LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Rockland Business Association
upon the occasion of its designation as a 2009 Best of Business Award
winner by the Small Business Commerce Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute 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 congratu-
late the Rockland Business Association upon the occasion of its desig-
nation as a 2009 Best of Business Award winner by the Small Business
Commerce Association; and
WHEREAS, Incorporated in 1967, the Rockland Business Association (RBA)
is a non-profit membership organization based in Pearl River, New York;
its mission is to educate, inform, and provide beneficial services to
members and actively represent, promote and support the business commu-
nity of Rockland County; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Chief Executive Officer and
President, Al Samuels, RBA is the "voice" of business in Rockland Coun-
ty; it serves the entire Rockland County business community as well as
many firms in the Hudson Valley and New Jersey wishing to do business in
Rockland; with more than 1,000 member businesses, its services and bene-
fits target the needs of various sectors of the community including the
manufacturing, financial and service industries; and
WHEREAS, In addition, RBA is an advocacy organization promoting busi-
ness friendly legislation and supporting the elimination of legislation
that is onerous to the business community; it merited the Best of Busi-
ness award in large part because of the many regional business issues
for which it has acted as an extraordinarily effective advocate; and
WHEREAS, Corporate partners of RBA enable it to generate the initi-
atives necessary to ensure sound growth and economic development in
Rockland County; these corporate partnerships are essential in maintain-
ing and increasing the visibility of RBA, thereby strengthening its
effectiveness in advancing the business agenda; and
WHEREAS, The Best of Business Awards recognize the efforts of the top
five percent of America's small businesses; award winners were selected
from about 5 million nominees in 2,500 cities in all 50 states; RBA's
selection ranks it among the top five percent of small businesses in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when business
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Rockland Business Association upon the occasion of its
designation as a 2009 Best of Business Award winner by the Small Busi-
ness Commerce Association; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Al Samuels, Chief Executive Officer and President, the Rock-
land Business Association, Pearl River, New York.