LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Certo Brothers Distributing Company upon
the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2011 Business of the
Year Award by the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce

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 honor
Certo Brothers Distributing Company upon the occasion of its designation
as recipient of the 2011 Business of the Year Award by the West Seneca
Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious event was celebrated at the 64th Annual West
Seneca Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Dinner held at Kotecki's
Grandview Grove, West Seneca, New York, on Thursday, March 3, 2011; and
WHEREAS, At age the age of nine, Peter Certo arrived in the United
States from San Pier-Niceto, Sicily, in search of the American dream;
subsequently, he opened a small grocery store in the City of Niagara
Falls; when he began taking notice of the popularity of soft drinks,
Certo Bottling Works, a soft drink bottling plant, was born; and
WHEREAS, After the repeal of Prohibition, Peter Certo applied for a
license and became the first beer wholesaler in Niagara Falls in 1933;
and
WHEREAS, During the 1930s, Paul Certo's three sons and three daugh-
ters, Ken, Albert, Hank, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Mary, began to play
major roles in the business, which they would maintain and be a part of
throughout their adult lives; and
WHEREAS, Today, more than 70 years later, a third generation of Certos
is guiding the family business; these individuals include Peter I.,
Peter Joseph, Peter John, Henry, Joseph, Anthony, Mark, and Marie
Certo-Demont, all first cousins who also serve as equal owners/partners
of the business; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Certo Brothers Distributing Company
has pioneered a number of innovations including being the first in the
country to adopt a preorder sales system; today, continual updating and
modernization have been important factors in the company's success; and
WHEREAS, Another key to the success of Certo Brothers Distributing
Company has been the dedication and loyalty of its employees; it has
always been the philosophy of the company to treat its employees as
family; the company was said to be the first in the area to provide
medical coverage and a pension plan for its employees; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding business is heavily involved in the West
Seneca community and beyond, including being the largest company to
contribute to Niagara County Community College; the Albert J. Certo
Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, in honor of the third gener-
ation's uncle, has raised funds for student scholarships; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Certo Brothers contributes to various colleges,
hospitals and churches throughout Western New York; its charitable caus-
es include the Variety Club Telethon, Kids Escaping Drugs, Hunters Hope
Foundation, and American Cancer Society; the company is also involved in
the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, as well as the town's annual Commu-
nity Days celebration and Queen of Heaven Church and School; 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
honor Certo Brothers Distributing Company upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2011 Business of the Year Award by the
West Seneca Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Certo Brothers Distributing Company.