Honor Michele L. Vennard

Senate Resolution No. 1724 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Michele L. Vennard upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Friends of Scouting WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and WHEREAS, Michele L. Vennard has given not only of her time and energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Michele L. Vennard upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Friends of Scouting to be celebrated at its Annual Breakfast on May 9,

25 years, she has been the dynamic leader of a talented staff, energetically promoting Albany as a convention, group tour and leisure travel destination; and WHEREAS, Due to Michele L. Vennard's successful efforts, Albany County and the Capital Region has felt a major economic ripple effect; and WHEREAS, In 2005, Michele L. Vennard was appointed to the Board of the Albany Convention Center Authority; for more than a decade, she has been one of the driving forces behind the successful development of the Albany Capital Center; and WHEREAS, Michele L. Vennard has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Michele L. Vennard has been a member and past Chairperson of the Capitalize Albany Corporation and past President of the New York State Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus; in addition, she is the past trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees of The Sage Colleges in Albany and Troy, and represented the Colleges on the University Heights Association Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, Currently, Michele L. Vennard serves on the Board of Directors of the Palace Performing Arts Center; she has also contributed to several national organizations, including the National Council of State Tourism Directors, The Travel Industry Association of America, the Discover America Task Force, the United States Travel Data Center and the Appalachian Regional Commission; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Michele L. Vennard has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Michele L. Vennard has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Michele L. Vennard upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Friends of Scouting; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michele L. Vennard.