Vermont HCR 217: House concurrent resolution in memory of former Senator Hull Platt Maynard Jr. of Shrewsbury

Bill Text

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2026

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No. R-264. House concurrent resolution congratulating McNeil & Reedy of Rutland
City on 70 years as a superb men’s clothing retailer.
(H.C.R.217)
Offered by Representatives Burditt of West Rutland, Canfield of Fair Haven, Bosch of
Clarendon, Brown of Richmond, Casey of Hubbardton, Harvey of Castleton, Howard of
Rutland City, Howland of Rutland Town, Keyser of Rutland City, Maguire of Rutland
City, Malay of Pittsford, McCoy of Poultney, Nielsen of Brandon, Pinsonault of Dorset,
Pritchard of Pawlet, Taylor of Mendon, and Winter of Ludlow
Offered by Senators Collamore, Weeks, and Williams
Whereas, on April 16, 1956, James F. McNeil and George Reedy opened a new store
at 81 Merchants Row in Rutland City specializing in the sale of high-quality men’s suits
at a time when downtown Rutland was a thriving retail hub and men’s suits were in
steady demand, and
Whereas, James McNeil brought pertinent retailing experience from both the Varsity
Shop and the men’s and boys’ department at the Economy Store, and
Whereas, McNeil & Reedy served as the local franchise for Bond Clothing Stores,
Inc., a premier men’s clothing manufacturer, and
Whereas, across the ensuing decades, McNeil & Reedy’s inventory diversified,
evolving into a full-service men’s clothing store and the largest purveyor of suit and
tuxedo rentals in Vermont, and
Whereas, the founder’s twin sons, Jim and John McNeil, continued their father’s
legacy as the store’s joint proprietors, succeeding in downtown Rutland despite the
advent of suburban shopping malls, national clothing chains, and the increasing
popularity of online shopping, and
Whereas, McNeil & Reedy weathered these developments, providing expert tailoring
and personalized service and engendering customer loyalty, and
Whereas, the third generation of the store’s McNeil family leadership, Casey McNeil,
has recently assumed the helm, bringing his background in finance and a modern
perspective on retail management, and
Whereas, since inheriting the family’s merchandising legacy, Casey McNeil has
redesigned the store, expanded the tailoring department, broadened the inventory,
introduced new heritage and performance lines, and emphasized materials and
craftsmanship, and
Whereas, 2026 plans at industry-admired McNeil & Reedy include further design
enhancements, the introduction of new tailored clothing lines, and the expansion of cigar
offerings, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly congratulates McNeil & Reedy of Rutland City on 70
years as a superb men’s clothing retailer, and be it further

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Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
McNeil & Reedy.