LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Joseph W. Dalton upon the occasion of
his retirement after 40 years of distinguished service as President of
the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family, and who enhance the stature of the 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 commend
Joseph W. Dalton upon the occasion of his retirement after 40 years of
distinguished service as President of the Saratoga County Chamber of
Commerce; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a dinner to be
held in his honor, to be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at the Sara-
toga Springs City Center in Saratoga Springs, New York; and
WHEREAS, Joseph W. Dalton is the President of the Saratoga County
Chamber of Commerce; he will retire from his position on June 1, 2010,
after 40 years of dedicated and distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, When Joseph W. Dalton arrived in Saratoga Springs, New York,
in 1970 to assume the position of Executive Vice President of the Sara-
toga County Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber had a total membership of
330; it now has 2,800 member firms and a staff of 10 full-time employ-
ees; and
WHEREAS, During the tenure of Joseph W. Dalton at the Saratoga County
Chamber of Commerce, it earned accreditation by the United States Cham-
ber of Commerce, and was ranked as one of the most effective Chambers in
the nation in meeting true community and member needs; Dalton served on
the national Chamber Board twice, and as President of the New York State
Association of Chamber Executives; and
WHEREAS, An instructor in management at five nationally recognized
universities, Joseph W. Dalton has been a coordinator of strategic plan-
ning sessions for chambers, governments and not-for-profit organizations
across New York State, as well as in Saratoga County; and
WHEREAS, One of three founders of the Saratoga Economic Development
Corporation, Joseph W. Dalton was also one of two founders of the Sara-
toga Springs Plan of Action which revitalized downtown Saratoga Springs
and transformed it into the urban jewel it is today; for over a decade,
he also served as Chairman of a three-county private industry council
where his leadership was critical in placing thousands of individuals in
training and full-time employment; and
WHEREAS, Earlier in his career, Joseph W. Dalton mounted a successful
effort to save spring and fall thoroughbred training at Saratoga's Okla-
homa track; in recent years he organized the effort to protect the qual-
ity of thoroughbred racing for which Saratoga is justly famous; and
WHEREAS, Presently serving on the Luther Forest Economic Development
Board, Joseph W. Dalton has also been a member of the Board of Directors
of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau since its inception; and
WHEREAS, A leader in numerous fundraising efforts for non-profit
organizations in Saratoga County, including the NYRA Open Houses, Sara-
toga Hospital, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, YMCA, Saratoga Central
Catholic, Saratoga Bridges, United Way, St. Clement's Saratoga Horse
Show and the New York State Military Museum, Joseph W. Dalton also

initiated the Bartenders' Ball which raised significant monies for 12
charities in the county; and
WHEREAS, One of Joseph W. Dalton's most important contributions over
the years has been his mentorship of a significant number of Saratoga's
current community leaders who have learned from his example and wisdom
how to transform businesses, organizations and communities for the
better; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Joseph W. Dalton has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; rare
indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the bene-
fit of others which he has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals 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
commend Joseph W. Dalton upon the occasion of his retirement after 40
years of distinguished service as President of the Saratoga County Cham-
ber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph W. Dalton.