WHEREAS, Suzanne Lay has ably served and promoted the member businesses and organizations of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for 36 years, including 30 years as executive vice president; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Lay began her career with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce in October 1982 as an administrative assistant; in only six years, she was promoted to interim executive vice president on July 1, 1988; and

WHEREAS, in December 1988 Suzanne Lay was unanimously named as executive vice president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and her exceptional leadership has benefited the chamber and the entire community; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, Suzanne Lay encouraged the tri-cities of Bristol, Johnson City, Tennessee, and Kingsport, Tennessee, to compete as a region in the All-America City competition, which resulted in the region being named one of the 10 All-America Cities; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Lay helped organize "Bike Virginia" to promote Abingdon and Washington County through cycling initiatives, such as events and educational programs, advocacy, and grants; Bike Virginia now hosts the annual Bike Virginia Tours, a six-day cycling festival that travels around the Commonwealth and frequently cycles through Abingdon, Bristol, Kingsport, and the surrounding rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Lay has served on boards and commissions for various organizations, including the Elder Spirit Community Center, the Washington County Department of Social Services, the Development Committee for the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, the Abingdon Tourism Advisory Committee, the Washington County Business Plan Challenge, and the Abingdon Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Lay also served as chair of the Virginia Highlands Community College Board and secretary of the Washington County Industrial Development Authority; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Suzanne Lay hereby be commended for her 36 years of service to the residents of Southwest Virginia as a member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Suzanne Lay as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her outstanding leadership and countless contributions to the community.