HR0695 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0695 LRB103 40234 LAW 72172 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Kidder Music Service, Inc. on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Over the past five decades, the Kidder name has become synonymous with music for all ages in Peoria and Central Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Kidder Music Service, Inc. was founded by Jim and Floride "Ede" Kidder, a couple who brought their strong individual backgrounds and talents to the business, with Jim having a degree in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University and experience as a band director and in retail music sales, and Ede possessing bachelor's and master's degrees in Spanish and English from the University of Illinois and musical abilities on piano, organ, and saxophone; and

WHEREAS, Kidder Music Service, Inc. was originally part of an existing music company located in the Byerly Building at 222 Southwest Adams Street when the Kidders purchased it in 1974, and it came with inventory purchased from the previous owner, a repair shop, two road salesmen, and a secretary; despite numerous logistical challenges with the location, the company remained in the Byerly Building for six years; and

WHEREAS, Kidder Music Service Inc. moved after Jim and Ede Kidder purchased property on Crestline Drive adjacent to the Pioneer Park Industrial development in 1980; the company's new location provided easier customer service and access to convenient parking, helping it steadily grow while providing band, orchestra, and choral sheet music as well as instruments, accessories, repairs, and music clinics to clients; and

WHEREAS, Kidder Music Service, Inc. moved again into the former Continental Forms facility at 7728 North Crestline Drive in 1995, which included a large warehouse and needed extensive renovations; the business expanded after the Bard Optical building next door became available, and the subsequent redesign included constructing a waiting room, small studios for private lessons, and a large room for hosting group lessons or music camps; and

WHEREAS, Kidder Music Service, Inc. is now led by Jim and Ede Kidder's daughter, Beth Houlihan, who became president in 2014, having spent many hours after school helping her parents at the music store and after earning a degree in music business from Bradley University; and

WHEREAS, Kidder Music Service, Inc.'s Jim Kidder has credited the company's 50 years of success to wonderful, dedicated employees and the creative people in the arts community who frequent the business; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Kidder Music Service, Inc. on its 50 years of business, and we wish the business continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jim and Floride "Ede" Kidder and their children, Beth Houlihan and Matt Kidder, as an expression of our esteem and respect.