Senate Resolution No. 991

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Wally Altes upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2021 Third Age
Achievement Award by Lifepath

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Wally Altes
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2021 Third Age
Achievement Award by Lifepath, to be celebrated at its 25th Annual
Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 7, 2021, at Wolferts Roost Country Club,
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Lifepath is dedicated to keeping older neighbors and
friends healthy and safe by providing effective programs and support to
help them stay connected to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious event recognizes the
contributions area residents and professionals have made in their
communities during the Third Age of their lives (after turning 60
years-old); Wally Altes is truly deserving of this prestigious award;
and

WHEREAS, A true community leader, Wally Altes served as President of
the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, now the Capital
Chamber, from 1990 to 2002; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Wally Altes, the Chamber grew
to be the third largest in New York State with some 3,000 members;
during this time the Chamber also received several state and national
awards for its innovative programming and administrative excellence,
leading the effort to brand the area as Tech Valley; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the Chamber in 2002, Wally Altes
re-established his consulting practice which he had closed upon assuming
the Chamber Presidency; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Wally Altes served as Executive in Residence at Union
Graduate College and the Lally School of Management at RPI, and as
Senior Counsel at Sawchuk, Brown Public Relations and Gramercy
Communications; he joined the Boards of Berkshire Bank and MVP, and
later became Chair of Boards of the Albany Institute of History and Art
and Southern Vermont College; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Wally Altes was asked to Chair the Troy Downtown
Collaborative, the forerunner to the Downtown Business Improvement
District; he was subsequently appointed by Mayor Lou Rosamilia to the
Chairmanship of the Troy Industrial Development Agency and Local

Development Corporation; in addition, he served as the Chair of the Troy
Music Hall Corporation; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Wally Altes has been the
proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades from countless local
organizations such as the University at Albany, Excelsior College, Sage
College, and the United Jewish Federation; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Wally Altes and his wife, Jane, have been
honored by the Arthritis Foundation, the Arts Center of the Capital
Region and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Wally Altes has displayed
throughout his 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 Wally Altes upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2021 Third Age Achievement Award by Lifepath; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wally Altes.