HR0162 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0162 LRB103 31603 ECR 59905 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Tonya Lamia on the occasion of her many years of dedicated service to the economic well-being of Illinois businesses; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia has spent more than 30 years working to advance private businesses, economic development organizations, state agencies, and business associations in the Rockford region and throughout the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia has been involved throughout her community, including serving on the Greater Rockford Airport Authority Board of Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia was hired as executive director of the Parks Chamber of Commerce in 2019, and she has been instrumental in leading the organization to help businesses succeed with the right tools, connections, and resources to produce world-class events and to advocate for a competitive business climate; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia oversaw the transition of the Parks Chamber of Commerce from an organization that managed the annual Young at Heart Festival through 2018 to a business-focused organization that more actively supports the interests of its members; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia played a significant role in the creation of critical initiatives, including the 2022 Legislative Event Series that featured "State of" addresses from elected officials and community leaders, the annual golf outing fundraiser, and the new Placemaking in The Parks initiative designed to attract visitors, encourage investments, and improve lives; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia served the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading innovative programs with partnership from regionwide stakeholders to address the serious challenges faced by the business community; and

WHEREAS, Tonya Lamia will retire from the Parks Chamber of Commerce on April 20, 2023, thus ending an impressive career dedicated to the advancement of economic opportunity throughout northern Illinois and our State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and applaud Tonya Lamia's many years of dedicated service to the economic well-being of Illinois businesses, and we wish her happiness and great success in her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tonya Lamia as a symbol of our esteem and respect.