LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Thomas O. Putnam upon the occasion
of his designation by the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce as the
recipient of its 2009 Community Leader of the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the achievements of individuals, organizations, and businesses
which contribute substantially to the economic health and vitality of
the communities of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Thomas O. "Tom" Putnam, founder and chairman of Fenimore Asset
Management, upon the occasion of his designation by the Schoharie County
Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of its 2009 Community Leader of the
Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Putnam will be honored at the chamber's Annual Meeting
and Business Awards Dinner to be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the
Best Western Inn of Cobleskill in Cobleskill, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes
business people in Schoharie County who have been successful in provid-
ing good products and services to clients and customers, and who have
treated their employees and business associates in a fair and responsi-
ble manner; and
WHEREAS, Community involvement, stability, longevity and advancement
of the quality of life of the community are other factors which are
considered by the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce in conferring its
annual business awards; and
WHEREAS, As the founder, chairman and chief investment officer of
Fenimore Asset Management, Thomas Putnam imparts the ongoing vision for
Fenimore and provides insight and guidance to its separately managed
portfolio business and FAM Funds; and
WHEREAS, Not only is he dedicated to Fenimore's investors, Thomas
Putnam is passionate about serving and investing in the community; and
WHEREAS, He currently serves on the boards of Catskill Area Hospice &
Palliative Care, the NYSHA Foundation, Fenimore Art Museum and the
Guideposts Foundation; he is also an elder at Schoharie Reformed Church
and has served on the Cobleskill Regional Hospital and Schoharie County
Chamber of Commerce boards; and
WHEREAS, For 36 years, Fenimore Asset Management and its associates
have donated significant human and financial resources to a variety of
charities and worthy causes throughout the Capital Region; from serving
on not-for-profit boards and participating in company-wide acts of
service, to maintaining a contribution committee and specified level of
annual monetary support, Fenimore has not wavered from Thomas Putnam's
original commitment; and
WHEREAS, The epitome of Thomas Putnam's tradition of giving is
Fenimore's annual charity FAM 5K "Fund" Run/Walk; since 1994, the FAM 5K
has been held each September and has grown to include more than 800
participants and 200 volunteers and is a fun-filled, memorable day in
the spirit of family, good health, charity, and service; and
WHEREAS, Each year the proceeds from the race are donated to one of
five local charities on a rotating basis: Catholic Charities of Schohar-
ie County, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Habitat for Humanity
of Schoharie County, Schoharie County ARC, and the Schoharie County
Community Action Program; the goal of the rotation is to help raise
awareness about each organization and to provide financial resources
while showcasing the Schoharie County community in a most positive
light; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Thomas Putnam has displayed through-
out his life; he is very involved with the community; he works hard to
generate pride in his community; he has certainly enhanced the quality
of life in Schoharie County and may be justly proud of the legacy he
leaves ensuring that Fenimore Asset Management's tradition of caring,
giving, and serving will continue for many generations; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge such
outstanding individuals as Thomas Putnam whose professional lives,
personal endeavors and community service are an example and inspiration
to their colleagues, friends, and family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Thomas O. Putnam upon the occasion of his designation by
the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of its 2009
Community Leader of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas O. Putnam.