WHEREAS, Haryong Lee served ably for the last three years as Consul-General of the Republic of Korea in Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, Consul-General Lee's career, spanning over 35 years, at renowned academic institutions, in economics, business, and in international diplomacy has increased his ability to better serve the State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Consul-General Lee has demonstrated outstanding success and service in both the public and private sectors in both the Republic of Korea and the United States; and
     WHEREAS, In Seattle as well as his other postings across the globe, Consul-General Lee was embraced by all people of Korean descent, and showed tremendous dedication to the same; and
     WHEREAS, Consul-General Lee's immense knowledge of his nation and the United States led to increased trade and cultural relations between Washington and the Republic of Korea; and
     WHEREAS, Consul-General Lee and the Korean-American community maintain close ties with Korea and, at the same time, continue to establish and strengthen their relationship to the State of Washington; and
     Whereas, Korean-Americans own and operate over 3,500 businesses in Washington that have gross sales and receipts of approximately 1.5 billion dollars annually, pay 180 million dollars in taxes per year, and employ approximately 10,000 Washingtonians; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Washington owes a tremendous debt to Consul-General Lee for the tremendous work he accomplished during his tenure in Seattle; and
     WHEREAS, Consul-General Lee went above and beyond the duties of his position and indefatigably worked to maintain and expand the crucial economic and cultural relations between the Republic of Korea and Washington;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington honor Consul-General Haryong Lee for his service to the Republic of Korea and Washington, his diplomatic nature, extreme kindness, and understanding of the crucial relationship between our peoples; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate also recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions Korean-Americans have made to our state, which have enriched communities throughout Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Consul-General Lee and the Korean Consulate in Seattle, and his government.