2013-J2504
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of the Sister Maureen Joyce Chari-
ties Award by Catholic Charities
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
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Sister Maureen Joyce Charities Award by Catholic Charities;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at Catholic Charities Night,
to be held on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the New York State Museum in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Capital District, Kenneth M.
Raymond, Jr. has been involved in many entrepreneurial endeavors in the
areas of finance, hospitality and real estate over his successful
career; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. is presently the Broker/Co-Owner of
both the Coldwell Banker/Prime Properties residential and commercial
real estate companies, two of the largest real estate franchise oper-
ations in New York State; the residential company is the fifth largest
Coldwell Banker franchise affiliate internationally; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. founded a registered
mortgage banker operation, Home Funding Finders, Inc.; as President and
Chief Executive Officer, he grew the business to over 125 employees
prior to its sale to SEFCU Mortgage Services, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. also co-founded a commercial mortgage
broker, Paragon Prime Funding, which is now the second largest commer-
cial lender in the New York State Capital Region; and
WHEREAS, In the hospitality business for over 30 years, Kenneth M.
Raymond, Jr. has developed successful partnerships with national hotel
franchisors such as Holiday Inn Express, Hilton, Days Inn and Hotel
Indigo, to develop, own and operate successful hotels throughout New
York State; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. maintains a strong presence in the
New York State Capital District; he is a member of the Executive Commit-
tee of the Board of Trustees at Siena College in Loudonville, New York,
as well as the Trustee responsible for meeting the housing needs for
Catholic Charities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. is a trustee of St.
Gregory's School for Boys in Loudonville, and is a Board Member of
Friends for Adoption; he is also active with Coaches v. Cancer and very
active in many other charitable organizations; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Kenneth M. Raymond,
Jr. has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned
the respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Sister Maureen Joyce Charities Award by Catholic Chari-
ties; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr.