, they traveled about the town, delighting in that peaceful community, with its large trees and Victorian-style homes dotting the landscape; and

Whereas, shortly thereafter, they put down roots in a traditional Southern home located on West Columbia Avenue. In 1990, Wiz's Pizza was established and operated at its original location until the present location was built on Church Street in 1994, debuting as Wiz's Eatery. Well known for its burgers, sandwiches, pizza, steaks, wings, subs, and generous portions, Wiz's has become the place where locals go, as well as a destination for folks near and far. Following a brief "retirement," during which Wiz and Cheryl continued to surprise local citizens with pizzas, soups, and other treats, the couple decided to don aprons once again and reopen as Wiz's Eatery 2.0 in 2023; and

Whereas, during their nearly four decades in Batesburg-Leesville, these beloved restaurateurs also have been active citizens of the community and are well respected for their generosity and patronage. Wiz has given countless hours of his time to the community as a former Rotarian; longtime volunteer firemen with the Batesburg-Leesville Fire Department, where he also served as assistant chief; baseball commissioner for the TCCA; former executive director of the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce; and former mayor of Batesburg-Leesville. Wiz could not have accomplished all this without the support and love of his dear wife, Cheryl. Cheryl, a self-proclaimed "crazy dog lady" who loves her fur babies, is quite the entrepreneur herself in owning and operating ABC Reporting. While Wiz is the culinary genius, Cheryl is the up-front face and is always quick with a smile and a hug; and

Whereas, Wiz and Cheryl, more times than not flying under the radar and operating anonymously, have directed their most notable contributions to those in need. They spearheaded Hurricane Helene relief and donated their pits, time, and talents to countless barbeque chicken fundraisers. They have operated Wiz's Angels during the holidays, helped countless children at back-to-school time, sponsored Batesburg-Leesville Panther Athletics for many years, and aided through various other fundraisers, causes, and contributions. For their hard work, dedication, and steadfast support of the children of Lexington County School District 3, Jim and Cheryl received the 2022 Champions for Public Education Award, presented by the South Carolina School Boards Association. Because of their overwhelming support and friendship to so many in the community, Wiz and Cheryl have become two of Batesburg-Leesville's most admired citizens. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and congratulate Jim "Wiz" and Cheryl Wiszowaty of Batesburg-Leesville on being named the 2025 South Carolina Poultry Festival Distinguished Citizens of the Year.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jim "Wiz" and Cheryl Wiszowaty.

----XX----