SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2018 SESSION

18107598D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 213
Offered March 1, 2018
Commending Michael F. Kuhns.
----------
Patrons-- Mason; Delegates: Pogge and Price
----------

WHEREAS, Michael F. Kuhns will retire as president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2018, after seven years of exemplary service and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Michael “Mike” Kuhns earned a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and served his country as a captain in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, a former employee of the Illinois-based economic development organization, the Heartland Partnership, Mike Kuhns also served as a former president and chief executive officer of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and has worked as an organizational consultant to chambers of commerce across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Mike Kuhns settled in Newport News in 2003 and was later named president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in 2010; and

WHEREAS, under Mike Kuhns’ able leadership, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce rebranded itself, worked to bolster its visibility in the region by increasing its number of annual events, and engaged with governors, legislators, military commanders, and other prominent leaders; and

WHEREAS, a talented fiscal administrator, Mike Kuhns resolved the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s debts and established positive cash balances, equity, and six months of operating reserves; and

WHEREAS, Mike Kuhns’ other accomplishments include restructuring the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Council, establishing an Annual Partnership Program, starting the Virginia Peninsula Chamber Foundation to support nonprofits and local government initiatives, and creating the Peninsula Economic Resource Team, which brings together economic development directors from across the region; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his leadership with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Mike Kuhns serves as vice chair of the Thomas Nelson Community College Board, co-chair of the Eustis Civic Leaders Association, vice president of legislative affairs for the Langley Civic Leaders Association, and chairman of Friends of the Newport News Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Mike Kuhns has worked tirelessly to find solutions to business-related community issues and has won the respect of his colleagues for his dedication, judgment, and excellent communication skills; and

WHEREAS, in his well-deserved retirement, Mike Kuhns plans to travel, enjoy visits with family members, and devote more time to community service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Michael F. Kuhns on his outstanding service to the community on the occasion of his retirement as chief executive officer and president of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael F. Kuhns as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his impressive career accomplishments and best wishes for the future.