Honor Melissa Steen Award

Senate Resolution No. 4465 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Melissa Steen upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce on April 26, 2018 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Melissa Steen 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 Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, 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, businesses, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem, New York, and the surrounding region; and WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Melissa Steen has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and WHEREAS, Melissa Steen is the owner of I Love Books on Delaware Avenue in Delmar, New York; through her book store, she has generously supported numerous worthy organizations including Bethlehem Tomboys Girls Softball, Marillac Family Shelter, Unity House and the Ronald McDonald House; and WHEREAS, Melissa Steen also enjoys assisting the Girl Scouts earn their Bronze Awards and gives them space outside her store to sell their famous cookies; and WHEREAS, This remarkable woman graciously promotes non-profit organizations, community groups, and other small local businesses; provides students with books for author visits; and organizes in-store raffles for various animal shelters and adoption groups; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Melissa Steen 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 Melissa Steen has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 Melissa Steen 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 Melissa Steen.