WHEREAS, in 2014, STIHL Inc., a global leader in advanced manufacturing technology, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the opening of its Virginia Beach manufacturing facility, which currently employs approximately 1,900 Virginia residents; and

WHEREAS, the STIHL facility has grown from 20,000 square feet in 1974 to more than two million square feet, becoming one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the STIHL plant in Virginia Beach uses the Port of Virginia to ship products to more than 90 foreign countries all over the world; and

WHEREAS, STIHL supports the region by giving back to its employees, the community, and industry organizations as a good corporate citizen that supports education, environmental sustainability, and research; and

WHEREAS, STIHL partnerships with the Virginia Manufacturing Association and other Virginia agencies have raised the profile of Virginia businesses and established the Commonwealth as a leader in manufacturing, as well as provided educational opportunities for students across the state; and

WHEREAS, STIHL has set a renowned national model with its innovative apprenticeship program; the company also offers a manufacturing technology summer camp for high school students; and

WHEREAS, STIHL has served the Commonwealth as a member of the Manufacturing Development Commission and successfully encouraged other businesses to relocate or expand to the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, STIHL has pursued manufacturing excellence to become the top-selling brand of handheld, outdoor power equipment in the United States, with more than 8,500 servicing dealers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend STIHL Inc., on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the opening of its Virginia Beach manufacturing facility; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to STIHL Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the company's service to Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth.