Honor Local Merchants Association

Senate Resolution No. 275 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER HONORING Meet in the Center Merchant's Association upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2019 Organization of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March 7, 2019 WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging outstanding organizations which distinguish themselves in serving the community and its residents, and which warrant special recognition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Meet in the Center Merchant's Association upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2019 Organization of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 47th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and WHEREAS, Meet in the Center Merchant's Association is receiving this prestigious award for its steadfast and unremitting commitment to its beloved community of Clarence; and WHEREAS, For many years, Meet in the Center Merchant's Association has strived to promote local economic activity, increase visitors to the area, and improve the aesthetic appeal of Clarence Center, while preserving its historic character; this valuable organization is comprised of a small group of merchants who diligently work to showcase the quaint and welcoming atmosphere of this small Western New York hamlet; and WHEREAS, Meet in the Center Merchant's Association also provides many events for the community to enjoy and for the promotion of businesses; it also works to create opportunities for the business and residential communities to come together to eat, shop, stroll, celebrate and enjoy Clarence Center; and WHEREAS, Some of Meet in the Center Merchant's Association's popular events include: Bikes in Bloom, consisting of decorating and displaying bikes in various themes during the summer months; Fall Fest which is a community festival event featuring 30 business vendors and merchants, live music, children's games, restaurant specials, food trucks, a petting zoo, hayrides, basket raffles and more; Merchant Stroll which is in participation with the Small Business Saturday shop local initiative; Christmas in the Center offers a celebration for the community complete with live music, caroling, free horse drawn sleigh rides, and holiday cheer including a visit from Santa; and Beautifying the Center, where members buy and maintain flowers at the "Four Corners" with seasonal displays and hang street banners from poles promoting business, life and leisure with their founding theme "Enjoying Clarence Center!"; and WHEREAS, The hamlet of Clarence Center is rich in history as an economic hub dating back to 1849, with several historic building landmarks such as the Metz Store of 1849, and the Eshelman Building of

1872; today, the active business members of the Meet in the Center Merchant's Association are The Perfect Gift, Clarence Center Child Care & Preschool, Clarence Center Coffee Co., Bank of Akron, Gertie's Restaurant, Yours Truly, Hen House II, The Pink Hair Salon, Mardee's Diner, Del Monte Hair Systems, Peanut & Squeak Children's Clothing Boutique, Allstate - Kris Oviatt Agency, and Cadence Music; and WHEREAS, The success of Meet in the Center Merchant's Association is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Meet in the Center Merchant's Association upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2019 Organization of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Meet in the Center Merchant's Association.