Honor Michele Vennard Award

Senate Resolution No. 3791 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Alan P. Goldberg Patron of the Arts Award by the Palace Theatre on March 24, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the cultural enrichment of the State of New York, and the success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the

2018, at the Theatre in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Michele Vennard is receiving this auspicious award for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her role as an advocate for the importance of the arts in economic development; and WHEREAS, For 25 years, Michele Vennard has served as both President and CEO of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the position from which she will officially retire in 2018; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Michele Vennard supervises 41 employees, oversees a $1.86 million budget, and diligently works to promote Albany and the Capital Region to potential visitors, residents, and businesses; and WHEREAS, Michele Vennard was instrumental in opening the Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany; for over 20 years, she poured her heart and soul into this incredible project which has already generated a tremendous influx of business to the Capital Region; and WHEREAS, The spectacular, modern building, located around the corner from the majestic New York State Capitol, is owned by the Albany Convention Center Authority and managed by SMG, a private firm which also manages the Times Union Center downtown; and WHEREAS, In addition to bringing the Convention Center to Albany, Michele Vennard has made the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau's role more visible, and increased the number of hotels and tourist attractions in Albany County; and WHEREAS, Recently, under the luminous leadership of Michele Vennard, the Bureau unveiled a new website and a branding promotion entitled "Discover Albany"; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Alan P. Goldberg Patron of the Arts Award by the Palace Theatre on March 24, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michele Vennard.