LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Louis Heimbach upon the occasion of
receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Pattern for Progress on
November 5, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Louis Heimbach upon the occasion of receiving the Lifetime Achievement
Award from Pattern for Progress at its Annual Awards Reception to be
held on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1965, Pattern for Progress is a not-for-profit
policy, planning, advocacy and research organization dedicated to
preserving and enhancing the quality of life for Hudson Valley residents
through regional solutions; and
WHEREAS, A former Board Member of Pattern for Progress, Louis Heimbach
is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling
Forest, LLC; he is being recognized for his extraordinary career which
has had a significant impact on the quality of life in the Hudson
Valley; his longtime efforts to improve housing, jobs and infrastructure
in the region have had enduring results; and
WHEREAS, Louis Heimbach joined Sterling Forest LLC as President in
January 1990; in August 1994, he was appointed Chairman and CEO; prior
to that, he served 12 years as County Executive of Orange County, where
he compiled a record of continual accomplishment; his ability was
affirmed by the fact that he was re-elected twice to the position, serv-
ing a full three terms; prior to his election as County Executive, he
served three terms as Supervisor of the Town of Wallkill; and
WHEREAS, Louis Heimbach presently serves on the Boards of the Orange
County Trust Company, Orange Regional Medical Center, Orange County
Capital Development Corporation, Hudson Valley Economic Development
Corporation and the Orange County Citizens Foundation; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Louis Heimbach is Vice Chairman of the Stewart
Airport Commission; he is also a member of the Urban Land Institute, and
the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Orange County, Louis Heimbach began his working
career as a farmer and went on to proudly serve his country in the
United States Air Force; after graduation from Middletown High School,
he attended Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelors of Science
degree as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration; and
WHEREAS, Louis Heimbach has served as Chairman of the Hudson Valley
Economic Development District Board, Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress and
the Greater Hudson Valley Health Systems; he is a former member of the
Orange County Economic Development Committee, Orange County Chamber of
Commerce and the Board of Trustees of Mount Saint Mary College and has
served on numerous other local advisory councils and commissions; and
WHEREAS, On the state level, Louis Heimbach has been President of the
New York State Association of County Executives, a member of the Board
of Directors of the New York State Association of Counties and Chairman
of the Association's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Physically Handicapped
Children; and
WHEREAS, Louis Heimbach is also past President of the National Associ-
ation of County Executives and has served as a Director of the National

Association of Counties; he is a former President of the Orange County
Association of Supervisors and Mayors and has served on committees of
various fund raising groups; moreover, he is a former member of the
Executive Committee of the New York Committee for Employer Support of
the Guard and Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Louis Heimbach has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Catharine, and their
two sons, David and Jonathan, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Louis
Heimbach over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Louis Heimbach upon the occasion of receiving the Lifetime
Achievement Award from Pattern for Progress on November 5, 2009; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Louis Heimbach.