Honor Michael J. Garner

Senate Resolution No. 2464 BY: Senator PARKER CONGRATULATING Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Harlem Alphas Annual Living the Dream Award WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in applauding associations whose diligence and compassionate commitment help to improve the quality of life of others, often recognizing events of such organizations designed to increase awareness of serious debilitating illnesses which affect the lives of many New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Harlem Alphas Annual Living the Dream Award, on Friday,

January 17, 2020; and WHEREAS, The Annual Living the Dream Awards ceremony is dedicated to honoring the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by honoring the individuals that embody the idea that we are more powerful because we are educated; and WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner has been instrumental in creating a more diverse construction industry in New York State, by empowering small businesses across this great Empire State through educational programming and access to increased opportunities; and WHEREAS, Through Michael J. Garner's MTA Small Business Development Program, record breaking prime and subcontracts have been awarded to New York State certified minority, women-owned and MTA certified disadvantaged business enterprises; throughout his career he has been responsible for awarding 10 billion dollars in contracts to these enterprises; and WHEREAS, Before his work with the MTA, Michael J. Garner served as Senior Director of Business Development at the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA), where he was responsible for the shortand long-term business development of qualified emerging minority, women-owned and locally based business enterprises (MWLBEs); and WHEREAS, Under his illustrious leadership, the SCA created one of the most comprehensive small business development and inclusion programs in the nation including implementation of a Graduate Mentor Program; and WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner is an active member of the Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, and serves as President of One Hundred Black Men Inc. of New York, in addition to holding the position of Treasurer of the New York/New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michael J. Garner serves on the board of Harlem Hospital and advises numerous U.S. cities and states on their minority business development and inclusion programs; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, Michael J. Garner 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 Michael J. Garner has displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Harlem Alphas Annual Living the Dream Award; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael J. Garner.