LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Grace Johnson upon the occasion of
receiving a 2011 Women of Distinction Award

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 reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would 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 honor
Grace Johnson upon the occasion of receiving a 2011 Women of Distinction
Award; and
WHEREAS, Grace Johnson has distinguished herself in the food and
beverage industry; as Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Crystal
Manor, she has worked tirelessly to uphold the Manor's reputation as a
long-standing fine dining and catering establishment based in the heart
of Flatbush, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, The success of Crystal Manor is largely due to Grace
Johnson's enterprising, hospitable and authoritative set of business
skills; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Grace Johnson opened Crystal Manor to provide Brook-
lyn and outer borough communities with an upscale venue to hold momen-
tous and celebratory events including weddings, receptions, church func-
tions, political conferences, proms, and birthday parties; within the
past 14 years, she and her staff have hosted more than 2000 well-re-
ceived affairs; and
WHEREAS, Grace Johnson's work does not end at hospitality; in addition
to the creation of Crystal Manor, she launched and managed the nursing
agency, Johnson Home Care Services, Inc. which has employed more than
600 people; in addition, she is a real estate broker with more than 15
years of experience; her portfolio of assets includes various real
estate holdings throughout the Flatbush area of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, As a steadfast, attentive and dedicated entrepreneur, Grace
Johnson has been vital to the changing face of business in Brooklyn;
although her hectic schedule keeps her largely involved with her busi-
ness ventures, she still finds time to give back to her community; and
WHEREAS, Grace Johnson has served on several boards, most notably, as
Chairperson for the Flatbush YMCA; as a result, she has received a
plethora of community, business, entrepreneurial, influential and
cultural awards and has been honored by various community groups as an
outstanding business leader; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Grace Johnson's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Grace Johnson upon the occasion of receiving a 2011 Women of
Distinction Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Grace Johnson.