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HJR 694

Memorials, Recognition - Benjamin and Lauren Neale, Rural Small Business of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Clay Doggett

TN honors Benjamin and Lauren Neale of Light Hill Meats with recognition as SBA Rural Small Business of the Year, highlighting rural entrepreneurship and community impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 694

Summary of House Joint Resolution 694 (HJR 694)

Overview

HJR 694 is a ceremonial, non-binding joint resolution recognizing Benjamin and Lauren Neale, owners of Light Hill Meats, for receiving the Rural Small Business of the Year award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Tennessee District Office. The resolution was introduced on April 21, 2025, and the bill was signed into law by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Acknowledges the important role of small businesses in Tennessee’s economy.
  • Honors Benjamin and Lauren Neale for their achievement in entrepreneurship and community impact.
  • Extends best wishes for continued success.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Declares that the House (and Senate concurrence) congratulates Benjamin and Lauren Neale on receiving the SBA Rural Small Business of the Year award.
  • Describes Light Hill Meats as an integrated farm-to-table beef business with:
    • A cow-calf herd
    • A USDA-inspected processing facility for cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats
    • A retail butcher shop serving families in Middle Tennessee
    • A fourteen-day dry hang process used by Light Hill Meats Butcher Shop
  • Notes Light Hill Meats’ operations in Spring Hill (retail location opened in 2022) and Lynnville (custom processing facility serving USDA and custom processing needs).
  • Highlights the Neales’ community involvement, including events for special needs children, autism support, and sober living initiatives.
  • Identifies the Neales as parents of four children: Corban, Abigail, Elizabeth, and Sarah.
  • Provides that an appropriate copy of the resolution will be prepared for presentation, with a specific clause omitted from the copy and the designated text appearing without House/Senate designation.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Benjamin and Lauren Neale and Light Hill Meats
  • Secondary: Employees, customers, and the broader Tennessee community that benefits from a local, community-focused small business
  • The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new regulatory requirements or fiscal obligations

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 21, 2025
  • House actions: Engrossed and filed for introduction (April 21); passed on second consideration (April 22)
  • Senate actions: Concurred (April 22); signed by Senate Speaker (April 28)
  • Enacted and transmitted: Enrolled (April 28); transmitted to Governor (April 29)
  • Governor’s signature: May 7, 2025
  • Classification: Joint resolution (memorial/recognition)

Significance

  • The bill formalizes statewide recognition of a successful Tennessee-based small business and its founders.
  • Highlights the role of rural entrepreneurship in local economies and community engagement.
  • No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are imposed by the resolution; it serves as a ceremonial commendation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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