MS HR31

Commends Mr. Royce Cumbest for his distinguished career and leadership as chairman and director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation (JCEDF), which he co-founded and has served on since 2000

Recognizes his 2002 leadership of the JCEDF's first Partners in Progress capital campaign, which raised $6 million for economic development programs

Credits his commitment to JCEDF for attracting major economic development projects to Jackson County, including Northrop Grumman's Autonomous Systems Center, Gulf LNG Import Terminal, Rolls Royce Naval Marine, and VT Halter Marine expansions

Acknowledges his career in banking since 1971, serving as president and CEO of Merchants and Marine Bank starting in 1985, and becoming chairman of its board in 1991

Notes his community service following Hurricane Katrina as co-chair of Rebuild Jackson County and board member of the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund