WHEREAS, in 2018, George W. Lester II is retiring as chief executive officer of the Lester Group after more than four decades of exceptional leadership; and

WHEREAS, the Martinsville-based Lester Group was founded in 1896 as Lester Lumber Co., and George W. Lester II joined the family business in 1959; and

WHEREAS, in the 1960s, George Lester helped the company diversify into a three-state operation with divisions for forest products and building materials, manufacturing, and real estate development and management; and

WHEREAS, George Lester rose through the ranks to become president in 1974 and was subsequently chief executive officer, becoming the fourth member of his family to lead the company; his able leadership helped the company thrive during building booms and weather economic downturns; and

WHEREAS, during George Lester's tenure as chief executive officer, the Lester Group played a vital role in the economy of the region, partnering with communities in Virginia and North Carolina to develop projects that created many new jobs; and

WHEREAS, George Lester will continue to offer his wise counsel to the Lester Group as chair of the board of directors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That George W. Lester II hereby be commended on the occasion of his well-earned retirement as chief executive officer of the Lester Group; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to George W. Lester II as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his contributions to the Southside Virginia community.