Honor Putorti's 90th Anniversary

September 9, 2017 WHEREAS, Within each community of this great State of New York there are certain businesses that define the nature of the region and the people who inhabit it; and WHEREAS, Such is true of Putorti's Broadway Market, located on 155 Broadway in the Village of Whitehall, New York, which has proudly provided mayonnaise, onions and Italian meat sandwiches, homemade sausages, and grocery products, as well as employment for residents in Washington County for nine prosperous decades; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Putorti's Broadway Market upon the occasion of celebrating its 90th Anniversary at a customer appreciation event on Saturday, September

9, 2017; and WHEREAS, In addition, a special dinner will be held later in the evening to commemorate this auspicious occasion; and WHEREAS, On September 9, 1927, Carolina Putorti, an Italian immigrant, opened the store in a small, stone house on Mountain Street, primarily so she could help support her family and add one very important item to her wardrobe, silk stockings; and WHEREAS, In 1950, Carolina Putorti made the decision to move the market to its current location on Broadway; in the early 1970s, Fred and Ann Putorti, who took over the store after Carolina's husband died, sold the business to their nephew, Fra Putorti; and WHEREAS, Fra Putorti took the helm of the store on July 3,1973, and a few years later, he married his wife, Cheryl; in the early years of their marriage, they lived above the store and their children could often be seen playing behind the counter; and WHEREAS, Even though there have been many changes since its inception, the Putorti family still owns and operates the business, proving to be an exception in a world of franchises and corporate ownership; today, Fra and Cheryl Putorti manage the day-to-day store operations; and WHEREAS, After 90 years of business, Putorti's Broadway Market remains an important economic force in Whitehall, providing employment, and serving as a one-stop-shop for groceries, beverages, New York Lottery, gram's fresh-made subs, baked goods and much more; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to their community, Fra and Cheryl Putorti have served the people of Whitehall in numerous capacities; Fra held the esteemed positions of both Mayor and President of the Whitehall Central School Board; Cheryl has chaired various civic organizations and was a vital member of the Village Board; and WHEREAS, Together, this remarkable and generous couple have helped raise significant funds for educational programs, local food pantries, and other worthy groups; and WHEREAS, For 90 years Putorti's Broadway Market has stood as a beloved establishment which has provided a friendly, open environment for patrons to shop and meet with their neighbors; following Carolina Putorti's gracious example, Fra and Cheryl always greet each and every one of their customers with a smile, making them feel like family; and WHEREAS, Since opening its doors, the owners and employees of Putorti's Broadway Market have brought an uncommon sense of quality and spirit to the community, providing Whitehall and Washington County not only with quality products, but with good old-fashioned memories; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledge this exceptional small business and its contributions to the local economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Putorti's Broadway Market upon the occasion of celebrating its 90th Anniversary on September 9, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Fra and Cheryl Putorti.