Honor Rudy D'Amico Retirement

Assembly Resolution No. 383 BY: M. of A. Buttenschon COMMENDING President and CEO Rudy C. D'Amico upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 10 years of distinguished service to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those individuals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of others; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend President and CEO Rudy C. D'Amico upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 10 years of distinguished service to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI); and WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated at a Retirement Party held in his honor on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club in New York Mills, New York; and WHEREAS, Upon earning his bachelor's degree in finance from Rider University, Rudy C. D'Amico proudly served his country as a member of the New York Army National Guard; after 21 years of service, he retired in 1993 with the rank of Major; and WHEREAS, During this time, Rudy C. D'Amico founded and held the title of CEO of Express Systems Integration (ESI), a computer systems integration company with offices in both New Hartford and Syracuse, New York; and WHEREAS, In 1985, Rudy C. D'Amico first became involved with CABVI as a member of its Board of Directors; after eight years of service, he began to work for this vital organization, first as Vice President of Operations and then Executive Vice President; in these capacities, he oversaw manufacturing operations, sales and customer services, new product development, base supply center operations and information and technology; and WHEREAS, In May of 2008, Rudy C. D'Amico was appointed President and the third Chief Executive Officer of CABVI in its 79-year history, the position from which he will officially retire in August of 2019; throughout his tenure, he has accomplished numerous goals such as expanding employment services into Onondaga County, adding more than 100 employees, for a total staff of 270, half of whom are blind; opened four Base Supply Centers on military bases; and created additional vision rehabilitation services; and WHEREAS, In addition, under the luminous leadership of Rudy C. D'Amico, CABVI is in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art vision health and wellness center in downtown Utica, New York, and is recognized across the country as one of the best private agencies for the blind; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his profession and community, Rudy C. D'Amico has served on numerous non-profit Boards of Directors including the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind, the New York Vision Rehabilitation Association, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and Upstate Cerebral Palsy; and WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Anne, who has shown him love and support and rejoices in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, A visionary leader, Rudy C. D'Amico is synonymous with CABVI; he will fondly be remembered for his tenacity, compassion and boundless energy; he continuously displayed initiative and an unrelenting commitment when pursuing the highest of goals, and has served as a role model of leadership to be emulated by all; 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 commend President and CEO Rudy C. D'Amico upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 10 years of distinguished service to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), and to wish him continued success in all future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rudy C. D'Amico.