Honor Business Award Winner

Senate Resolution No. 1768 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Pamela Clark Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the best interest of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and WHEREAS, Pamela Clark Robbins 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 Pamela Clark Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner on Friday, April 28, 2017, at the Colonie Golf and Country Club in Voorheesville, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce works on a local and regional level to advance economic development and foster a positive business environment; it offers resources for residents, business, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem and the surrounding region; and WHEREAS, In 1987, Pamela Clark Robbins founded Policy Research Associates (PRA); the organization was started to create positive social change for people who are disadvantaged through technical assistance, research and training; over the years, she has become its Chief Executive Officer; and WHEREAS, Under Pamela Clark Robbins' luminous leadership, PRA is now a national leader in behavioral health and research; this vital organization has been awarded numerous grants over the years, funding research which helps organizations and individuals in the complex areas of behavioral health, homelessness, benefit access, criminal justice, juvenile justice, veteran services, recover support and trauma as well as wellness; and WHEREAS, PRA employees are encouraged to give back and volunteer in the Bethlehem community, and actively recruits staff members in the area; in 2013, it was named one of the Best Workplaces by the Times Union; and WHEREAS, Pamela Clark Robbins has been actively involved in various committees and organizations; she was a member and subcommittee Chair of the Bethlehem 20/20 Advisory Committee which developed the Town's Strategic Plan; in addition, she served on various subcommittees of the Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency, which evaluates and promotes economic development along with the incentive funding for business; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Pamela Clark Robbins has been a longtime Board of Directors member and Vice Chair of the Bethlehem Youth Court and held the title of President of the Board of Directors for School's Out, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Throughout her many endeavors, Pamela Clark Robbins has led numerous fundraising initiatives including Caring Together, Inc.'s Run/Walk for ovarian cancer; the Delmar Dash, as a founding organizer and longtime sponsor; Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless and the Bethlehem Community Fund; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Pamela Clark Robbins has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which Pamela Clark Robbins has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Pamela Clark Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Pamela Clark Robbins.