LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Michael and Ella J. Weiss upon the
occasion of their designation for special honor at the Brooklyn Jewish
Heritage Night Salute to Israel on April 29, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Michael and Ella J. Weiss upon the occasion of their designation for
special honor at the Brooklyn Jewish Heritage Night Salute to Israel on
April 29, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Involved in education, the arts and community affairs for her
entire adult life, Ella J. Weiss has shown a singular and unrelenting
devotion to the betterment and enrichment of Brooklyn as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Currently the President of the Brooklyn Arts Council, Ella J.
Weiss served in many positions at Brooklyn College, including Assistant
Vice President for College Relations, Executive Director of the Office
of Alumni Affairs and Director of Community Relations and Audience
Development; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Ella J. Weiss, the Brooklyn Arts
Council has become a prominent force on the cultural scene in the
Borough of Brooklyn by expanding its programs and greatly enhancing its
partnerships with the arts community in the region; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ella J. Weiss is a founding member of the Brook-
lyn Information and Culture Board of Directors, and a member of the
Boards of the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn
College, the Flatbush Development Corporation and the Brooklyn College
Alumni Association; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, Michael Weiss is the Execu-
tive Director of the MetroTech Business Improvement District, part of
the third largest retail business district in New York City and the
largest outside of Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Michael Weiss, the MetroTech Business
Improvement District has won numerous awards for management and inno-
vation, including the Greenest Commercial Block in Brooklyn and the New
York City Department of Small Business Services Neighborhood Achievement
Award; and
WHEREAS, One of the founders of the Flatbush Development Corporation,
Michael Weiss is a member of the Executive Committee of the New York
City BID Managers Association and served as its President, as well as a
founder and Chair of the Brooklyn Technical High School Alumni Founda-
tion and past Chairman of the Board of the International Downtown Asso-
ciation; and
WHEREAS, With Michael and Ella J. Weiss throughout have been their two
children, Ethan and Janna, along with her husband, Rick Bruner, and
their four grandchildren, Elijah, Aliyah, Matthew and Evan, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of their lives and rejoice in their many
achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Michael and Ella J. Weiss and to wish

them continued success in all of their future endeavors; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michael and Ella J. Weiss upon the occasion of their designation
for special honor at the Brooklyn Jewish Heritage Night Salute to Israel
on April 29, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael and Ella J. Weiss.