LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the members of the Van Etten Family
upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition by the
2011 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT All in the Family Edition

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the members
of the Van Etten Family upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the 2011 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT All in the
Family Edition for 67 years of ceaseless dedicated service to the commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, In 1940, Richard Van Etten moved to Monticello, New York as
an employee of what is now Texaco; four years later, he decided to
branch out on his own and started the Van Etten Oil Company; and
WHEREAS, The company, which began as a small, one truck operation,
grew in 1954 when Richard Van Etten's son, Bob, joined the business; Bob
Van Etten added the Burner Service Department expanding Van Etten Oil to
a full service operation that provided fuels, system installations, and
service; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, Richard Van Etten's other son, Jan, joined the oper-
ation; Jan Van Etten contributed significantly to the expansion of the
family business in 1980 with the addition of gas and convenient stores,
known as VEO Express Lanes; today, the stores can be found throughout
Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, The next generation of Van Ettens joined the family business
in 1998 when Jan's son, Eli, came on board; Eli Van Etten has helped the
company develop into the solar, geothermal, and propane markets, making
Van Etten Oil an all-purpose heating, cooling, and energy supplier; and
WHEREAS, Van Etten Oil was complete with the addition of Jan Van
Etten's daughter, Grace, who handles the customer service department of
the operation; with her help, Van Etten Oil is able to maintain the same
level of customer service and care that allowed the business to grow
successfully over the past 67 years; and
WHEREAS, Van Etten Oil lives by its motto, "If you call, we'll show
up" by providing around-the-clock service to its many valued customers;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to selling oil and propane, this thriving company
provides employment opportunities to the residents of Sullivan County;
the business hires quality employees who remain for many years and
invests in their workforce through continuing education, certification
and training; and
WHEREAS, Van Etten Oil Company has been called upon to contribute
their time and talents to civic and charitable endeavors and have always
given of themselves unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Not only has Van Etten Oil invested in its workforce, but it
has made a commitment over the past 13 years to support its community by
securing grants for schools in both Sullivan and Orange Counties; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to honor and commend the
members, past and present, of the Van Etten Oil Company who have labored
so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for the
residents and community it serves; noting the significance of its
unremitting efforts to build a commonality of interest and pride of
cooperative achievement, inherent in the values of community and family
life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the members of the Van Etten Family upon the occasion of their
designation for special recognition by the 2011 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
All in the Family Edition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Van Etten Family.