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2010 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 50
Designating the first week of September, in 2010 and in each succeeding year, as Textile Heritage Week in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 21, 2010
Agreed to by the Senate, March 2, 2010

 

WHEREAS, with the invention of the cotton spinning mill in 1790, the textile industry in America predated the Industrial Revolution, and, with the emergence of mills, machines, and other inventions, the manufacture and delivery of goods to the marketplace was dramatically changed during the 18th century; and

WHEREAS, after the war for independence, the transportation infrastructure was developed, which facilitated commerce among the states and advances in technology that occurred before the Civil War grew; and

WHEREAS, although the Northeast was the center of the textile industry during the 19th century, textile production shifted to southern textile mill towns in small rural areas where a unique culture flourished among textile workers that emphasized a strong work ethic, personal resiliency, improvements in education, housing, recreation, and culture, and devotion to family and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, the people of these southern mill towns helped to support the economic prosperity of the nation and survived the Great Depression with dignity; and

WHEREAS, the textile industry flourished and after World War II the country emerged as a political, economic, and military superpower, but by the end of the 20th century the textile industry faced significant competition from abroad and textile companies evolved into modern corporations; and

WHEREAS, a generation ago 80 percent of corporate profits in the United States were contributed by manufacturing; however, in the late 20th century, due to globalization and substantive changes in federal trade policy, many American textile factories failed or were moved to countries in which the cost of the production of goods was considerably cheaper, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of textile jobs; and

WHEREAS, the textile industry has contributed significantly to the economic success of the nation, has helped to shape its political, economic, educational, and social institutions, and has fostered American values, ideals, and cultural identity; and

WHEREAS, there have been efforts by several southern states along the Interstate 85 corridor from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, to preserve the history and heritage of small textile communities through textile-heritage sites, museums, and events, including a proposed Southern Textile Heritage Corridor and celebration of Textile Heritage Week; and

WHEREAS, the history, heritage, values, traditions, and rich legacy of the South's small textile communities are worthy of preservation for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Labor Day was established to recognize annually the social and economic achievements of American workers and their contributions to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the nation, and it is appropriate and fitting to remember and celebrate the contributions of the people of small southern textile communities during the Labor Day holiday; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the first week of September, in 2010 and in each succeeding year, as Textile Heritage Week in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this week on the General Assembly's website.