Reps. Palsrok, Adamini, Amos, Anderson, Bieda, Byrum, Casperson, Caul, Dennis, Ehardt, Emmons, Farhat, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hopgood, Huizenga, Jamnick, Kolb, Kooiman, LaJoy, Law, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, Newell, Nitz, Nofs, Pastor, Phillips, Richardville, Rivet, Rocca, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stahl, Stakoe, Tabor, Taub, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

          House Resolution No. 300.

A resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station on August 26, 2004. 

            Whereas, The Grand Traverse region of northwest Lower Michigan is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World” due to its enormous cherry production capabilities and to its contribution toward furthering the interests of cherry growers and consumers worldwide; and

            Whereas, In recognition of the vast benefits of research and innovation maintaining and improving the cherry industry the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation was formed by fruit growers from Antrim, Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau, and Grand Traverse Counties in 1978; and 

            Whereas, The foresight of these founding fathers has been realized in the continued need for this facility some 25 years later.  The foundation provides research and education by leasing its facility to Michigan State University without charge. It is by the efforts of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation that the Grand Traverse region remains a worldwide center for cherry production and research. therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize August 26, 2004, as the 25th anniversary of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station and applaud the efforts of all who have worked to create and expand knowledge through cutting-edge research on cherries and other fruits and to disseminate new information to the Michigan fruit industry and the public; and be it further

            Resolved, That we continue to explore and develop new research and techniques to support the fruit industry as we head into the coming years.