LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joanne M. Oplustil upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Brooklyn Chamber of
Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joanne M.
Oplustil upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 2009 Building
Brooklyn Awards on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, During her 30-year tenure, Executive Director and founding
figure Joanne Oplustil has overseen CAMBA's growth from a merchants
association into the major economic development and social services
agency it is today; and
WHEREAS, Based in Flatbush, Brooklyn with multiple locations citywide,
CAMBA has provided business development, education and training, hous-
ing, family support and other social services to individuals and fami-
lies for the past 32 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to its prior work in providing supportive
services within affordable housing and management of homeless shelters,
in 2007 CAMBA Housing Ventures became an affordable housing developer,
having completed two projects including Morris Manor, this year's
affordable housing winner; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by Joanne Oplustil, CAMBA's multi-faceted dedicated
staff of over 1,200 speaks more than 40 languages and serves residents
of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including recent immigrants and refugees
from the Caribbean, the former Soviet Union, Africa, Latin America,
Southeast Asia, and elsewhere; fifteen percent of its employees are also
former clients, which allow the organization to truly connect with those
it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joanne M. Oplustil upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joanne M. Oplustil.