LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring HARBORCENTER upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2014 Sponsor's Award by the Amherst
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
HARBORCENTER upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the
2014 Sponsor's Award by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce; this momentous
occasion will be celebrated at the Chamber's Annual Small Business
Awards Luncheon and Showcase, to be held on Friday, May 16, 2014, at
Samuel's Grande Manor, Williamsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Amherst Chamber of Commerce is one of the 10 largest
chambers in New York State due to its steadfast commitment to providing
services members need to grow their business and prosperity; each May,
the Chamber hosts a luncheon to honor seven outstanding small businesses
in Western New York for their vast contributions to the region; and
WHEREAS, Set to open this fall, HARBORCENTER will be located on the
site of the former Webster Block, across from First Niagara Center in
downtown Buffalo, New York; on August 29, 2012, after an open bidding
process, the Buffalo Sabres were awarded the right to purchase the 1.7
acre property from the city of Buffalo and begin development; and
WHEREAS, HARBORCENTER Development teamed with Mortenson Construction
and officially broke ground in April of 2013; four months later, John
Koelmel was named president of the project and has since unveiled plans
for a full-service Marriott Hotel, the Academy of Hockey, the two-story
(716) Food and Sport restaurant, IMPACT Sports high performance off-ice
training facility, and a one of a kind Tim Hortons Cafe and Bakeshop
that pays tribute to the life and career of the hall of fame defenseman;
and
WHEREAS, HARBORCENTER's two NHL size ice rinks will be home to The
Buffalo Junior Sabres Youth Hockey Organization, Canisius College Hock-
ey, Erie Community College Hockey, 20 newly formed youth hockey tourna-
ments and many other events that will attract visitors from across North
America; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its two year construction period, HARBORCENTER has
been estimated to provide 1,600 construction jobs; once complete, the
facility expects to create 350 employment opportunities and generate a
substantial amount of revenue for New York State and the local economy;
and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to HARBORCENTER; 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 and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor HARBORCENTER upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the 2014 Sponsor's Award by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to HARBORCENTER, Buffalo, New York.