Reps. Gaffney, Rocca, Mortimer, Kahn, David Law, Gonzales, Whitmer, Garfield, Bieda, Cushingberry, Murphy, Hopgood, Condino, Byrum, Dillon, Clack, Sak, Drolet, Gosselin, Hildenbrand, McConico, Hood, Hunter, Tobocman, Plakas, Phillips, Kooiman, Moolenaar, Robertson, Lemmons, Jr., Mayes, Virgil Smith, Taub, Alma Smith, Leland, Wojno, Williams, Ward, Waters, Cheeks and Lemmons, III offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 133.

            A resolution honoring EDS upon the occasion of its 20th anniversary of conducting business in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, It is with deep appreciation of the significance of this milestone that we commend the executives, management, and employees of EDS as they mark the 20th anniversary of the expansion of this exemplary business into Michigan.  As the largest technology employer in the state, we are proud to recognize the important role that this enterprise has played in contributing to both the economic well-being of the state and the lives of countless citizens; and

            Whereas, Since coming to Michigan, EDS has established strong partnerships with private industry, and state and local governments, to become a vital element in helping Michigan grow and adapt to needs in commerce and all aspects of life in the state.  EDS has strengthened Michigan’s communities by establishing a strong corporate presence in the city of Detroit with 1,400 employees in Tower 500 of the GM Renaissance Center, the Virtual Reality Center in Troy, the newly established and industry leading EDS Agility Alliance Development Center in Auburn Hills, as well as solution, data and call centers in Lansing and throughout our state serving both Michigan and non-Michigan customers; and

Whereas, By providing a broad range of business and IT solutions, EDS has helped numerous clients in the automotive, manufacturing, health care, communications, energy, transportation, consumer, retail and government sectors.  This success in maintaining competitiveness during an era of many challenges is the direct result of the commitment of the highly skilled and dedicated individuals of this company and their ability to work together to offer the best in products and services over the years; and

Whereas, Through serving premier local clients, more EDS employees call Michigan home than any other location in the world; and

            Whereas, The true success of a company is not simply measured in dollars.  The EDS Foundation manages the company’s charitable contributions by following its mission: "Giving in order ensure that information technology promotes cultural and civic change, enriches the education of current and future generations, and enhances communities."  There are no finer examples than the JASON Project, Cornerstone Schools and technology grants which give schools the opportunity to enhance exposure and training in technology for students and teachers alike; and

Whereas, In looking back over 20 years of EDS' history in Michigan, it is clear that this business has set its course with a continuing look to the future.  While the changes of the marketplace dictate many of the decisions for any good company, EDS has also demonstrated the importance of looking beyond the balance sheet alone to include the ideas of its people and the role of the company in community life in making choices.  We are grateful for all that EDS has contributed to Michigan as well as heartened by the strength that Michiganders have brought to EDS; now, therefore, be it    

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor EDS upon the occasion of its 20th anniversary of business in the great state of Michigan.  We salute EDS on this happy occasion and wish them well in the years to come; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to EDS as a token of our esteem.