HR0892 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0892 LRB100 21116 MST 37015 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Gary Niebur for his diligent service to the City of Edwardsville; and

WHEREAS, Gary Niebur served the City of Edwardsville throughout his entire career, beginning his public service with the parks department; during his service, he was the recipient of numerous community service awards, including: the Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Persons in the State of Illinois, the Rotary Club International Paul Harris Fellowship Award, the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen's Award, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Religious Center Interfaith Award, and the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award; and

WHEREAS, Gary Niebur served the City of Edwardsville as mayor from 1993 to 2013, making him the longest serving mayor in Edwardsville's 200-year history; as mayor, he helped to grow the city's population from 14,000 to 25,000, and Edwardsville was named one of the top 10 places to raise a family by Family Circle Magazine; he also worked tirelessly to develop and expand Illinois State Routes 159 and 157, to promote safety and business growth; through his persistence, he received nearly $50 million to fund these projects; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Gary Niebur was elected president of the Illinois Municipal League; he served on the board of directors from 1993 to 2003, and also held the offices of vice president and sergeant-at-arms; and

WHEREAS, Gary Niebur became president and CEO of the Edwardsville YMCA in 1982, at the age of 28; as CEO, he helped to raise over $10 million in donations, allowing the growth of the facility from one building to three; in 2007, the YMCA was awarded the Excellence in Facilities Award by YMCA of the USA, staking its position as one of the most successful facilities in the country; Gary Niebur has led the Edwardsville YMCA to extraordinary progression and success throughout his 35-year tenure; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Gary Niebur for his diligent service to the City of Edwardsville, thank him for his dedication to his community, and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gary Niebur as a symbol of our respect and esteem.