SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 50

(By Senators Miller, Kessler (Mr. President), Beach, Klempa, Laird, Unger, Prezioso, Foster, Stollings and Chafin)

Recognizing Gus R. Douglass for his dedicated public service to the State of West Virginia.

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass of Leon, West Virginia, in Mason County, began his employment with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture in 1957, as Assistant Commissioner; and

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass was elected as Commissioner of Agriculture to an unprecedented 11 terms, including in 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008; and

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass is the senior Commissioner of Agriculture in the United States; and

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass has served as state and national president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), was chosen as a West Virginia Star Farmer and later helped to organize and served as first president of the National FFA Alumni Association. He is also a 4-H All-Star; and

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass has served as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA), and was chairman of the Southern Regional Committee for Food and Agriculture under President Jimmy Carter. Additionally, Commissioner Douglass has served twice as president of the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). He also participated as a member of several national agriculture committees and task forces, and has been frequently called upon to give testimony before Congressional committees regarding national agricultural policy. He chaired the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases an unprecedented four times, representing all state departments of agriculture. He has served extensively on three NASDA committees, including International Marketing and Trade, Food Regulation and Nutrition, and Animal and Plant Industries; and

    Whereas, In 2002, Gus R. Douglass was presented the prestigious Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator’s Award. He was also honored by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) for his work safeguarding America’s animal and plant industries; and

    Whereas, In 2006, West Virginia State University renamed its land-grant programs as the Gus R. Douglass Institute for Commissioner Douglass’ dedication to education, research and extension outreach throughout the state; and

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass chairs the State Conservation Committee, and is a member of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund and the Air Quality Board, a director for Peoples Bank of Point Pleasant, and a trustee for Pleasant Valley Hospital. He is a member of the board of the State Farm Museum, and is on the board of directors for the State Fair of West Virginia; and

    Whereas, During his tenure as Commissioner of Agriculture, Gus R. Douglass has served on more than 25 boards, commissions and committees, including chairman of the West Virginia Air Pollution Control Commission and the State Forestry Commission; and

    Whereas, Gus R. Douglass is a historic figure in the state of West Virginia and his likeness may never be seen here again; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby recognizes Gus R. Douglass for his dedicated public service to the State of West Virginia; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its sincere appreciation to Commissioner Douglass for his exemplary service; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Gus R. Douglass.