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2015 SESSION

15104022D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 340
Offered February 10, 2015
Celebrating the life of E. Cabell Brand.
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Patrons-- Edwards, Alexander, Barker, Black, Carrico, Chafin, Colgan, Cosgrove, Dance, Deeds, Ebbin, Favola, Garrett, Hanger, Howell, Lewis, Locke, Marsden, Martin, McDougle, McEachin, McWaters, Miller, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Petersen, Puller, Reeves, Ruff, Saslaw, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wagner, Watkins and Wexton; Delegates: Austin, Carr, Davis, Futrell, Habeeb, Hope, Keam, Kory, Landes, Morefield, Morrissey, Plum, Rasoul, Spruill, Ware and Watts
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WHEREAS, E. Cabell Brand, a respected businessman and distinguished philanthropist who championed economic and community development in the Roanoke Valley and beyond as the founder of Total Action for Progress, died on January 13, 2015; and

WHEREAS, a lifetime resident of Salem, Cabell Brand graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) as class valedictorian; he continued his education at Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, while at VMI, Cabell Brand joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to his country during World War II; he deployed to Europe with the 70th Infantry Division of the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of captain and earned a Bronze Star Medal; and

WHEREAS, after returning home to finish his education, Cabell Brand worked in the Intelligence Office of the Berlin Military Government and for the United States Foreign Service; in 1949, he became president of the family business, Ortho-Vent Shoe Company, which he expanded into the Stuart McGuire Company and sold to the Home Shopping Network in 1986; and

WHEREAS, among his proudest accomplishments, Cabell Brand founded Total Action Against Poverty in 1965, which is now known as Total Action for Progress; as president and chair of the organization for 30 years, he helped provide career development, affordable housing, clean water, education, and legal aid to countless Virginians; and

WHEREAS, Total Action for Progress offers more than 30 programs to low-income residents of the Roanoke Valley; under Cabell Brand’s leadership, the organization established Head Start, the Child Health Investment Partnership, Virginia CARES, and the Virginia Water Project; and

WHEREAS, Cabell Brand also founded the Cabell Brand Center for International Poverty and Research Studies, which has provided more than 500 students with the opportunity to study and research poverty, peace, and the environment and gain the knowledge to become effective community leaders; and

WHEREAS, Cabell Brand authored a memoir detailing his passion for community service titled If Not Me, Then Who?, which has become required reading in academic programs throughout the country and inspired countless future leaders; and

WHEREAS, Cabell Brand earned dozens of awards and accolades for his business acumen and service to those in need; he leaves behind a legacy of excellence for all citizens of the Commonwealth seeking to make a difference in their communities; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Shirley, and five children, Ingrid, Marshall, Edward, Jr., Richard, and John, Cabell Brand will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters, Sylvia, Miriam, Caroline, and Liza, and their families and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of E. Cabell Brand, an accomplished businessman, passionate philanthropist, and devoted advocate for Virginians in need; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of E. Cabell Brand as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.