Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE MRS. NAOMI WARNER OF SUMTER FOR THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS SHE HAS MADE TO THE DOWNTOWN SUMTER AREA AND TO PROCLAIM MAY 9, 2015, AS "NAOMI WARNER DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, Mrs. Naomi Warner is a co-founder of Naomi and Warner, an iconic gift shop on Main Street in Sumter, where generations of customers have gone to purchase gifts, set up wedding registries, buy jewelry, or enjoy a cup of coffee and a sandwich; and
Whereas, Mrs. Warner opened Naomi and Warner with her business partner and late husband, Mr. Warner T. Warner, in 1956 at 101 North Main Street. A few years later the couple moved the store to 119 North Main Street, where it remained for fifty years, cementing its place as a mainstay and cornerstone of the Downtown Sumter business community; and
Whereas, Naomi and Warner became a gathering place for people in the Sumter community. The store is a go-to spot to find beautiful gifts for all occasions. Additionally, Naomi and Warner previously housed a small coffee shop, and the café sold freshly brewed coffee, along with cold cut sandwiches and cakes which were handmade by Mrs. Warner; and
Whereas, Mrs. Warner's stellar reputation as a kind, thoughtful, and honest businesswoman instilled bonds of friendship and trust with her many customers, to the extent that they would oftentimes call the store with a price range and allow Mrs. Warner to choose the appropriate gift. Naomi and Warner has offered complimentary gift wrap for years, and the store has even been known to deliver gifts to an individual's home. It is this kind and giving spirit that has attracted so many to the Naomi and Warner store over the years; and
Whereas, the always-welcoming atmosphere within the Naomi and Warner store made it a favorite downtown spot to catch up on the morning news and to sip coffee with friends for many years - a tradition which continues today. Oftentimes, it was the first place a politician would visit on the campaign trail; and
Whereas, upon Mrs. Warner's retirement in 2013, her beloved store passed to the very capable hands of Mrs. Julie M. Herlong, who now operates the store in a beautifully refurbished Downtown Sumter building located at 13 North Main Street. Mrs. Herlong's staff includes Ms. Minnie Green, who worked alongside Mrs. Warner in the store for over thirty years. The store continues the same commitment to friendly, excellent customer service with a personal touch that has become synonymous with the Naomi and Warner tradition and name-a name that the business carries to this day; and
Whereas, on the occasion of her ninety-fifth birthday, the members of the Senate wish to celebrate along with Mrs. Warner's children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless Sumterites who love and appreciate Mrs. Warner, and find it fitting to proclaim May 9, 2015 as "Naomi Warner Day" in South Carolina and recognize Mrs. Warner for the pride and recognition her store has brought to the Downtown Sumter area. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, recognize Mrs. Naomi Warner of Sumter for the many contributions she has made to the Downtown Sumter area and proclaim May 9, 2015 as "Naomi Warner Day" in South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mrs. Naomi Warner, and to the Naomi and Warner store in Sumter.
This web page was last updated on March 31, 2015 at 2:06 PM