LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Harley Ruppert upon the occasion of
receiving the 2010 Businessperson of the Year Award from the Herkimer
County Chamber of Commerce on April 29, 2010

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
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
Harley Ruppert upon the occasion of receiving the 2010 Businessperson of
the Year Award from the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce at its 42nd
Annual Membership Meeting-Luncheon to be held at the Crystal Chandelier
Restaurant on Thursday, April 29, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Harley Ruppert has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to both his community and profes-
sion and subsequently has been designated for this most prestigious
honor; and
WHEREAS, Harley Ruppert is the current president/CEO of Newport Tele-
phone Co. and its subsidiaries; he began his esteemed career in the
telephone industry as business manager in 1971 with Oneida County Rural
Telephone; he moved to Newport Telephone in 1978 and after holding
several positions he was named president in 1998; he purchased the
company in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Harley Ruppert received his education at Broome Community
College and SUNY Albany, majoring in Accounting; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Harley Ruppert has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Harley Ruppert currently serves on the boards of the Herkimer
County Chamber of Commerce, the Herkimer County Industrial Development
Agency, Ontario Trumansburg Telephone, the Independent Optical Network
and several industry boards including the New York State Telecommuni-
cations Association, of which he served as chairman from 2002-2004; and
WHEREAS, Previously, Harley Ruppert served on the boards of the
Herkimer County Community College Foundation, the Herkimer County Area
Development Corporation and the Boy Scouts; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Harley Ruppert has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Nancy, and their two
children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Harley Ruppert has displayed
throughout his life; 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 Harley Ruppert upon the occasion of receiving the 2010 Busines-
sperson of the Year Award from the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce
on April 29, 2010; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Harley Ruppert.